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Subject :Re: Why did SAMBA publish a statement on return to elective surgery? Answer included in text:
ANSWER:
The federal government has issued a plan to “open up America again.” We thought that we should start the preparation process to be ready to take care of patients as soon as the local health authorities authorize resumption of care after the criteria set forth are met. As leaders we must keep our patients and staff safe, take measures to prevent cross-contamination.
Based on the American College of Surgeons COVID 19: elective case triage guidelines for surgical care,2 as well as the Gastroenterology Professional Society Guidance on endoscopic procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic,3 many patients have had procedures delayed, procedures that are non-urgent, or urgent, but that may cause detriment to their health. Thus they cannot wait any longer. As health care workers, we have the duty to attend to our patients, who may be developing a cancer, or their ailment is progressively worsening. Thus we need to be ready as soon as the ban is lifted off.
References:
1. Reopen America: https://www.cms.gov/files/document/covid-flexibility-reopen-essential-non-covid-services.pdf
2. COVID 19: Elective Case Triage Guidelines for Surgical Care. American College of Surgeons. March 24, 2020. https://www.facs.org/covid-19/clinical-guidance/elective-case (last visited 4/28/2020)
3. Gastroenterology Professional Society Guidance on endoscopic procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic. AASLD; ACG; AGA; ASGE. https://www.asge.org/home/advanced-education-training/covid-19-asge-updates-for-members/gastroenterology-professional-society-guidance-on-endoscopic-procedures-during-the-covid-19-pandemic (last visited 4/28/2020) |
