Change in orthopedics and traumatology admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic at a university hospital in Turkey

Abstract

Objective: The rapidly increasing cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Turkey required the reorganization of the health system. The first response to the pandemic in our university hospital was to stop elective surgery on March 30, 2020, minimize outpatient consultations and reduce the number of patients in the wards. To determine the change in the number of patients admitted to our hospital, we examined the data during the pandemic process and compared them with the data of the previous year. Methods: The number of patients admitted to Pamukkale University Orthopedics and Traumatology Outpatient Clinic and Emergency Service for orthopedic and trauma injuries between March 1, 2020 and October 31, 2020 was documented and compared with the data of the same period in 2019. Results: During the pandemic period, the number of emergency and outpatient orthopedics and traumatology admissions decreased significantly by 15% and 42.93% respectively (p<0.001). The highest decrease in outpatient admissions was in April 2020 with 79.29%, and the highest decrease in emergency admissions was in March 2020 with 31.35%. Conclusion: In conclusion, due to fear of getting infected, curfews, and decreased human mobility, there was a dramatic decrease in the number of hospital admissions between March 1, 2020, and October 31, 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted healthcare in many ways, putting some healthcare systems under great pressure and pushing others beyond their capacity. New strategies can be determined to ensure the continuity of health services and to maximize resources.