MacKechnie, Madeline C; Nadeau, Molly; Deering, Ericka; Thaller, John; MacKechnie, Michael A

doi:10.1016/j.jor.2020.05.014

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Orthopaedic Walk-In Clinics: A model to lessen the burden on Emergency Departments during the COVID-19 pandemic

2020

Published Web Location

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jor.2020.05.014

Abstract

Objective

Operating duties for orthopaedic surgeons decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, while Emergency Department (ED) cases surged. Orthopaedic Walk-In Clinics (OWICs) were implemented to manage urgent musculoskeletal cases.

Methods

OWICs, organized in three days, were staffed by one orthopaedic surgeon, one triage person, three medical assistants, and a physician assistant/nurse practitioner.

Results

Musculoskeletal non-emergency ED referrals decreased by 40.6% (p < 0.001) after initiation of the OWICs, allowing optimal use of resources to address the COVID-19 surge.

Conclusion

This paper describes the OWIC model and its preliminary impact. The OWICs could serve as a template for other orthopaedic departments during the pandemic.

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