We try to cover one week worth of operations using an emergency approach. This was a powerful storm and there were issues across the community.
We noticed simple things, like pharmacies and groceries were closed, so it was our role to be able to supply even prescriptions while local access was unavailable. We managed to do a lot of this work in close coordination with the state and local agencies.
HCB News: Were there any lessons picked up that will help for future preparedness?
NK: Yes, we learned some powerful lessons. It is very important to have communications with patients and physicians not only in-house, but if a patient is out of the hospital as well.
We were able to utilize an app to connect expecting mothers with their physicians. We were able to communicate with government officials even during the worst of the storm.
There was a lesson in the supply chain. While we had adequate water and food, there are always things like emergency medical supplies and high-risk medications that may need to be stocked up after the second or third day.
Through a partnership with HealthGrid, we were also able to present information from a classic EMR and present in a very easy digital manner via an app. The patient can take that home, exhibit it, absorb it and use it how they want. When there’s a disaster like we had, something like this is very welcome.
The second thing is an application that allows us to notify parents and caregivers about what’s going on with their child. We don’t have to pick up the phone. Instead, they can check their smartphone to get the latest information, which streamlines for everyone involved.
HCB News: What is your area of service?
NK: Our hospital extends primarily across five counties in southwest Florida, spanning an area of approximately 4 million people total. Most of our patients are from that area, although we do serve more than 30 states in the U.S. as well as patients from outside of the U.S.
