Building on lessons learned: A US Midwest healthcare system’s COVID-19 response

Abstract

While noting that the COVID-19 pandemic remains ongoing, this paper reviews the incident response at one Midwestern healthcare system in order to identify lessons learned and key modifications to strengthen the response. The paper describes how a strong modified incident command structure provided the framework for the response. These modifications were based on successes during a system-wide electronic medical record implementation and included workgroups specific to a subject or discipline. These workgroups reported up through the traditional hospital incident command structure, allowing for situational awareness at all levels. A solid meeting cadence ensured proper visibility into the work being completed, while a data analyst group provided the much-needed data to make good decisions. Ensuring cross-pollination in the workgroups assisted with communication throughout, while establishing a regular cadence for all staff e-mails and executive updates supported frequent communication and information sharing to all 42,000 employees.