Question

Lately, the number of COVID-19 patients in hospitals has increased and the majority are unvaccinated people who have moved from vaccine hesitancy to vaccine resistance and then vaccine refusal. Health personnel is not only exhausted and frustrated, but we have seen the impact this has caused through increased deaths among patients with non-Covid 19 related diseases. The disparities arise because most resources and time are on the pandemic and so many patients have missed timely diagnosis of other diseases, missed follow-up treatments including cancer patients, inability to be admitted for lack of beds, etc., etc. Increasing resignations from all cadre of health workers exacerbates the situation.

Recently you got hired as a researcher for quality and operations management at a large local hospital. Your initial studies and reports reveal that the mortality rates have tripled in the last 1 year. In your interviews and focus group meetings with workers on how the situation should be handled, many suggest those who are unvaccinated should not be given priority in treatment because they made decisions deliberately and are paying the price. In research, you present findings as they are regardless of your own personal opinion or manipulate participants to sway the truth on their views. So you make the recommendations to the hospital management as is.
After you meet with the administration, the director asks you "What is your opinion on this issue suggested by the workers? What do you recommend us to do as a hospital?" Promising your stand will not be used against you as an employee, briefly explain/state your perspective on this (about 350 words).

Answer 1

Answer: As a researcher in quality and operations management, my role is to provide evidence-based recommendations that prioritize the health and safety of all patients. While it is understandable that health workers are frustrated and exhausted due to the increased number of COVID-19 patients in hospitals, it is not appropriate to deny treatment to unvaccinated patients who are in need of medical care. This goes against the fundamental principle of healthcare, which is to provide treatment to all patients regardless of their personal beliefs or choices.

Moreover, it is important to recognize that vaccine hesitancy or refusal is a complex issue that involves many factors, including misinformation, fear, and lack of access to vaccines. Rather than blaming or punishing unvaccinated patients, the hospital should work to address the root causes of vaccine hesitancy and provide education and resources to help patients make informed decisions about their health.

In addition, it is crucial for hospitals to allocate resources effectively and efficiently to ensure that all patients receive timely and appropriate care. This may involve reorganizing workflows, prioritizing high-risk patients, and implementing strategies to reduce wait times and increase bed capacity. Furthermore, addressing the issues of worker burnout and staffing shortages is essential to ensure that healthcare professionals can provide high-quality care to all patients.

Overall, my perspective is that the hospital should prioritize patient-centered care and provide treatment to all patients in need, regardless of their vaccination status. At the same time, the hospital should address the underlying issues that contribute to vaccine hesitancy and optimize resource allocation to ensure efficient and effective care.