The Impact of COVID-19 on Healthcare Institutions: Leveraging Technology to Enhance Emergency Preparedness

The COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to its knees in 2019, infecting millions globally and overwhelming healthcare systems. The rapid spread of the virus led to a surge in hospitalizations, with patients presenting varying symptoms, acuity, and criticality levels. The sheer volume of cases quickly depleted resources, leaving healthcare institutions struggling to cope with the unprecedented crisis.

Despite having emergency preparedness plans in place, hospitals were ill-equipped to handle the magnitude of the pandemic. The highly contagious nature of COVID-19 resulted in prolonged hospital stays, staff shortages, and shortages of critical supplies, including personal protective equipment, medical equipment, and cleaning agents. The situation was further exacerbated by the shutdown of transit systems and closures of schools and businesses, leaving healthcare workers to bear the brunt of the crisis.

This timely book delves into the challenges faced by healthcare institutions in providing patient care during the pandemic. The authors explore how healthcare providers leveraged diverse technology solutions to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and share valuable lessons learned on enhancing emergency preparedness for future crises.

The book is a tribute to the hundreds of thousands of healthcare workers who risked their lives and those of their families to care for patients during the pandemic. Their selfless efforts and dedication are a testament to the importance of preparedness and the need for healthcare institutions to stay ahead of the curve in the face of adversity.

Key takeaways from this book include:

• Understanding the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare institutions and patient care
• Exploring technology solutions to enhance emergency preparedness and response
• Lessons learned from the pandemic and strategies for future crisis management

Published by Taylor and Francis, this book is a critical resource for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of pandemic response and preparedness. It serves as a blueprint for developing more effective emergency management strategies and ensuring that healthcare institutions are better equipped to handle future crises.

Book Details:

Language: English

ISBN: 9780367769307, 9781000810738

Publication Date: December 30, 2022