The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic upon patients, staff, and on the future practices of percutaneous coronary intervention

The COVID pandemic in 2020 had unpredictable consequences on the presentation and management of patients with ischaemic heart disease. Subsequent to these initial responses the impact of the initial pandemic can be reviewed and responses can be considered. It is clear that there are new opportunities for optimising patient management pathways and in particular enhanced use of information technology. Changes in attitudes towards health and perceived risk are evident within both the catheter lab teams and our patient cohorts. Summating both the intellectual and emotional experiences of the pandemic are essential to prepare for either a second wave of COVID 19 or any new pandemic threat in the future.