Managing Scarce Hospital Resources During Omicron

The recent surge of the Omicron variant has pushed health care resources to their limits. There are massive testing backlogs in laboratories, rapid spikes in patient volumes, and unprecedented shortages in hospital supply and staffing. Reducing low-value tests and activities is critical, and a number of Choosing Wisely Canada recommendations can be implemented quickly to help alleviate these mounting pressures.

On January 13, Choosing Wisely Talks will host a special panel discussion on reducing low-value tests and activities during the Omicron wave. Experts will discuss a number of practical ideas that could be implemented immediately to help preserve health care resources for patients who really need them.

Panel:

• Dr. Amol Verma, Internal Medicine Physician, St. Michael’s Hospital
• Dr. Janet Simons, Medical Biochemist and Internal Medicine Physician, Providence Health Care