Urology Outpatient Clinic Management amidst the Lockdown during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Disease-Specific Strategy
Published: 2022-07-02
Page: 55-60
Issue: 2022 - Volume 5 [Issue 1]
Kanesh Kumaran Seevalingam
Urology Unit, Department of Surgery, University Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia.
Norshuhada Amat
Urology Unit, Department of Surgery, University Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia.
Ahmad Nazran Fadzli
Urology Unit, Department of Surgery, University Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia.
Ong Teng Aik
Urology Unit, Department of Surgery, University Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia.
Shanggar Kuppusamy *
Urology Unit, Department of Surgery, University Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background and Purpose: Humanity is crippled by an invisible enemy COVID-19, pandemic. The preparedness of the medical fraternity was taken by surprise. Medical priorities changed overnight. The urology department of UMMC (University of Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur), the oldest tertiary academic centre in Malaysia, suspended all its time-honoured clinical activities to assist in the frontlines of COVID-19.
Methods and Results: The out-patient urology clinics are deferred to comply with the national and hospital prerogative of Movement Control Order (MCO). We offer a strategy from a urological standpoint for triaging the out-patient system for maintaining reserve of health care workers while balancing patient outcomes.
Conclusion: This strategy will give clinical units a guide to avoid unwanted displeasure among doctors and patients. A dedicated team led by a senior member of the team is crucial in ensuring smooth delegation of duties and proper documentation of all actions taken with regards to patient management.
Keywords: Urology, clinic triaging, COVID-19, healthcare management