Management of Hand Surgery Services during the Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic

Abstract

Introduction The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is an international public health emergency. Health systems must plan for the increasing requirements for critical care during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this article is to offer strategies for hand surgeons to planning and implementing their response during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the subsequent phases to preserve health care system functioning.

Materials and Methods Assessment of the principles of management related to COVID-19 management to develop pandemic preparedness and response protocols pertinent to patients, health care workers, and health systems.

Results Strategies for the reorganizing hand surgery practice and a set of recommendations that should facilitate the process of rescheduling both out-patient service and surgical activities during the COVID-19 and its subsequent phases are suggested.

Conclusion During the COVID-19 pandemic, management of patients requiring specialist care for hand conditions should be adapted to limit the risks associated with the virus without jeopardizing outcomes. These expedient recommendations during extraordinary circumstances are a foundation for further discussion on the topic as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves.

Keywords

practice guideline - health planning guidelines - surgical procedures - hospital outpatient clinics - coronavirus - severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 - COVID-19 - pandemics - hand - hand injuries

Publication History

Article published online:
26 July 2020

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