Max Prokopenko1, Harman Khatkar2,3. 1. Plastic Surgery, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, GBR. 2. Orthopaedics, Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, GBR. 3. Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, GBR.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This article seeks to evaluate and outline the changes made to the trauma and orthopaedic department in a district general hospital in the United Kingdom during the COVID-19 pandemic. We detail the approach in relation to surgical management, workforce optimisation and our general reflections as a department. METHODS: We interviewed, collated and have subsequently described the adaptations implemented by our department. We have collected their shared strategy and reflections on how the COVID-19 pandemic affected our department. RESULTS: Alterations were implemented to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. A strategy focused on ensuring the workforce remained healthy, and patient care pathways were altered as minimally as possible. CONCLUSIONS: As a unit, a sense of heightened vigilance needs to remain for the foreseeable future. Decisive action by departmental leadership, alongside a cohesive and open, has allowed for our trauma service to continue largely unchanged. This analysis serves as an important aide-memoire for future periods of extreme uncertainty.
OBJECTIVE: This article seeks to evaluate and outline the changes made to the trauma and orthopaedic department in a district general hospital in the United Kingdom during the COVID-19 pandemic. We detail the approach in relation to surgical management, workforce optimisation and our general reflections as a department. METHODS: We interviewed, collated and have subsequently described the adaptations implemented by our department. We have collected their shared strategy and reflections on how the COVID-19 pandemic affected our department. RESULTS: Alterations were implemented to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. A strategy focused on ensuring the workforce remained healthy, and patient care pathways were altered as minimally as possible. CONCLUSIONS: As a unit, a sense of heightened vigilance needs to remain for the foreseeable future. Decisive action by departmental leadership, alongside a cohesive and open, has allowed for our trauma service to continue largely unchanged. This analysis serves as an important aide-memoire for future periods of extreme uncertainty.
Keywords:
acute care surgery and trauma; covid 19; covid-19 outbreak; covid-19 pandemic; general trauma surgery; orthopaedic disease; orthopaedics trauma; return to elective service
Authors: John Q Young; Sumant R Ranji; Robert M Wachter; Connie M Lee; Brian Niehaus; Andrew D Auerbach Journal: Ann Intern Med Date: 2011-07-11 Impact factor: 25.391