Introduction
the purpose of this study was to assess the orthopaedic surgeons' perceptions and attitudes on COVID-19 related changes in their practice.
Methods
an online survey was shared with orthopaedic surgeons practicing in different countries.
Results
this study showed that orthopaedic surgery plan management was adapted to respond more effectively to the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining the continuity of health care and ensuring protection of medical staff and patients. Among the introduced measures, elective surgery was postponed to free-up beds for suspected or COVID-19 positive patients requiring hospitalization. Additionally, the number of outpatient visits was considerably decreased and non-urgent visits were postponed to reduce the flow of patients in and out of hospitals and therefore minimize the risk of contamination. Interestingly, data revealed the willingness of orthopaedic surgeons to take care of COVID-19 positive patients and support their colleagues in intensive care units, if needed.
Conclusion
orthopaedic surgery departments have adapted their programs to face the unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Quick measures were taken to reduce the risk of contamination in patients, medical staff and to allow hospitals to free up beds for treatment of patients with positive or suspected COVID-19.
Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the clinical practice in orthopedic units.Methods An online survey was sent by e-mail to orthopedic surgeons practicing in different parts of the world.Results This study showed that orthopedic surgery plan management was adapted to respond more effectively to the COVOD-19 pandemic while maintaining the continuity of health care and ensuring protection of medical staff and patients. Among the introduced measures, elective surgery was postponed to free-up beds for suspected or COVID-19 positive patients requiring hospitalization.Additionally, the number of outpatient visits was considerably decreased and non-urgent visits were postponed to reduce the flow of patients in and out of hospitals and therefore minimize the risk of contamination.Interestingly, data revealed the willingness of orthopedic surgeons to take care of COVID-19 positive patients and support their colleagues in intensive care units, if needed.Conclusions Though, orthopedic surgeons are not in the frontline, they have an important role to play to face the increasing pressure due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Based on these findings, publication of international orthopedic practice guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic would be of great benefit to health practitioners in general and orthopedic surgeons in particular.
Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the clinical practice in orthopedic units.Methods An online survey was sent by e-mail to orthopedic surgeons practicing in different parts of the world.Results This study showed that orthopedic surgery plan management was adapted to respond more effectively to the COVOD-19 pandemic while maintaining the continuity of health care and ensuring protection of medical staff and patients. Among the introduced measures, elective surgery was postponed to free-up beds for suspected or COVID-19 positive patients requiring hospitalization. Additionally, the number of outpatient visits was considerably decreased and non-urgent visits were postponed to reduce the flow of patients in and out of hospitals and therefore minimize the risk of contamination. Interestingly, data revealed the willingness of orthopedic surgeons to take care of COVID-19 positive patients and support their colleagues in intensive care units, if needed.Conclusions Though, orthopedic surgeons are not in the frontline, they have an important role to play to face the increasing pressure due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Based on these findings, publication of international orthopedic practice guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic would be of great benefit to health practitioners in general and orthopedic surgeons in particular.
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