COVID-19: Role of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities in This Global Pandemic

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Public Health Policy
• Surgical Services

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a national emergency, causing a halt in elective procedures and surgeries.
• Ambulatory surgery facilities (ASFs), typically performing elective procedures, face potential closure.
• Essential surgeries and diagnostic procedures remain critical during the health crisis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential role and contribution of ambulatory surgery facilities (ASFs) during the COVID-19 health crisis.
• To assess how ASFs can support acute care hospitals facing increased demands.
• To provide timely insights into adapting surgical services during a pandemic.

Main Methods:

• The article presents a discussion and exploration of ASFs' potential contributions.
• It analyzes the operational implications of shifting focus from elective to essential procedures.
• Information is based on the evolving understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Main Results:

• ASFs possess the capacity to be repurposed for urgent and emergent procedures.
• This repurposing can alleviate the burden on acute care hospitals.
• ASFs can serve as essential surgical and diagnostic hubs during the pandemic.

Conclusions:

• Ambulatory surgery facilities (ASFs) can play a vital role in maintaining healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Repurposing ASFs for essential procedures is a viable strategy to support acute care hospitals.
• Adapting ASF operations is crucial for managing the current healthcare crisis.