Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health activities of a hospital

ABSTRACT

Introduction: In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic exploded in our country. Many hospitals have been dedicated to the care of Covid+patients with the consequent closure of ordinary wards. The F. Miulli hospital allocated approximately 200 places out of a total of 600 to Covid patients in 2020. 529 were the subjects hospitalized in the Covid area in 2020. Purpose of the study Evaluate the impact of pandemic on access to the emergency room, hospital admissions and surgical interventions. Materials and Methods: The number of healthcare services (hospitalization from the emergency room and outpatient services) of the F. Miulli Hospital (Acquaviva delle Fonti, BA) in the years 2020/2021 were compared, through a retrospective analysis. Results: In 2020 21,207 subjects were hospitalized against 22,887 in 2021 (-1,680). Outpatient day service activity decreased by 7,817 (-40%) visits in 2020, while NHS outpatient activity decreased by 244,466 visits, equal to 24% of the total. Elective surgeries fell by 15%. Conclusions: The impact of the pandemic has led to a significant reduction in welfare benefits for the entire population. Also, in our area, the reduction in outpatient visits and surgical interventions has led to a significant increase in waiting lists. In addition, the screening programs for oncological diseases (6% reduction in 2020) requires a new schedule for the recovery of visits and for the management of planned assistance to the population.