This article helps to describe how technology can help minimize the burden for onsite healthcare providers at the front line with a goal of providing quality care to patients affected by the novel coronavirus, COVID-19; also known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
U.S. healthcare providers, including nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, and physician assistants routinely have an abundance of administrative tasks, at times driven by regulatory guidance. Administrative tasks can be burdensome and have been found to jeopardize quality care and lead to clinician burnout. The strain on current resources and provider reserve becomes paramount during times of crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Leaders must anticipate a shortage of healthcare providers due to quarantine and or illness related to COVID-19.
Last week, on March 13th, 2020 the President declared an emergency declaration due to the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. There is an expectation that more and more individuals will be affected by COVID-19, including healthcare providers. Providers may be quarantined after a presumed exposure to patients who later test positive for COVID-19. Yet, out of an abundance of caution, some may be quarantined after a presumed exposure to patients who later test negative for COVID-19.
How can health systems tap into these such skilled providers; many astute clinicians who remain healthy, yet quarantined? How can we utilize the skill set of those providers who have convalesced but are not yet cleared to return to work?
There may be a resolution, at least in part.
The corporate world has led the use and implementation of technology and online tools for project management and collaborative practices. However, the healthcare industry is just now catching up. There are now secure online collaboration tools readily available to healthcare providers and medical facilities. In addition, electronic medical records (EMRs) not only make it easier to manage a patient’s care but EMRs now also have the capability to informally track and assign tasks among providers through a patient handoff section of the EMR.
Additionally, EMRs can now be accessed securely and remotely by healthcare providers. For many businesses, the increased use of work-related applications in a remote setting is a by-product of the current COVID-19 pandemic. The healthcare industry should follow suit. Remote healthcare providers are capable of assisting onsite healthcare providers; their colleagues with a host of administrative tasks.
Some examples include the following:
– Initiate a consult or progress notes: The onsite provider, or primary author could in turn revise, edit, and update different sections of the note. (There are some EMRs that are able to delineate which provider authored which sections of the note.)
– Call various departments to expedite care (e.g., MRI, CT scan, etc.)
– Obtain preliminary results for tests or studies
– Trend lab results
– Initiate or assist in medication reconciliations
– Expedite the discharge process
– Remotely take part in daily interdisciplinary rounds, especially if the onsite provider is performing a procedure or caring for an acutely ill patient
– Request specialist consultations
– Entering non-medical orders (e.g., diet orders, RN instruction orders, etc.)
– Obtain telephone consents
Needless to say, some tasks are probably best left to the onsite provider, such as entering prescriptions or stat orders, obtaining telephone consents for minor procedures or tests, etc. However, as the technology advances some tasks will be easier to perform remotely. Notably, 5G will likely change the trajectory of the healthcare industry.
Nevertheless, opportunities abound the healthcare industry. Leaders should encourage teams to use mental replay where memorable experiences lead to insight and innovation in the hopes of ensuring preparedness and vigilance for potential future crises.
ASSOCIATES IN HEALTH & WELLNESS CORP
Jenny Delaleu Nurse Practitioner in Family Health, PLLC
AHA Instructor AHA #07140260791|ACLS| PALS| BLS
Practice | 294 W. Merrick Rd., Ste. #1 Freeport NY 11520
email jenny@associatesinhealth.com | website www.associatesinhealth.com
office 516.279.5484 | fax 516.589.7569
theRestlessNP 