Preparing an obstetric unit in the heart of the epidemic strike of COVID-19: quick reorganization tips

COVID-19 is placing considerable strain on healthcare systems. Disaster and military medicine specialists were involved in the outbreak in Italy, after many units were overwhelmed. Health providers were caught off guard and personnel was unprepared to face this unprecedented threat. Local decisions accelerated the rate of the spread. Many countries declared a state of emergency and lockdown to contain the exponential transmission of the disease. The purpose of this review is to suggest quick key points of strategies to implement in obstetric units without delay to respond to the oncoming wave, based on experience and feedback from the field. It is essential in an emergency situation to understand what is at stake and prepare maternity wards in the best possible way.

Automated summary

The COVID-19 outbreak has greatly burdened healthcare systems, with many units being overwhelmed. This article aims to provide key strategies to be implemented in obstetric units without delay, based on practical experience and field feedback, in order to best respond to the upcoming wave.