Healthcare groups can safely restart elective procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic by evaluating community preparedness and prioritizing certain cases, according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists.
As for patients, the ASA shared a checklist to be used when determining whether to reschedule procedures. According to the industry group, it's safe to resume elective surgery when:
1. Cases in the area have decreased daily for the past two weeks.
2. Preoperative testing and screening is available to all patients.
3. The procedure will be performed in an area separate from where COVID-19 patients are being treated.
4. The facility has implemented COVID-19-related policies that address every stage of surgical care.
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