Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026
Use of a Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device/Left Atrium to Femoral Artery Bypass System for Cardiogenic Shock
Published on: August 16, 2021
A survey of resource allocation among canadian cardiac surgery programs during the COVID-19 pandemic
Ryaan El-Andari1, Jayan Nagendran1
1Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Insights
The COVID-19 pandemic led to reduced surgical volumes and adverse patient outcomes in Canadian cardiac surgery programs. Resource reallocation for the pandemic impacted non-COVID-19 patient care, with ongoing surgical backlogs.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Health Services Research
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic significantly strained global healthcare resources, impacting patient care and professionals.
- Extensive resources were redirected to combat the pandemic, affecting non-COVID-19 medical services.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize resource allocation within Canadian cardiac surgery programs during the pandemic.
- To assess the impact of these resource limitations on patient care and outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A 24-question survey was distributed to Canadian cardiac surgeons.
- The survey gathered data on practice impact, patient treatment, and outcomes due to resource limitations.
Main Results:
- 26 cardiac surgeons responded, with most reporting >25% reductions in elective case volumes.
- 92% noted adverse outcomes from surgery delays, and 88.5% felt restrictions negatively impacted non-COVID-19 patients.
Conclusions:
- Canadian cardiac surgery programs faced reduced volumes, inadequate resources, and adverse patient outcomes.
- Lessons learned emphasize the need for strategic resource allocation by policymakers to minimize morbidity during crises.
Background:
The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) pandemic significantly impacted the lives of patients and healthcare professionals globally. With rapid spread and severe illness, a great deal of healthcare resources including personal, funding, and hospital beds were dedicated to fight the pandemic.
Objectives:
This survey looks to characterize how resources were allocated among Canadian cardiac surgery programs, and how this impacted patient care and outcomes.
Methods:
Canadian cardiac surgeons were identified and asked via email to complete a 24-question survey regarding the impact of resource limitations during the COVID-19 pandemic on their practice, the treatment of their patients, and their outcomes.
Results:
Twenty-six Canadian cardiac surgeons responded to the survey. The majority of respondents experienced >25 % reductions in elective case volumes(69.1 %) and noted adverse outcomes due surgery delay(92 %). Respondents felt that resource reallocation was required to provide optimal care to COVID-19 patients but also felt that the restrictions negatively impacted the outcomes of their non-COVID-19 patients(88.5 %).
Conclusions:
Canadian cardiac surgery programs experienced reduced case volumes, inadequate resources to care for patients, and adverse patient outcomes as a result of limited resources. While the reallocation of personal and hospital space towards the pandemic response was certainly required and pandemic-related restrictions have largely passed, the backlog of surgical cases persists and several lessons can be learned that may help to navigate future times of limited resources. During times of limited resources, an emphasis on allocating resources by policymakers aimed at an overall reduction in morbidity may help to minimize persistent impacts of these events.
More Related Videos
07:49Large-Animal Model of Donation after Circulatory Death and Normothermic Regional Perfusion for Cardiac Assessment
Published on: May 10, 2022
08:49Author Spotlight: Enhancing Graft Viability Assessment Through Quantitative Metrics and Innovative Reservoir Systems
Published on: August 2, 2024
Related Concept Videos
01:28Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care
01:29Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
01:28Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management