In an effort to preserve personal protective equipment (PPE), beds, and ventilators for the fight against Covid-19, health care providers across the country largely ceased performing elective procedures in March and April of 2020.

Now, as governors ease restrictions on elective procedures, health system strategy leaders are preparing their plans to resume these procedures. The ability to do so safely will depend largely on facility and staff capacity and the availability of PPE and Covid-19 testing supplies—all of which are likely to vary by geography. However, all health system leaders—regardless of market or surge status—should consider specific variables when developing a ramp-up plan.

How to use this guide

This guide outlines five broad steps to follow when designing a plan for resuming elective procedures, along with more detailed factors to consider and target outputs for each step. This information should be used to engage planning leadership and identify potential gaps in strategy.

Download the checklist