Safety compliance will be essential for hospitals to avoid further inpatient spine surgery cancellations, according to neurosurgeon Jeffrey Gross, MD.
Several factors at hospitals may lead to a surgical schedule change, including positive COVID-19 tests, absence of testing, supply limitations, and funding and staffing issues.
With new hospital policies forged as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, patients must be properly advised on self-quarantine restrictions and coronavirus testing protocols.
It is recommended that COVID-19 testing be performed at the preoperative lab at the hospital where the surgery will take place.
Dr. Gross, chairperson volunteer medical liaison for Newport Beach (Calif.) Covid Safe Commerce Task Force, also highlighted the importance of patient transparency about the possibility of surgery cancellations or postponements.