Alert captures front-line voices during pandemic crisis

The latest Sentinel Event Alert from the Joint Commission summarizes more than 2,000 comments from health care workers, their loved ones and other community members collected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fear of staff shortages, getting sick and bringing the virus home were among the most common concerns expressed by health care workers. The alert contains recommendations to help organizations address these concerns. “While vaccinations offer an opportunity to end the pandemic, health care organizations have a responsibility to support their workers’ well-being for the long term,” said Joint Commission officer Ana Pujols McKee, MD. (Joint Commission news release, 2/2/21)