Reopening Interventional Pain Practices during the Early Phase of the COVID-19 Global Pandemic

Abstract

Objective Examine how interventional pain physicians navigated the early phase of reopening practices during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods In June/July 2020, Spine Intervention Society members were queried about practice demographics, perception of COVID-19 prevalence, financial impact, and implementation of new tools and procedures when re-opening practices. Results Of the 2,295 members approached, 195 (8%) completed the survey. A majority (71%) reported using risk stratification tools and changing scheduling patterns. Nearly 70% performed initial assessments via telehealth and 87% for follow-up encounters. More than 80% performed symptom/temperature checks upon in-person clinic/facility entrance, and 63% screened patients via phone. Most (58%) did not test patients for COVID-19 for office visits, while 38% tested only if symptomatic. For epidural injections, intra-articular injections, and radiofrequency neurotomy procedures, 43% reported not testing patients, while 36% tested patients only if symptomatic. Most (70%) required patients to wear a mask upon entering the clinic/facility. For nonprocedure encounters, respondents used surgical masks (85%), gloves (35%), face shields/goggles (24%), N95 respirators (15%), and gowns (6%). Some (66%) discussed unique COVID-19 risks/complications and 26% provided written information. Most did not make changes to steroid dosage (67%) or peri-procedural anticoagulation management (97%). The vast majority (81%) estimated that COVID-19 will have a moderate-severe financial impact on their practice. Conclusions COVID-19 has dramatically affected interventional pain practices with regard to telehealth, in-clinic precautions, screening/testing protocols, and patient counseling. Practice patterns will continue to evolve as we learn more about the disease and improve methods to provide safe and effective care.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on chronic pain management

“…Throughout the months of June and July 2020, 195 Spine Intervention Society members were surveyed regarding the demographics of their practices, perception of COVID-19 prevalence, financial impact of COVID-19 on their practices, and implementation of new re-opening tools and procedures [20]. Risk stratification tools and scheduling pattern changes were used by most respondents (71%).…”

“…5. Ponovno otvaranje ordinacija za interventnu terapiju bola Tokom juna i jula meseca 2020. godine, 195 članova Društva za spinalnu interventnu terapiju učestvovalo je u anketi o demografskoj strukturi njihovih lekarskih praksi, percepciji prevalencije KOVID-19 oboljenja, finansijskim posledicama KOVID-19 pandemije na njihove lekarske prakse/ordinacije, kao i o primeni novih alata i procedura za ponovno otvaranje ovih praksi/ ordinacija [20]. Alate za stratifikaciju rizika i izmene u obrascima zakazivanja pacijenata primenjivala je većina ispitanika (71%).…”