Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on The Cancellation of Elective Surgeries in Barranquilla During 2021

Abstract

Introduction: Based on worldwide statistics and casuistry of complications and morbidity and mortality due to cancellation of surgical procedures as a consequence of the pandemic generated by Sars Cov2. The cancellation of scheduled surgeries at a health institution in Barranquilla, Colombia, has been identified as a growing problem, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigated the underlying causes of these cancellations, focusing on factors related to patients, the institution, and medical staff. The aim was to determine the main causes to propose strategies that reduce their frequency.

Methods: A retrospective and cross-sectional descriptive design was used to analyze 3,288 surgeries scheduled between June and December 2021, of which 63 were canceled but 55 were included. Secondary data were obtained from surgical records and institutional databases and analyzed using Office Excel.

Results: Of the scheduled surgeries, 1.67% were canceled, with the majority (78.2%) due to causes attributable to patients, such as changes in health status, no-shows, and non-compliance with preoperative instructions. The highest proportion of cancellations was observed in October (23.6%).

Conclusions: Cancellations were mainly related to patients, highlighting the importance of improving communication and preoperative preparation. It is crucial to educate patients about the importance of following preoperative instructions to minimize cancellations, improve service quality, and reduce costs. A detailed analysis of cancellations is recommended to implement specific and effective corrective measures.