Call the Team Together: How to Respond to Changing Guidance

To say that we live in a time of competing guidance and information would be an understatement. Media blasts consistently hit our social media feed and inboxes, and we are left to decide which direction to go.

We are seeing change at every level. Recently, the Pennsylvania Department of Health updated guidance related to viral infectious disease and return to work guidance for health care personnel. This guidance was last updated in 2022 during the pandemic, and many health care facilities welcome the necessary flexibility to address their staffing needs while prioritizing safe care. 

Changing vaccination guidance also has become somewhat high profile—particularly for COVID-19—and whether we need blanket recommendations or shared decision-making.

We are seeing some competing guidance for recommendations for vaccinations that have been in the news. In contrast, health care facilities often have established policies around vaccination for new hires and for seasonal illnesses, such as influenza.

So how can your team navigate these issues?

Lessons from the pandemic

Despite the constant barrage of information, our response can likely be the same: calling our dynamic team together to update policies, address questions, and push that information out to staff. 

During the pandemic, employee health was pivotal in our response to changing guidance, sometimes monthly. Coupled with infectious disease nurses and practitioners, a comprehensive team was established.

One of the great benefits of being in health care is the well of talent that is present within our four walls. While many of our response teams include senior leaders, directors, and managers, don’t be afraid to get some frontline staff input. It can be beneficial in answering and anticipating questions prior to new guidance being rolled out.

And if you are looking for a place to network with other health care providers to discuss issues such as this along with other challenges, I have just the place for you, at HAP’s Patient Safety, Quality, and Equity Symposium and Emergency Management Conference.  We look forward to seeing you there.

For more information, contact Ryan Weaver, MBA, BSN, RN, CPPS, CHEP, manager, emergency management.