Description
In a virtual meeting, Jonathan Howell introduces Professor Tim Cook, a consultant in anesthesia and intensive care from Bath, highlighting his credentials including his position as the Macintosh Professor of Anesthesia and Associate Editor of The British Journal of Anesthesia. Professor Cook discusses the impact of COVID-19 on elective surgeries, emphasizing the higher risk of infection for patients in hospital settings compared to the community and outlining the necessity for careful patient selection during these times. He notes the challenges faced by surgical colleagues during the pandemic and provides insights on prioritizing surgical procedures amidst ongoing COVID care. Cook elaborates on the significant age and health-related risks that older patients face regarding COVID-19 when undergoing elective surgeries and asserts the importance of shared decision-making to assess patient risks effectively. Furthermore, he addresses the changes in guidance from NICE regarding isolation protocols for patients before surgery, mentioning potential risks associated with relaxed measures as hospital admissions increase. Concluding his presentation, Cook stresses the importance of coordinating with multi-disciplinary teams for high-risk patients previously infected with COVID-19 before proceeding with elective surgeries.
DOI: 10.1302/3114-210360