How endoscopists can stay safe when treating COVID-19 patients 

The American College of Gastroenterology, American Gastroenterological Association, American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy provided guidance around how endoscopists should utilize personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Advertisement

What you should do:

1. Use physical distancing and wash your hands diligently.

2. Postpone elective procedures until PPE stocks have been replenished and hospital beds are available.

3. Wear full sets of PPE.

4. Practice donning and doffing PPE.

5. Wear N95 respirators for all GI procedures performed on patients with COVID-19. Only high-risk patients should undergo endoscopy procedures at this time.

6. Have your N95 mask properly fitted by an occupational health specialist.

7. Staff the minimum number of team members possible to conserve PPE. 

8. Reuse N95 masks when appropriate to combat shortages. 

Read the entire statement, which includes guidance on the effective use of protective measures and general COVID-19 information, here.  

More articles on surgery centers:
ASCs could get financial relief under $2 trillion stimulus law — 4 things to know
Can ASCs help with the COVID-19 surge?
California’s 750+ ASCs prepare to expand services for COVID-19 surge

At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Register to Attend Webinar

Unlocking Structural Heart Capacity: How Leading Programs Use EMR and Data to Improve Patient Flow and Throughput

Wednesday, August 19
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT

Presenters: Katie Kennedy, MSN, APRN, NP-C, Community Heart and VascularMisty Theriot, BSN, RN, CPHQ, FACC, Lake Charles Memorial Health SystemKatie Worthington, DNP, RN, Atlantic Health SystemTaryn Shipley, MBA, CSSBB, Lean HealthTech

Advertisement

Next Up in GI & Endoscopy

Advertisement

Comments are closed.