An especial transition phase of hospitals: the adaptation of hospital operations to the development of COVID-19 and policy adjustments

Abstract

The ongoing pandemic coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) remains a significant issue for global health, economics, and society. In order to balance epidemic control and economic recovery, many countries have successively announced the gradual relaxation of some lockdown restrictions. Hospitals and medical staff constitute the backbone in this war against COVID-19. In response to this serious situation, many hospitals went into emergency and impaired healthcare access to patients with conditions other than COVID-19. Therefore, gradually promoting hospital operations and functions back to the new normal is important, especially when this outbreak has been effectively controlled. In this study, we introduce existing and potential problems that could seriously affect people’s health. Additionally, we propose that an especial transition phase between the emergency and regular modes of hospitals can be well adapted to the current situation.

Impact of the COVID-19 Controlled Drugs and Substances Act exemption on pharmacist prescribing of opioids, benzodiazepines and stimulants in Ontario: A cross-sectional time-series analysis

“…16,17 A large emerging body of literature on COVID-19 describes the negative impact of the pandemic on hospital operations, medical education, health screening and patient access to health care. [18][19][20][21][22] Importantly, the role of community pharmacists has shifted. Specifically, a qualitative study explored the role of Canadian pharmacists in providing care to patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) during the COVID-19 pandemic and found 3 major themes: optimization of opioid-related patient care, jurisdictional impact and awareness and education.…”

Healthcare adjustments and concerns: a qualitative study exploring the perspectives of healthcare providers and administrative staff during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia

“…A study conducted in China concluded that in the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, the lack of efficient protective measures led to the emotional stress and psychological disturbance of the majority of the hospital staff; fortunately, the lessons they learned from such experiences helped them respond to the outbreak in later phases ( 6 ). Another study identified a need to adapt new modes of operation and to implement suitable modifications to patient care policies to deal with the challenges of this pandemic ( 7 ). Similar findings have been reported in a contemporary study, which concluded that (1) a multi-level and multidisciplinary approach by healthcare professionals and hospital administrators is needed toward the common goal of patient care, and (2) the protocols need revision on a regular basis to assure the best possible patient care ( 8 ).…”

A proactive learning approach toward building adaptive capacity during COVID-19: A radiology case study

“…Hospitals’ management and operations have been disrupted and tested in this context. Some challenges include elevated patient volumes or increased risk profiles, risk of infection to caregivers and other patients, shortage of resources such as personal protective equipment (PPE), and lack of knowledge or coordination of resource availability ( Auerbach et al, 2020 ; Becker et al, 2021 ; Grigonis et al, 2021 ; Liu et al, 2020 ; Woolley et al, 2020 ). Auerbach et al (2020) report a potential risk of missed diagnoses of non-COVID-19 conditions in patients suspected with COVID-19 and missed COVID-19 diagnosis in patients admitted for non-respiratory reasons.…”