Skip to main content

Table 2 Summary of infection control and arthroplasty service prioritization at our institution

From: Lessons learnt from the impact of COVID-19 on arthroplasty services in Hong Kong: how to prepare for the next pandemic?

 

Guidelines and measures

Patient screening

Inpatient admission screening

 • SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test using deep throat saliva self-collected by patient in the presence of a HEPA filter unit

Outpatient screening (e.g., preoperative clinic appointments)

 • Patients are screened for symptoms and signs of COVID-19 using a health declaration form

Visiting arrangement

 • All ward visitations are suspended except for compassionate visit of inpatients for exceptional situations on a case-by-case basis

 • Visitors are screened for symptoms and signs of COVID-19 using a health declaration form

 • Visitors are required to wear full personal protective equipment, including face shield, N95 respirator, isolation gown and disposable gloves

Arthroplasty prioritisation

Proceed with elective arthroplasty for semi-urgent indications, such as:

 • Joint infection

 • Loosening, dislocation or mechanical failure of arthroplasty

 • Bone loss

 • Tumor

Preoperative screening

 • SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test using deep throat saliva self-collected by patient in the presence of a HEPA filter unit