Among three authors recently featured by the New England Journal of Medicine, Dr. Tanira B.D. Ferreira, chief medical officer of University of Miami Hospital and Clinics, shared UHealth’s plan for managing elective surgeries when COVID-19 cases abound. Dr. Ferreira addressed her approach to a mock scenario described in the article in which a hospital’s census was higher than 90 percent, with almost all intensive care unit beds occupied, and more than half the patients infected with COVID-19. Her plan involves proceeding with scheduled elective surgical procedures but deferring new cases when needed, if bed availability was limited.
“The scenario in the article was very similar to what we experienced here in Miami in June and July,” said Dr. Ferreira, who is also an associate professor of clinical medicine at the Miller School of Medicine. “It gave us the opportunity to share the extraordinary work at UHealth Tower, when we were able throughout the second spike of this pandemic to run full, almost normal, hospital operations and at the same time manage the COVID-19 surge.”
Overall, the University of Miami Health System’s comprehensive approach to managing elective procedures during pandemic surges addresses patients’ needs and safety, as well as the financial stability of the hospital.
Read the full story at https://physician-news.umiamihealth.org/nejm-features-uhealths-expertise-in-handling-elective-surgeries-during-pandemic-surges.
Access the medical care you need at a UHealth facility or via telehealth by scheduling an appointment. Find additional information about scheduling or call 305-243-4000. Learn more about what to expect during your next UHealth appointment.
