Operational strategies of a trauma hub in early coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.
Int Orthop
; 44(8): 1511-1518, 2020 08.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-996367
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE:
The "Spedali Civili", one of the largest hospitals in the Italian region most affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection, is managing a large number of traumatic injuries. The objective of this article is to share our operational protocols to deliver an appropriate hospital trauma care in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.METHODS:
We changed our work shifts, in consideration of the high number of patients; colleagues from smaller hospitals in the area joined us to increase the number of surgeons available. Thanks to the collaboration between orthopaedists, anaesthesiologists, and nurses, we created a flow chart and separate routes (in the emergency room, in the wards, and in the operating rooms) to optimize patient management. Our protocols allow us to always provide healthcare professionals with the correct personal protective equipment for the task they are performing.RESULTS:
Our strategies proved to be practical and feasible. Having a well thought plan helped us to provide for the most robust response possible. We have not yet been able to study the effectiveness of our protocols, and our recommendations may not be applicable to all healthcare facilities. Nonetheless, sharing our early experience can help other institutions conducting and adapting such plans more quickly.CONCLUSIONS:
Having a clear strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic kept our systems resilient and effective and allowed us to provide high-quality trauma care. We offer this approach for other institutions to adopt and adapt to their local setting.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Pneumonia, Viral
/
Coronavirus Infections
/
Orthopedic Procedures
/
Pandemics
/
Betacoronavirus
Limits:
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
Europa
Language:
English
Journal:
Int Orthop
Year:
2020
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
S00264-020-04635-5
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