For the ASA Monitor last year, we wrote about the role that medical directors play in managing ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). Who would have known that just a few weeks later, the world would be facing a pandemic? And last spring, most never imagined COVID-19 would still be controlling all aspects of our lives today. Coronavirus directly impacted health care systems worldwide by challenging hospitals and all health care providers. The pandemic clearly impacted individuals who contracted the disease and their families. But it also indirectly affected virtually the entire population due to restrictions and those who neglected to get care due to fear of being exposed to the novel coronavirus.
In 2020, the Society for Ambulatory Anesthesia (SAMBA) leadership published four statements to help coordinate and navigate the safe care of patients in ASCs during the pandemic. In addition, we hosted eight webinars with various guest speakers and SAMBA...
