Logistics, clinical outcomes associated with converting ORs into an ICU for COVID-19 patients

Editor's Note

This study by researchers from the department of anesthesiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, and the department of perioperative services-nursing, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, both in New York City, describes how OR and anesthesia personnel converted 23 ORs into an 82-bed operating room intensive care unit (ORICU), ensured staff coverage, adapted anesthesia machines for use as ICU ventilators, and analyzed patient survival rates.

The ORICU cared for 133 COVID-19 patients, who remained there until they were transferred to another unit or they died. From March 24 to May 14, 2020, when the ORICU was shut down, 55 patients (41.4%) had died. Age was significantly associated with increased risk of death, and those who were 65 years of age or older were 3.17 times more likely to die than younger patients.

The researchers concluded that survival rates for patients cared for in the ORICU were worse in older patients, but they were similar to those reported by other healthcare systems, suggesting this was an effective approach for delivery of critical care during a time of crisis.