Caring for orthopaedic patients affected by elective surgery suspensions

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic surgery
• Healthcare policy

Background:

• Elective orthopaedic surgeries are frequently postponed during healthcare crises.
• Thousands of patients are currently on waiting lists for orthopaedic procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the impact of temporarily suspending elective orthopaedic surgery.
• To identify the patient populations most affected by these surgical suspensions.

Main Methods:

• Review of surgical scheduling data.
• Analysis of patient waiting lists for orthopaedic procedures.
• Assessment of the duration and scope of surgical suspensions.

Main Results:

• Significant increase in waiting times for patients requiring orthopaedic surgery.
• Potential for worsening of patient conditions due to delayed treatment.
• Disruption to surgical training and research.

Conclusions:

• Temporary suspension of elective orthopaedic surgery has profound implications for patient care.
• Strategies are needed to mitigate the impact on waiting lists and patient outcomes.
• Healthcare systems must plan for the resumption of services to address the backlog.