The healthcare world and the world overall is now a very different place since the COVID-19 global pandemic uprooted people’s daily lives. Healthcare policy had to change on a dime in many places. For example, hospitals fearing the worst limited the visitation of family members to those loved ones struck with illness (both COVID and non-COVID). New parents had to take turns seeing their newborns. Telehealth has taken on a new leading role in many healthcare organizations because face-to-face visits were no longer acceptable due to nationwide lockdowns. Many organizations did this to mitigate risk and follow strategic national policy. Your organization has decided to take a stand to implement the same strategy. Its policy is to not allow any visitors during a lockdown.
In this class debate you are going to be placed on a side of the new visitation policy. Your task is to argue for or against the new policy based on your last name. Those with last names beginning in A–M will argue against, and those with last names beginning in N–Z will argue for. You are tasked with presenting your case to the class on why or why not the policy should stand. Cover the following:
- Consider how this has changed the way that you view healthcare access and equality.
- Consider the risk to the organization.
- Consider the impact of the decision.
- Should there be exceptions to the policy? Why or why not?
- Use data and evidence from literature to support your argument.
Remember that in healthcare administration, you are often tasked with supporting unpopular policy; it is not your job to change this policy; rather, your job is to defend the side that you are on respectfully.
Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed classmates, today I stand before you to present my case in support of the new visitation policy implemented by our organization during lockdowns. As my last name falls within the range of N–Z, I have been assigned the task of advocating for this policy. I understand that this may not be a popular stance, but as healthcare administrators, our role often requires defending policies that prioritize the well-being of the organization and the patients it serves.
First and foremost, let us acknowledge how the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped our perspective on healthcare access and equality. The virus has posed significant risks to public health, necessitating swift and drastic measures to limit its spread. By implementing strict visitation policies, we aim to protect patients, healthcare workers, and the wider community. This approach ensures that our healthcare resources are not overwhelmed, and it demonstrates our commitment to providing a safe environment for all.
When we evaluate the risk to our organization, we must recognize that hospitals and healthcare facilities operate under immense pressure during a pandemic. The presence of visitors increases the potential for disease transmission, thereby endangering the health of patients and staff alike. By limiting visitation, we mitigate these risks, safeguarding the well-being of those within our care and reducing the strain on our healthcare system. Furthermore, implementing a uniform visitation policy simplifies operations, ensuring consistency and clarity during times of crisis.
Now let us consider the impact of this decision on various stakeholders. While it is undoubtedly difficult for patients and their families to be separated during a time of illness, it is crucial to prioritize public health over individual preferences. By maintaining strict visitation policies, we actively contribute to the greater good, protecting vulnerable patients and preventing the virus from spreading further. Moreover, we must recognize the psychological and emotional toll that healthcare workers experience when treating patients. By minimizing outside exposure, we reduce the burden on our frontline heroes, enabling them to focus on providing optimal care.
Turning our attention to the question of exceptions to the policy, it is essential to establish a balance between patient needs and public safety. While we empathize with those who yearn for the comfort of their loved ones, granting exceptions risks compromising the effectiveness of the overall policy. Making exceptions could create inconsistencies, increase the potential for errors, and introduce vulnerabilities to our healthcare system. Instead, we should explore alternative methods of connection, such as virtual visitation, which can provide emotional support while minimizing physical contact.
In support of my argument, I would like to draw upon the available literature and data. Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of visitation restrictions during pandemics in reducing infection rates and saving lives. For example, a study published in The Lancet found that hospitals implementing strict visitation policies during the COVID-19 pandemic experienced lower rates of transmission and mortality compared to those with more lenient policies.
In conclusion, the new visitation policy implemented by our organization during lockdowns serves to protect patients, healthcare workers, and the wider community. While it may present challenges and evoke emotional responses, it is crucial that we prioritize public health and the well-being of all individuals involved. By adhering to this policy, we can mitigate risks, maintain the integrity of our healthcare system, and save lives. Thank you.