Healthcare system approach to managing COVID-19 in a metropolitan community in Kentucky

Abstract

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic emerged in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and has subsequently escalated exponentially worldwide. As this virus has never been experienced previously, it poses a significant challenge to healthcare systems who are poorly equipped to handle the large number of gravely ill patients who seek medical attention. Additionally, treating providers are placing their own lives at risk due to the lack of adequate personal protective equipment. We are reporting the proactive measures that were implemented at our healthcare system in a metropolitan community in Kentucky to address COVID-19. The primary goal was to maintain a safe environment for providers, staff, and patients. Three key strategies were incorporated at our healthcare system, including 1) innovative processes/operations; 2) clear and transparent communication; and 3) adaptations in infrastructure. As the COVID-19 pandemic is highly fluid, we continually update our policies according to national, state, and local guidelines and recommendations.

Rebooting the ambulatory enterprise in a community medical group in Kentucky following the initial surge of COVID-19

“…[9][10][11] We previously reported the proactive measures that our healthcare system implemented to manage COVID-19 with the primary goal of maintaining a safe environment for physicians, other medical providers, staff, and patients. [12] Our healthcare system established a multidisciplinary Central Command Center on March 13, 2020 in response to COVID-19 which consisted of infectious disease specialists, other medical providers, nurses, pharmacists, and representatives from clinical administration, Employee Health, Human Resources, and Supply Chain. Three main strategies were implemented, including innovative processes/operations; clear and transparent communication; and adaptations in infrastructure.…”

Standardizing the supply chain in nursing units in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Since the first four cases of "pneumonia of unknown etiology" in Wuhan, China, were reported on December 29, 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic has surged worldwide and posed countless dilemmas for healthcare systems. [2][3][4][5] Hospital executives and supply chain leaders concur that the pandemic has created vulnerabilities in their organizations' supply chains. 6 In a survey of 100 hospital organizations in August 2021, 93% of respondents had attempted to address pandemic-induced shortcomings such as inadequate supply stockpiles, unreliable suppliers, poor visibility into inventory, and staff safety risks.…”

The impact of COVID-19 on patient safety attendant use

“…8,10 We have previously reported how our healthcare system in Kentucky managed patients with COVID-19. 11 Well-intentioned programs that were implemented by nurses prior to the COVID-19 pandemic were adversely affected by new institutional guidelines. In response to COVID-19, our healthcare system implemented a no-visitor policy on March 21, 2020, with few exceptions.…”

“…We have previously reported how our healthcare system in Kentucky managed patients with COVID-19 11. Well-intentioned programs that were implemented by nurses prior to the COVID-19 pandemic were adversely affected by new institutional guidelines.…”