Survey finds patient fears may limit return to surgery

Editor's Note

As hospitals begin ramping up elective surgical procedures, healthcare leaders face significant challenges, the June 23 Becker’s Hospital Review reports.

A market research survey by Lumeon (Boston) found that the top operational concern for healthcare leaders is making sure patients feel safe to schedule and come into hospitals for surgical procedures.

Of 102 respondents:

• 68% believe patient fear will delay or limit demand for surgery, with the delays extending for at least 6 months, and the effect of this likely to be exhibited in cancellations
• 87% of hospitals had a surgery cancellation rate of less than 10% before the pandemic, but only 34% believe they will be able to maintain that level, and nearly 15% anticipate cancellation rates topping 25%
• 71% believe there is a significant opportunity to fast track patients preoperatively using virtual care, like video consultations.

Concerns about patient fear was followed by concerns about screening patients for COVID-19 and operational challenges as a result of having reserved separate ORs and ICUs for COVID-19 patients.