Since the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic at the end of December 2019, more than 85% of the population in China has been infected. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mainly affects the respiratory system, especially the lungs. The mortality rate of patients with severe infection is high. A percentage of 6% to 10% of patients will eventually develop into COVID-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (CARDS), which requires mechanical ventilation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. Some patients who survive acute lung injury will subsequently develop post COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis (PCPF). Both fully treated CARDS and severe PCPF are suitable candidates for lung transplantation. Due to the special course, evaluation strategies are different from those used in patients with common end-stage lung disease. After lung transplantation in COVID-19 patients, special treatment is required, including standardized nucleic acid testing for the novel coronavirus, adjustment strategy of immunosuppressive drugs, and rational use of antiviral drugs, which is a big challenge for the postoperative management of lung transplantation. This consensus was evidence-based written and was reached by experts after multiple rounds of discussions, providing reference for assessment and postoperative management of patients with interstitial pneumonia after COVID-19 infection.
The application of inpatient electronic medical records (EMRs) is a crucial component of modern healthcare informatization, and also a key factor in improving medical quality and safety. Establishing standardized EMRs for thoracic surgery helps to standardize treatment processes, improve medical efficiency, enhance quality of care, and better ensure patient safety. It also facilitates the collection and use of standardized and structured data, promoting clinical decision-making, the application of artificial intelligence, and the development of specialized clinical centers. Considering relevant national policies, information standards, clinical practice challenges and latest research findings in thoracic surgery EMRs, Chinese Association of Thoracic Surgeons, Cross-Strait Medicine Exchange Association’s Thoracic Surgery Professional Committee, WU Jieping Medical Foundation’s Lung Cancer Professional Committee, Zhejiang Provincial Thoracic Surgeons Associations and Fujian Provincial Thoracic Surgeons Associations have explored innovative paths for EMRs development. Through multiple rounds of professional discussions and research, the "Chinese expert consensus on quality control and management of electronic medical records for thoracic surgery (2024 version)" was formulated. It aims to provide a reference for the construction and application of inpatient EMRs for thoracic surgeons and information professionals across China, promoting continuous improvement in the informatization and medical standards of the thoracic surgery field, and contributing to the construction of "healthy China".