P1010 - Lessons Learned During COVID-19 Pandemic - A Case Study in a Las Vegas Health Clinic

Lessons Learned During COVID-19 Pandemic – A Case Study in a Las Vegas Health Clinic
C. J. Howell-Canada, MD ,FAAP, L. A. Canada, MD

Abstract
Background
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, health care facility preparedness is on the forefront of hospital administrators decision making. Telehealth rapidly became the most important function of healthcare facilities to effectively manage and serve patients via telemedicine and face-to-face video chat appointments. Maintaining the ability to continue to provide modified well child checks through telemedicine is important for pediatric providers to ensure the continuity of care at all age levels. Telehealth gives the opportunity to address acute care concerns for the pediatric population.

Methods
In this paper, we analyze the foundation necessary to implement and support telemedicine/telehealth services during a pandemic in a union sponsored medium-sized health care center in Las Vegas, NV. This paper analyzes and outlines the healthcare process of determining ways to ensure episode preparedness and effective communication from the organizational level. Data was collected through retrospective observation and detailed accounts from organizational information distribution and provider input.

Results
The lessons learned are that health care providers need an informed decision making process; communication flow from health care administration is a priority, needing to be disseminated without barriers; all possibilities need to be exhausted to avoid disruption of day-to-day medical services; medical policies and procedures need to be established to encompass all aspects of medical services provided (in-person, via telephone, telemedicine); and operational decisions should reflect effective communication along with preparedness with transparency.

Keywords: telehealth, telemedicine, organizational preparedness, healthcare process