Rapid decision-making during pandemic brings ongoing benefits

The rapid decision-making process, which Atlanta’s Emory Health System began using during the COVID-19 pandemic, is here to stay, according to Sharon Pappas, PhD, RN, the system’s chief nurse executive. An AONL member, Pappas told HealthLeaders Media how during the past year, the system’s eight chief nurses used regular huddles to make decisions in record time. Because they trusted each other to bring accurate information to the meetings and to speak up if they had concerns, the group was able to take action to streamline documentation and support families who were excluded from visiting loved ones because of infection control protocols. The group continued to circle back to their professional governance councils and to refine decisions based on their feedback. Moving forward, Emory’s chief nurses plan to continue the huddles on a weekly basis. (HealthLeaders Media article, 5/24/21)