Managing your hospital services during this COVID-19 pandemic

Access to hospital care is a major component in the overall pandemic preparedness. However, efficient operation of hospital services during this COVID-19 pandemic can be quite challenging for most facilities; keeping in view the need to prioritize the safety of client and employee.
Here are a few tips to efficiently keep your services running during this pandemic.
 

1. Manage your communication- Internal and External
Proper information is key to the sustainability of hospital services during and after this pandemic. It goes a long way to determine if you will end up losing existing clients or perhaps attract more clients to the facility.
To ensure a proper hospital communication: 

• Create a standard communication channel where clients and staff can access information readily; 
• Of course, this is the best time to make use of social media platforms to engage clients and followers; 
• Send broadcast message routinely to clients notifying them of any changes to your services.

2. Open up alternative channels of consultation

• Telephone consultation can be used to filter out patients that really requires physical consultation. It has been shown that up to 5% of total hospital visits are for non-clinical activities, and an extra 20% visit for preventive care.
• Hospital based mobile app can be integrated into the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) and this can help with remote consultation.

3. Ensure standard safety measures and review as need arise 

• This may involve routine screening of all clients and visitors, including testing and filling of structured questionnaire especially for high risk personnel.

4. Develop a contingency plan in case of staff or facility exposure.

5. Minimise operating cost as much as possible.