• Alice A Tolbert Coombs, Tamara Lawson, Ronsard Daniel, Christin Kim, Megan M Rashid, and Virginia Commonwealth University Anesthesia Workgroup.
• Department of Anesthesiology, Virginia Commonwealth University.
• Curr Opin Anaesthesiol. 2021 Feb 1; 34 (1): 546154-61.

Purpose Of ReviewThe COVID-19 pandemic has driven transformation in every aspect of the healthcare delivery system. The unpredictable onset and magnitude of COVID-19 infections resulted in wide gaps in preparedness for healthcare systems. The development of protocols to address both scarcity of resources and staff protection continues to be essential for risk mitigation.Recent FindingsThe northeast region of the United States had a rapid early surge of COVID-19 infections leading to the exhaustion of critical care capacity. In addition, northeastern hospitals experienced decrease in elective surgical interventions, including organ transplantation. Limited availability of COVID-19 testing and personal protective equipment further fueled the pandemic. This commentary highlights a comprehensive innovative approach to addressing the operating room and hospital demands, as well as the shortages in resources and staffing during the pandemic.SummaryThe VCU Department of Anesthesiology operated at 40% of its regular operating room volume throughout the COVID-19 pandemic because of the increased demand from emergency cases. The delay in the peak surge allowed Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Anesthesiology to develop a comprehensive infrastructure resulting in resulting is maximal workforce risk mitigation.Copyright © 2020 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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