Intravitreal Injections during the COVID-19 Outbreak in Northern Italy: An Innovative Approach for a High Quality and...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Devices
• Infection Control

Background:

• Intravitreal injection (IVI) is a common ophthalmic procedure with varying country-specific guidelines regarding its setting.
• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated adaptations in healthcare delivery, impacting non-urgent procedures like IVIs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the outcomes of IVIs performed in an ophthalmologist's office using a mobile laminar flow unit versus a traditional operating room setting.
• To assess the safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of office-based IVIs with enhanced infection control measures.

Main Methods:

• An observational study was conducted comparing IVIs performed in an office setting with a mobile laminar flow unit (Operio mobile) against those in an operating room.
• Patient outcomes, waiting times, procedure technicalities, and costs were analyzed.

Main Results:

• The Operio mobile facilitated 3838 safe IVIs during the COVID-19 period.
• Office-based IVIs using the mobile unit significantly reduced patient waiting times for initial visits.
• A 26% reduction in cost per IVI was observed in the office setting, with no compromise in technical procedure quality.

Conclusions:

• The Operio mobile enables flexible, safe, and cost-effective IVIs in an office setting.
• This approach reduces healthcare personnel time, shortens patient waiting lists, and increases surgical capacity.
• Office-based IVIs with mobile laminar flow units offer a viable alternative to operating room procedures, improving overall healthcare efficiency.