Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Cardiac Surgical Procedures , Heart Defects, Congenital/surgery , SARS-CoV-2 , Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use , COVID-19/therapy , COVID-19/transmission , COVID-19 Vaccines , Child , Humans , Mutation , Pandemics , SARS-CoV-2/genetics , SARS-CoV-2/immunology , Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome , TravelABSTRACT
As recovery of congenital heart surgery programs begins during this COVID-19 pandemic, we review key considerations such as screening, protection of patients and health care workers (HCWs), case prioritization, barriers to reactivation, redesign of patient care teams, contribution of telemedicine, modification of trainees' experiences, preparation for potential resurgence, and strategies to maintain HCW wellness. COVID-19 has tested the resolve and grit of our specialty and we have an opportunity to emerge more refined.
Subject(s)
Betacoronavirus , Coronavirus Infections/complications , Heart Defects, Congenital/surgery , Pneumonia, Viral/complications , Recovery of Function , COVID-19 , Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology , Heart Defects, Congenital/complications , Humans , Pandemics , Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology , SARS-CoV-2Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Cardiac Surgical Procedures , Heart Defects, Congenital , Child , Heart , Heart Defects, Congenital/surgery , Humans , SARS-CoV-2ABSTRACT
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic currently gripping the globe is impacting the entire health care system with rapidly escalating morbidities and mortality. Although the infectious risk to the pediatric population appears low, the effects on children with congenital heart disease (CHD) remain poorly understood. The closure of congenital heart surgery programs worldwide to address the growing number of infected individuals could have an unintended impact on future health for COVID-19-negative patients with CHD. Pediatric and congenital heart surgeons, given their small numbers and close relationships, are uniquely positioned to collectively assess the impact of the pandemic on surgical practice and care of children with CHD. We present the results of an international survey sent to pediatric and congenital heart surgeons characterizing the early impact of COVID-19 on the care of patients with CHD.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Cardiac Surgical Procedures/statistics & numerical data , Elective Surgical Procedures/statistics & numerical data , Heart Defects, Congenital/surgery , Hospital Administration , Pandemics , Child , Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation/statistics & numerical data , Global Health , Health Care Surveys , Humans , Organizational Policy , Patient Care Management/statistics & numerical data , SARS-CoV-2ABSTRACT
The world as we once knew it has been drastically altered secondary to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The impact of these changes, particularly for those practicing in the medical profession, extends beyond the physical to the psychological, emotional, and spiritual. We discuss the factors that contribute to these stresses, way to manage them, and how we as leaders of our teams can inspire resilience and help our colleagues endure these most difficult times.