Framework guides decisions on reducing non-COVID-19 care activities

A framework developed during the pandemic helped inform decision-making on when to curtail non-COVID-19 procedures at HCA Healthcare in Nashville, Tenn., according to former American hospital Association (AHA) Board Chair Jonathan Perlin M.D., president, clinical operations, and chief medical officer at HCA. He described the 5S Framework—Surge, Space, (life) Support, Staffing, and Supplies—in an article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. “While the death toll from [COVID-19] has surpassed 240 000, the less appreciated ravage has been excess morbidity and mortality from patients who have forgone essential care,” he wrote. He sees the framework as a way to guide better decision-making about hospital capacity. (AHA News article, 12/18/20)