Elective shoulder surgery during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in Germany: the patients' perspective.
JSES Int
; 5(3): 342-345, 2021 May.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1248994
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has impeded the treatment of elective shoulder patients all over the world. Owing to the constraints in personnel and operation theater capacities, many patients who should undergo planned surgeries could not receive medical care. In our study, we examined the status quo of elective shoulder arthroscopy during the pandemic in Germany.METHODS:
Using a nonprofit database, 40 shoulder units that performed the most arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs in Germany in 2018 were identified. Following a standardized protocol, the web pages of these units were screened, and their strategy for elective procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic was analyzed. Special emphasis was put on the use of new digital technologies.RESULTS:
At the time of the study, no unit had stopped scheduling appointments for elective shoulder patients because of the pandemic. Almost all units (97.5%) offered explicit information about COVID-19 and their strategies toward it. The possibilities of visiting patients in shoulder units varied owing to local restrictions. Two units (5%) offered digital consultations.CONCLUSION:
At the time of the study, elective shoulder procedures could be planned and carried out at the largest centers in Germany. Local restrictions had a great influence on the organization of the procedure and hospital stay during the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital consultations were not available in every unit.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Language:
English
Journal:
JSES Int
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
J.jseint.2020.12.021
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