HTM & COVID-19
MedWrench Guru, Tony Cody, Technology Management Director at Banner Health, shares some guidance to keep in mind as we navigate through these difficult times.
Thu Mar 19 2020
As hospital resources are strained and stressed due to the potential critical patient load created by severe cases of COVID-19, there are many things that the HTM staff can do to help. It is important to embrace that support role as our clinical providers will be on the metaphorical front lines. Below, I outline a few things to keep in mind as we navigate through these difficult times.
- Keep doing your job – Even with the hysteria ongoing, it is important to carry on with the normal day to day duties. Scheduled maintenance needs to get done and equipment needs to be fixed.
- Be extra understanding – The clinical staff will be stressed. Cut them a break.
- Think of alternate resources – There will be needs for respiratory equipment, thermometers, blenders, and more. As everyone will be trying to order at the same time, help them locate resources that they may not have considered.
- Be responsive – The HTM leaders will be involved in Incident command, emergency management, and other teams. They will probably have many asks of their frontline team.
- Take care of yourself – Please be mindful of any precautions your facility puts out. Stay safe!
The HTM community will step up. We have a history of remaining calm and solving problems when others make crisis decisions. Safety of patients, staff and self are paramount, and the actions you take have a bit higher stakes than business as usual. Take care of yourself and your team!