BHA499 case 2

BHA499 Case 2: Frontline Health Care Workers Student’s Name Professor’s Name Institutional Affiliations Course Name and Number Due Date BHA499 Case 2: Frontline Health Care Workers The COVID-19 pandemic had a widespread impact on identifying fundamental aspects of healthcare that require continuous improvements to keep nations alert and prepared to combat outbreaks of similar magnitudes. Orhierhor et al. (2023) reveal that the complications that ensued after the declaration of the disease uncovered persistent loopholes in healthcare systems, including the need for interprofessional collaboration and the essential role of frontline healthcare providers in improving quality health outcomes. Zarska et al. (2021) support this observation by underscoring that nurses, nursing aides, home health assistants, and other workers in this category contribute to the continued improvement of health systems in diverse ways. Thus, this research explores the value of frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) and the lessons arising from COVID-19 about their impact on healthcare systems. Importance of Frontline HCWs Frontline HCWs influence the current healthcare landscape’s structuring, service provision, and health outcomes. Zarska et al. (2021) refer to these professionals as the “eyes and ears” in health facilities because of their proximity and dynamic interactions with patients, management, and other practitioners (2). Their direct and continuous monitoring of patients makes them informative and conversant with fundamental healthcare needs critical for transforming institutions such as the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home. Trends reveal that frontline HCWs assisted the management in recognizing the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic and informed emergency measures implemented in controlling the outbreak. For instance, Orhierhor et al. (2023) highlight their inputs in understanding preventative measures such as personal protective equipment, the need for increased staffing, and other resources. Although they remain overlooked in the system, Zarska et al. (2021) confirm that their understanding of thresholds that facilities should reach to improve care outcomes has informed management decisions such as routine training, supervisory requirements, and appropriate working hours. Orhierhor et al. (2023) add that their inputs on police-related issues transformed the response measures during the pandemic. As a result, they contribute to gradually improving healthcare processes, emphasizing their importance in the complex modern healthcare environment. Did the Soldiers’ Home Leadership Fail to Protect the Staff? A reflection of the occurrences reported in the Soldiers’ Home response approaches during COVID-19 reveals gaps that confirm the leadership’s failure to protect the healthcare workers. The class discussions and resources heightened the negligence of the leaders in communicating openly and recognizing the gravity of the outbreak. The undermining strategy emphasized by the lack of substantive response or preventative plans exposed the practitioners to a poor working environment while caring for the veterans. Such an aspect contrasts Orhierhor et al.’s (2023) indication of the need for thorough strategies for effective service provision during the pandemic. Leaving the healthcare workers vulnerable to the disease by refusing to supply them with appropriate PPEs underlines the extent of leadership failure. Other notable shortcomings comprise the understaffing levels that increased the workload and vi...