Management of Anesthetic Procedures in COVID-19 Pandemic Context: Clinical and Organizational Aspects

Abstract

This new context of the COVID-19 pandemic forced a reorganization of human and material resources allocated to the provision of health care, in order to respond to the assessment and treatment of COVID-19 patients but also to a readjust in the clinical approach of patients across the NHS in a transversal way. In order to ensure proper assistance both COVID-19 patients and to all others. Considering the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection associated with invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, namely those that can generate aerosols, it is important to reconfigure the approach of patients. Despite the strong pressure on hospitals, services and teams, the fundamental principle of these recommendations is the use of recognized practices and treatments, based on the available evidences. This document was prepared under the scientific seal of the main institutions and societies representing Portuguese Anesthesiology (Sociedade Portuguesa de Anestesiologia, Clube de Anestesia Regional / European Society of Regional Anesthesia & Pain Therapy - Portugal and Anesthesiology College of Ordem dos Médicos) , in order to define the clinical and organizational aspects of the anesthetic approach in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. These recommendations were produced after careful consideration of scientific knowledge, evidence and medical recommendations published to date.