Question

1. Summarize the COVID-19 pandemic and how the pandemic has affected healthcare organizations across the nation. Major factors to review, when considering affects are:

a. Telehealth expansions

b. Temporary waivers for Medicaid

c. Credentialing & Licensing Waivers for Physicians and Clinical Support Staff

d. Staffing & Reductions in Force (layoffs)

e. Supply Shortages (PPE)

2. Discuss the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic as it specifically affects the provision of quality care. You need to analyze each of the affects mentioned in Question 1 with the STEEEP quality metrics. Specifically address the following:

a. How has the pandemic affected the ability of facilities to provide patient care safely? Discuss both the aspect of keeping the patient safe while also addressing the needs to safely protect the healthcare providers?

b. How has the pandemic affected the ability of facilities to provide Equitable care to patients? Specifically consider the ethical dilemma that providers might face when choosing who to provide a ventilator to if a shortage occurs.

c. How has the pandemic affected the ability of facilities to provide Efficient & Effective care to patients? Discuss how issues with staffing (noted in question 1) affect the ability to meet these quality goals.

d. How has the pandemic affected the ability of facilities to provide time-bound care to patients? Consider how facilities are having to prioritize patient care in a situation where every patient could be considered emergent in one way or another.

e. How has the pandemic affected the ability of facilities to provide patient-centered care? Discuss how staffing and census issues affect customer service in healthcare facilities during a pandemic.