The one certainty we can expect from the outcomes of COVID-19 is change. The outbreak will become a historic event that our children’s children will learn about in the ‘new’ education system. I would suspect anyone reading this blog has been inundated with opinions on social media. Whether you believe in the scientific approach to COVID or conspiracy theories, the one thing we must know is change will come with our understanding of this historic event. It has been cited that most of us have not been through a historic event of this magnitude in our lifetime.
With all that has been brought upon us in the world everyone is affected. Whether it be the ability to see our loved ones regularly or having to change our everyday routines. I am married to a Registered Nurse and have both friends and family who are on the frontlines of the pandemic. So first, I want to say I am praying for the world as we know it, for all of those effected either firsthand or otherwise.
We all have our opinions on how we will emerge through the history unfolding in front of us. We will have to be strong as humans to overcome both lost lives as well as the impact on our economy in the coming months and years. Staying mentally strong will be imperative to beating this devastating virus.
The virus has brought about many uncomfortable conversations for people no matter what your opinion. Front-line personnel, neighbors, families, etc. discussing if our children should be allowed to play with one another or what businesses are essential vs. non-essential. There are many variables to take into account to make a sound decision for each individual’s well-being. The safety of humankind vs. long term wellness being compromised by job loss and economic hardship. How does one make the proper decision? How could your decision affect the safety of others? How could your livelihood be affected by decisions upheld by the government?
I do not claim to have any of the answers, other than that the future will bring change based on how we have reacted to a devasting virus that has taken over the world. What is the correct response to COVID, obviously there are many trains of thought during this time?
Personally, I am fortunate to still be working and receiving a paycheck, though at the same time I feel guilty towards those that have been furloughed or laid-off due to these unforeseen circumstances. The previous two weeks, I was not able to visit with my children due to their mother being suspected of having the virus, so they all had to self-quarantine. Until there are enough tests for the general population to determine true positive cases, it’s difficult to open the economy at the potential cost of life. Admittedly, I would not want to have to be making that decision as a President, Prime Minister, or any other elected official, choosing between life of citizens vs. the impact on the economy. There are so many variables that must be weighed, and there may not really be a correct answer.
As a salesperson in healthcare, I have had many uncomfortable conversations, empathizing with healthcare personnel on the current impact of the virus. Though as we move forward, and change based on this historic event, we will have to overcome the challenge that has been placed on humanity.
Here is what I do know, the software solutions Extract Systems provides can make impactful change regarding providing efficient document workflows for the testing of COVID-19. This could be by reviewing lab order entry documents for input into a laboratory software or inputting non-interfaced lab results for a downstream EMR databases to track and trend those affected. Regardless of how things play out, I am fortunate to be a part of change taking place to be able to contribute to scientific data that will reveal the logical truth of the capabilities of a debilitating virus that has overtaken the world as we know it.
About the Author: Shane Dickson
Shane is the Regional Business Development Manager at Extract with more than 13 years of experience in the healthcare marketplace. His healthcare background includes managed care, regulatory guidelines, quality analytics, and EMR software solutions in a number of modalities. He earned a Bachelor’s degree from St. Norbert College while playing DIII collegiate hockey. Shane takes pride in listening to customers workflow issues to provide sound software solutions long-term.