A pandemic can turn the whole world upside down and force people to transform their lives. They have to let go of regular practices, adopt new habits, and change their lifestyles to adjust to the current situation. The most demanding part is that you cannot predict anything regarding it, and it comes out of the blue, and people have no choice but to accept it. Pandemic is an unfortunate situation. It requires people to be united and fight against it. Life gets back to normal in a relatively shorter period.
The coronavirus epidemic has hit the world hard, and it is exhausting healthcare systems worldwide. It has been more than six months since its first case got reported, and it does not seem to go away anytime soon. In some countries, it is spreading at an alarming rate. The COVID-19 pandemic has depleted medical systems. They are fighting hard to cope with patients' inflow and provide them with adequate care and treatments.
On the other hand, in these times of crisis, healthcare networks' wellbeing is also at risk, and the need to protect them has doubled up. Medical experts have commented that the world has to wait to discover the vaccine, and it has no other cure. Meanwhile, maintaining social distance, washing hands frequently, and sanitization are the few measures. People can keep themselves safe by following these standard operating procedures religiously.
Healthcare systems are fighting hard to provide care to the sick and strive to devise different ways to work efficiently in these unfortunate times. The following are some ways which will help healthcare systems to improve their efficiency during a pandemic:
EDUCATE HEALTHCARE WORKERS
Healthcare workers may not know about every healthcare sector field and have a vague idea about essential issues. Pandemic is a problematic situation. Several medical workers may not understand the gravity of the problem and take it lightly. Healthcare workers are there to provide proper care to patients and ensure treatments, which is why they must know the seriousness of the epidemic and educate others. While they can't enroll in any traditional educational courses, they can register themselves in online healthcare programs and enhance their qualifications.
2. ENSURE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES
You must have heard the famous saying that precaution is better than cure. As treatments can not only make a hole in your pocket, the process often makes people passive. COVID-19 epidemic spreads much faster in the areas where people do not take the healthcare workers' suggestions seriously and let go of the safety measures. The countries that took action in immediate days went into lockdown and were able to combat the illness and significantly reduce it. Whereas those nations who did not consider it a threat and went about their lives usually saw a hike in cases. When healthcare systems ensure safety measures, they set an example, and people understand the pandemic's gravity. Still, when they take these measures lightly, people get an idea that it is not severe.
3. ONLINE CONSULTATION
Technology has brought ease in our lives, and there is no reason why we should not take advantage of it. During miserable times of pandemics, it is better to avoid hospitals and clinics as much as you can. If a need arises, you can use technology and consult medical specialists online. Some medical cases are severe, and they require an in-person examination. Still, suppose you are suffering from seasonal flu or mild aches in the body. In that case, you must contact a doctor using technological tools. Healthcare facilities should have a proper system up, which can help in facilitating patients online.
4. HAVE NO VISITORS POLICY
Pandemic is a problematic situation. Hospitals, clinics, and other medical service providers should rule that not more than two people can visit a healthcare facility. When there are strict rules, people have no choice but to adhere to them. Having no visitors policy will help thin the crowd and help the healthcare system work effectively.
5. WORKERS' SAFETY
Healthcare workers run the healthcaresystem. If the facilities do not take any measures for workers' safety, they put them at high risk. Workers should have access to personal protective equipment. Healthcare facilities need to ensure that the people in charge are taking care of hygiene—cleanliness, and sanitization help fight germs and stop the spread of the virus and bacteria. Healthcare workers are the most vulnerable, as they deal with all kinds of patients in their day-to-day lives. They contact people who may have very weak immunity, so healthcare organizations must ensure workers' safety to the maximum level.
6. ENHANCED COMMUNICATION
Communication is the key in unfortunate times, and it can assist you in fighting against a common enemy. Healthcare systems need to have a capable communication system to contact each other. Sending messages back and forth is not a hassle. Sometimes, patients' conditions deteriorate in moments, and healthcare professionals need to get and discuss each other. Technology has enhanced communication; the healthcare system can use it productively to run the healthcare system effectively.
7. HAVE A PROPER PLAN
Extensive planning helps in tackling emergencies, and healthcare professionals must have an efficient plan. Pandemic is not a normal situation, and naturally, it requires a particular program and preparation. The Healthcare system should have a proper checklist so that people supervising the healthcare system can refer to it time and have the appropriate measures. Dealing with pandemic needs frequent visitation in planning, and should make the changes in it accordingly. Besides, the epidemic continues to evolve the situation. Medical workers need to be aware of the current situation and have a plan in place.
CONCLUSION
Healthcare professionals put in long days and nights and give their heart and soul. During emergencies, they need to work even more challengingly. Unfortunate times call for desperate measures, and handling pandemic can stress the healthcare system and exhaust workers. Moreover, their wellbeing is continuously at risk, and they need to be extra vigilant while carrying out their regular duties. The Healthcare system can cope with sick people's extra inflow if they have access to resources and have a sufficient workforce. Change in demographics puts pressure on the system, and an increase in the healthcare workforce is a dire need. Depending on the severity of the epidemic, the healthcare system can have a centrally based plan and have rules revised. It will help in running the healthcare system efficiently.
Isreal olabanji a dental assistant and public health professionals and has years of experience in assisting the dentist with all sorts of dental issues.
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The content is intended to augment, not replace, information provided by your clinician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Reading this information does not create or replace a doctor-patient relationship or consultation. If required, please contact your doctor or other health care provider to assist you to interpret any of this information, or in applying the information to your individual needs.