Public Perceptions and Experiences of Cancelled Surgeries Due to COVID-19: Twitter Analysis (Preprint)
BACKGROUND Elective procedures throughout the United States have been deferred in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and treat critically ill patients. The impact of such widespread cancellations on patient well-being is not well understood. OBJECTIVE In this study, we characterize collective perceptions and experiences related to cancelled surgeries due to COVID-19. METHODS The top 200 Twitter posts with the keyword “cancelled surgery” were collected and qualitatively analyzed to identify public attitudes, beliefs, and outcomes. RESULTS Patients whose surgeries have been cancelled experience pain and disease progression. Anger and despair arise from long waiting periods and insufficient communication with surgeons, whereas optimism derives from a willingness to reallocate resources for the wider public good. Disagreement with surgical prioritization may stem from gaps in public understanding regarding risk-stratification. CONCLUSIONS As elective cases resume, monitoring real-time developments in public opinion and consequences of deferred care will inform best practices in patient communication.