Preparing an obstetric unit in the heart of the epidemic strike of COVID-19: quick reorganization tips

J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2022 Apr;35(7):1412-1418. doi: 10.1080/14767058.2020.1749258. Epub 2020 Apr 12.

Abstract

COVID-19 is placing considerable strain on healthcare systems. Disaster and military medicine specialists were involved in the outbreak in Italy, after many units were overwhelmed. Health providers were caught off guard and personnel was unprepared to face this unprecedented threat. Local decisions accelerated the rate of the spread. Many countries declared a state of emergency and lockdown to contain the exponential transmission of the disease. The purpose of this review is to suggest quick key points of strategies to implement in obstetric units without delay to respond to the oncoming wave, based on experience and feedback from the field. It is essential in an emergency situation to understand what is at stake and prepare maternity wards in the best possible way.

Keywords: COVID + zone; SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19; childbirth; coronavirus obstetrics; delivery and COVID; tips in COVID.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • Communicable Disease Control
  • Delivery of Health Care
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Italy / epidemiology
  • Pregnancy
  • SARS-CoV-2