Rhode Island medical journal (2013)
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Field hospitals have long been used to extend health care capabilities in times of crisis. In response to the pandemic and an anticipated surge in patients, Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo announced a plan to create three field hospitals, or "alternate hospital sites" (AHS), totaling 1,000 beds, in order to expand the state's hospital capacity. ⋯ After discussions with many stakeholders - pharmacy, laboratory, healthcare providers, security, emergency medical services, and infection control - design and equipment recommendations were given to the architects during daily teleconferencing and site visits. Specific patient criteria for the LAHS were established, staffing was prioritized, and clinical protocols were designed to facilitate care. Simulations using 4 different scenarios were practiced in order to assure proper patient care and flow, pharmacy utilization, and staffing.
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The recent changes to expand the permissible scope of medical student documentation draw ample parallels to historical efforts to increase the clinical role of medical learners. While the expanded role of medical student documentation holds the potential for increased community preceptorship and enhanced medical student participation in patient care, it also comes with possible consequences for preceptors, students, and patients. The authors posit that while the rule changes represent important steps forward, further guidance around how these rules are to be implemented will be necessary before the healthcare system can reap their full benefit.