Utilising the impact of COVID-19 on trauma throughput to adapt elective care models for more efficient trauma care

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has necessitated adaptations in local trauma services, with implementation of novel methods of practice, strategic adaptations, and shifting of resource management. Many of these may serve the driver for landmark changes to future healthcare provision.

To analyse the impact of COVID-19 on service provision by comparing throughput and productivity metrics with preceding years to identify differences in practice that were successful, cost-effective, and sustainable.

We quantified orthopaedic trauma care provision at a single University Teaching Hospital over a three consecutive year period, from 1^st January 2018 to 31^st December 2020. Each year was split into four phases based on the 2020 national COVID-19 pandemic periods. We quantitatively analysed change in rates of inpatient trauma operative case load, sub-specialty variation, theatre throughput, and changes in management strategy. Qualitative analysis was based on multidisciplinary team interviews to highlight changes to care pathways.

Of 1704 cases were admitted in 2020, 11.9% and 12.4% fewer than 2019 and 2018, respectively. During phase 1, hip fractures encompassed the majority (48.8%) of trauma throughput, with all other subspecialties seeing a reduction. Mean length of stay was shorter during phase 1 (5.7 d); however, the time in theatre was longer (144.3 min). Both, Charlson (0.90) and Elixhauser (1.55) Comorbidity Indices indicated the most co-morbid admissions during 2020 phase 1.

COVID-19 has resulted in a paradigm shift in how care is accessed and delivered, with many evolving changes and adaptations likely to leave an impression upon healthcare provision in the future.