Role of Advisors in Times of crisis

[Claudia Hernandez]

Good afternoon everyone

I hope all of you and your families are keeping safe and healthy.

I have been thinking about advisors engagement during times of crisis. Some organizations cancelled all activities , other moved to continue working with advisory groups, councils and committees online. It seems to me that although many/ all organizations have a well oiled engagement in crisis strategy, the role of the advisors is not there, and wondering if advisors have been involved at all when developing those strategies.

I wonder ......

1- Does your organization involve advisors in the plan and development of the emergency strategy in times of crisis?

2- If so, what are the areas and roles where advisors support the organization during crisis?

3- What recommendations would you give to those organizations that do not have a plan to involve advisors in time of crisis.

Thanks

Claudia

[Sandra Holdsworth]

I’m surprised no one replied to this question. Must have been missed. It is known among many patient partners, which I am one, that patients and caregivers were in many situations not included in pandemic planning or if they were they were brought in late, which is common in healthcare.

i think it’s very important for the Caregivers voice to be heard during these times for how their loved ones are being cared for, especially in LTC Homes, and the restrictions to see their loved ones & know how they’re doing. Caregivers are more than visitors. As we move forward with any new guidelines, or a complete review, like here in Ontario, caregiver input needs to be included.

PACs that were already in place in hospitals should have been included as well.

Hopefully someday soon patient, family, caregivers, etc voices will be listened to in all areas of healthcare. They can’t say they are offering patient centred care with hearing what patients need.

[John Shaw]

My in cancer centre volunteer time is suspended until the health authority says we can return but my role as a PFA continues with meetings via Zoom and contact by email and phone which are proving to be productive.

I agree with most of the restrictions on caregivers and accompanying a patient for treatment or procedures. Hospital staffs in some areas are under considerable strain and asking individual hospitals to adjudicate who should or should not be allowed in is not practical. A blanket policy is best for coping with a virus so easily spread.

Here is a short article by a doctor on the topic that presents the very difficult side of a blanket policy: http://cmajblogs.com/revisiting-the-no-visitors-policy/?fbclid=IwAR00kEQNNPamQpFr2rv6Ba-UbcebwsEWHvApJOmTPfY7X01G3Ba9wgcK8DM

[Claudia Hernandez]

Thank you John and Sandra, I appreciate your comments and resources. I hope that we can elevate the presence of advisors at high level tables to ensure we are included in emergency preparedness plans.