Abstract
PurposeIt has been noted in international literature that acute surgical admissions and number of operations reduced as a result of coronavirus disease2019 (COVID-19). This study assesses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the number of acute surgical admissions, operations, and length of stay (LoS) at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital (SCUH), Queensland, Australia.MethodologyA retrospective study was conducted on patients admitted to the Acute Surgical Unit (ASU) during March and April for the years 2018, 2019, and 2020. Admission data for ASU patients in 2018 and 2019 were combined (pre-COVID) and compared with 2020 (COVID) to determine impact of the pandemic on presentations and procedures.ResultsASU admissions reduced in 2020 (461 patients) compared with pre-COVID years (mean: 545 patients per year). There was an increase in the number (%) of operations performed in 2020, 175 patients (38%) compared with pre-COVID years, mean 158 patients (29%), p = 0.001. There was a significant decrease in the number (%) of functional presentations in 2020, 29 patients (6.3%) compared with pre-COVID years, mean 105 patients (9.6%), p = 0.04. LoS was not significantly different (52 hours vs. 54 hours, p = 0.11).ConclusionCOVID-19 has reduced the absolute number of acute surgical admissions at SCUH. This effectively reduced triage workload. Contrary to the literature, this study did not demonstrate a reduction in the number of operations or change in LoS. These data could be used by health administrators to help with resource allocation during future pandemics.
Highlights
IntroductionIn early March 2020, Australia reported its first death from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
There was a significant decrease in the number (%) of functional presentations in 2020, 29 patients (6.3%) compared with pre-COVID years, mean 105 patients (9.6%), p = 0.04
In early March 2020, Australia reported its first death from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Summary
In early March 2020, Australia reported its first death from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Throughout the month of March, many more Australians tested positive for COVID-19. Educational institutions began to close, and airlines began suspending flights. By mid-March, Australia banned all international arrivals by non-citizens and residents. By the end of March, the Australian Prime Minister introduced lockdown and the closure of all non-essential services, and the Queensland Premier introduced tight social distancing restrictions. These lockdown laws had a profound effect on people’s movement and behaviors [1]. In 2021, these restrictions have continued, and lockdown rules are ever-changing
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
