A recent CNN report discussed the short-term and long-term impact of the COVID-19 crisis on U.S. hospitals. It is undeniable that hospitals nationwide are stressed by COVID-19; we are learning every month the details of just how stressed. The thrust of the report was that COVID-19 has left many hospitals – and the care they provide — in shambles.
Hospital staff are suffering from trauma and emotional problems. Public trust in the medical community has slipped from the early days of the pandemic when doctors and nurses were hailed as heroes. And, of course, the lack of adequate personal protective equipment left hospital staff often facing COVID threats.
A survey of 300 hospitals found that treating a global pandemic has highlighted how such a lengthy period of “survival mode” has impacted hospitals and providers. More long hours, repeat shifts, time away from family, and increased responsibility have left many providers “exhausted, fatigued, and sometimes experiencing PTSD.” For many providers, being the only person present at time of death exacted a significant emotional toll.
All of these problems have resulted in higher turn-over of staff, especially among nurses, and have created shortages that can impact the quality of care provided to non-COVID patients.
An obvious early problem, of course, was that many patients did not want to see a doctor, even in situations calling for an emergency department visit, because of COVID concerns. And some medical specialties faced a sharp drop-off in their patient visits, resulting in financial losses. The increased use of telemedicine has alleviated some of these problems, but some observers see a coming “second epidemic” resulting from delayed diagnosis and treatment of serious medical conditions, including cardiovascular problems and cancer.
How this will impact medical malpractice claims is uncertain. For a time, attorneys were concerned that it would be difficult to sue someone viewed as a hero. But the uncertainty and confusion about public health guidance for the past year has left the public with less confidence in the health care system. Many patients express concern over the ability of hospitals to keep their patients safe. It may be years before the full impact of the pandemic on our health care system, and on issues related to professional liability, can be appreciated.
