Restructuring algorithms of work in eye surgery clinic during pandemic of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

Purpose. To analyze changes in work of the Khabarovsk branch of the Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Federal State Institution (Khabarovsk branch) caused by combination of elective and emergency ophthalmic care in the context of a pandemic of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Material and methods. The article presents the organizational restructuring of activities medical units of the Khabarovsk branch, due to need for additional performance of functions emergency ophthalmological service in connection with closure of the regional ophthalmological center of the City Clinical Hospital no. 10, which previously performed this function. Complex of organizational anti-epidemic measures taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in pandemic is presented, their feasibility is analyzed, the results of the clinic‘s activities in new conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic are reflected. Results. The COVID-19 epidemic required a significant organizational restructuring of the Khabarovsk branch. In addition to large volumes of elective surgery, emergency ophthalmosurgical care was added, performed in a round-the-clock hospital. All this was superimposed on the organizational restructuring of patient flows, created to minimize their interpersonal contacts. Conclusion. The Khabarovsk branch fully coped with the tasks set, stable work was organized in the new pandemic conditions, effectively combining planned and emergency algorithms of ophthalmic surgical care. The measures taken made it possible to provide emergency ophthalmic care in full throughout the entire period of the epidemic, to resume the provision of planned ophthalmic care in full, without compromising the safety of patients‘ stay in the clinic. Key words: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, pandemic, emergency care, eye emergency department, Eye casualty, coronavirus disease, organization of medical care