Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery

Recent Advances and Future Prospect

Abstract

Restrictions have been imposed at all levels in both the public and private life in reaction to the global pandemic of COVID-19. When interacting with individuals from outside the family, national guidelines advocate wearing masks in public settings and maintaining a physical distance of six feet or more. Because of the enormous strain on health-care systems across the country and around the world as a result of the epidemic, many elective surgical procedures, including orthopedic hand surgery, have been postponed or cancelled. To fulfill the demands of patients, healthcare teams have broadened their scope of practice, particularly in areas with a high illness load. Other healthcare delivery changes include limiting patient contact by restricting physical exams, using personal protective equipment (PPE), using telemedicine visits if available, and reducing the frequency of in-person clinical follow-up. In outpatient clinic, patient-reported outcome measures are central to the delivery of person-centered care using telemedicine visit.