June 5, 2020

Admissions to Veterans Affairs Hospitals for Emergency Conditions During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Clinical Characteristics and Health Care Setting

• Among a pre-established cohort, the number of patients admitted to Veterans Affairs (VA) inpatient facilities for 6 common emergency conditions declined 41% between March 11 and April 21, 2020 compared with the previous 6 weeks, with no similar decline in 2019. The authors conclude that a decrease of this size likely reflects avoidance of hospitals rather than decreased incidence due to declines in elective surgeries, reduced transmission of other pathogens, lower pollution levels, or other potential explanations. 

Baum and Schwartz. (2020). Admissions to Veterans Affairs Hospitals for Emergency Conditions During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JAMA Network Open. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2767061