Peterson, MD, FASA, president of the American Society of
Anesthesiologists. "I think we're getting to that point where we
deferred surgery for a month or two in some areas, and now it's
time to open the ORs back up if that community is on the tail end of
seeing new COVID-19 patients. We've had patients with cancer, sig-
nificant gallbladder issues, angina, waiting for surgeries. We need to
prioritize their care and get those patients into ORs."
Back up to speed
Surgical facilities face a significant challenge in managing a backlog of
postponed cases and getting back into a somewhat normal case
rhythm. "Returning to a 'normal' surgery schedule will take time and
patience," says Linda Groah, MSN, RN, CNOR, NEA-BC, FAAN,
CEO/executive director of the Association of periOperative Registered
Nurses. "There are going to be serious scheduling challenges in the
months to come as ASCs begin to accommodate the backlog of the
canceled surgeries while integrating the surgical needs of the patients.
"Policies that guide decision-making around how the patients are
scheduled should be a priority, and everyone on the team needs to
understand and adhere to the new policies."
A fly in the ointment, however, is whether patients will feel comfort-
able having surgeries as the virus lingers. "We can expect the sur-
geons' relationships with their patients will influence the scheduling
because patients could very well be worried about their risk of expo-
sure to COVID-19," explains Ms. Groah. "They may decide their sur-
gery isn't necessary after all, or decide to postpone it to a later date.
Surgeons and facilities that can reassure patients of their safety will
be the most successful in their return to a full caseload.
"We need to remember this pandemic has created legitimate fear in
patients as well as caregivers," adds Ms. Groah. "If there is insufficient
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