COVID-19 pandemic in an Italian obstetric department: sharing our experience

Lorenza Driul; Francesco Meroi; Fabiana Cecchini; Alessia  Sala; Daniele Orso; Diana Padovani; Serena Rovida; Teresa  Dogareschi; Luigi Vetrugno; Tiziana Bove

doi:10.23750/abm.v92i3.11098

COVID-19 pandemic in an Italian obstetric department: sharing our experience

Authors

Lorenza Driul Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic, via Colugna n° 50, 33100 Udine, Italy
Francesco Meroi Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Anesthesia and Intensive Care Clinic, via Colugna n° 50, 33100 Udine, Italy
Fabiana Cecchini Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic, via Colugna n° 50, 33100 Udine, Italy
Alessia Sala Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic, via Colugna n° 50, 33100 Udine, Italy
Daniele Orso Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Anesthesia and Intensive Care Clinic, via Colugna n° 50, 33100 Udine, Italy
Diana Padovani Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic, via Colugna n° 50, 33100 Udine, Italy
Serena Rovida Royal London Hospital, Barts Trust NHS, Whitechapel Rd, Whitechapel, London E1 1FR, United Kingdom
Teresa Dogareschi University-Hospital of Udine, Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, P.le S. Maria della Misericordia n° 15, 33100 Udine, Italy
Luigi Vetrugno Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Anesthesia and Intensive Care Clinic, via Colugna n° 50, 33100 Udine, Italy
Tiziana Bove Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Anesthesia and Intensive Care Clinic, via Colugna n° 50, 33100 Udine, Italy

DOI: https://doi.org/10.23750/abm.v92i3.11098

Keywords:

SARS-CoV 2, COVID-19, high-risk pregnancies, delivery, obstetric care, resources management

Abstract

Background and aim of the work: The outbreak of the novel coronavirus (or SARS-CoV 2) has significantly struck the healthcare system worldwide. Over the course of a few weeks, hospitals reorganized their internal structure entirely at any level of care, from the Emergency rooms to Departments, including all the medical specialties.

Methods: In order to cope with the contingent state of emergency, the Gynecology and Obstetrics Unit of the University Hospital in Udine introduced new protocols and guidance for the usual standard of care, ensuring a safe environment for both healthcare providers and patients.

Results: By a continuous update of scientific evidence, the department was able to increase capacity as well as maintain flexibility when a higher number of admissions was required.

Conclusion: We aimed to share our experience, which provided a relevant lesson about what to expect and how to prepare a referral center for high-risk pregnancy in response to a pandemic such as COVID-19.

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