At South Shore Hospital, clinicians temporarily displaced from their usual work by COVID-19 are helping their colleagues use video to keep families involved with patients and care teams. Re-deployed in intensive care and other units, they ease the physical and emotional workload by giving clinical updates and discussing goals of care with families.
All volunteered for temporary assignments after COVID-19 forced suspension of most outpatient and elective health services. They come from different specialties, and two recent retirees are helping out as well. All bring their medical training as well as good communication skills to the job.
The work is often emotionally challenging. Karin Sloan, M.D., who coordinates the program, notes, “It takes a certain type of person to be able to do this work.” A 30-minute daily meeting helps provide the group with mutual support.