Trauma care and COVID-19 pandemic

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Public Health
• Trauma Surgery

Background:

• The Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic significantly impacted global healthcare systems.
• Non-urgent hospital services were postponed, while trauma and emergency services adapted protocols.
• Healthcare systems worldwide faced unprecedented challenges in resource allocation and infrastructure reorganization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the triage and management strategies for trauma victims during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To outline indications for emergency surgery in the context of pandemic-related resource constraints.
• To explore the psychological impact of the pandemic on trauma care and future challenges.

Main Methods:

• Review of adapted trauma care protocols during the pandemic.
• Analysis of strategies including non-operative management, telemedicine, and personnel restrictions.
• Discussion of clinical urgency, patient safety, and healthcare worker safety as core principles.

Main Results:

• Trauma care during the pandemic emphasized clinical urgency, patient, and healthcare worker safety.
• Modified protocols included prioritizing non-operative management and utilizing remote consultations.
• Resource conservation was a key consideration in decision-making for trauma patient management.

Conclusions:

• Adapting trauma care during the COVID-19 pandemic required a balance of clinical needs and resource management.
• Telemedicine and non-operative approaches became crucial tools in managing trauma patients.
• Future challenges in post-COVID-19 trauma care necessitate preparedness and sustained adaptation.