Renton, Wash.-based Providence CEO Rod Hochman, MD, recently blogged about the factors driving healthcare transformation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He named five:
1. Biologic concerns
2. Economic crisis
3. Climate change
4. Political upheaval
5. Social inequities
"Although each of these five areas brings tremendous challenge, they also present incredible opportunity," he wrote. "By addressing these issues head on, with innovation and compassion, our communities will emerge from the greatest crisis of our lifetime resilient and transformed."
He cautioned healthcare providers to stay cognizant of other viruses amid the pandemic to prepare for the next global outbreak. Dr. Hochman also said that social inequities, disparities in access to care and climate change affect the health of communities and called on healthcare providers to do more to care for at-risk populations.
Increased unemployment has led to more people being uninsured and a bigger gap between the rich and poor, he said.
"We'll need to have the ability to continue caring for all in need regardless of the ability to pay," he said.
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