Changes in healthcare managing COVID and non-COVID-19 patients during the pandemic: striking the balance

Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis. 2020 Dec;98(4):115147. doi: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2020.115147. Epub 2020 Aug 13.

Abstract

Following the emergence of the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic, healthcare organizations began concentrating on the preparation for and management of the surge of COVID-19 cases while trying to protect the healthcare workers and other patients from getting COVID-19. Changing the way people work requires innovative approaches and questioning some long-held medical practices. There are multiple factors contributing to the apparent reduced utilization of healthcare services to non-COVID-19 patients. The current world crisis is highlighting the need of re-engineering the way we deliver inpatient and outpatient health care, including bolstering social support, in order to be prepared when the next calamity will present itself.

Publication types

  • Editorial

MeSH terms

  • Ambulatory Care / methods
  • Betacoronavirus
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections / prevention & control*
  • Coronavirus Infections / therapy
  • Coronavirus Infections / transmission*
  • Critical Care / methods
  • Delivery of Health Care / methods*
  • Humans
  • Intensive Care Units
  • Pandemics / prevention & control*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / prevention & control*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / therapy
  • Pneumonia, Viral / transmission*
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Social Support
  • Surge Capacity*