First responders and frontline workers are the healthcare system’s response to the pandemic. These groups, including patient-facing workers, are expanding as organizations increase their clinical workforces to respond to the rising need.
Fremont, CA: Healthcare workers are facing tremendous stress, mainly because of the pandemic. Hospitals and healthcare systems have seen an increase in demand, and health plans are rapidly moving resources to cater to their members’ immediate needs. Healthcare organizations need to focus on these three primary aspects as they respond to COVID-19:
Enable virtual health programs
Virtual healthcare/telemedicine can be used to augment capacity and minimize exposure for clinicians and patients. Virtual health capabilities can allow exposed but asymptomatic clinicians to see patients. A number of hospitals, health systems, and health plans are encouraging patients to utilize telemedicine. These virtual health programs are successful, in part, based on how well a workforce is equipped to deliver those services.
To facilitate health programs simplifying training, revisiting sustainability, and introduce a virtual health response team.
Support work-from-home options
Most organizations allow their employees to work from home as much as possible. This might be the first time for some employees to be working from home for an extended period of time. Some organizations need to take into account how work gets done from home and how that integrates into the new normal.
To support employees working from home, establish and communicate privacy policies, offer
Empower the clinical workforce
First responders and frontline workers are the healthcare system’s response to the pandemic. These groups, including patient-facing workers, are expanding as organizations increase their clinical workforces to respond to the rising need.
To help empower clinical workers are assessing capacity, flexing the workforce, and building resilience.
