These are very difficult and different times we are living in. The pandemic is affecting the world causing death and economic destruction. Therefore, it has become imperative to keep ourselves updated with all the latest occurrences in the healthcare sector by following the health care news. In recent times, a number of happenings have been reported in the healthcare services sector.
FDA authorized the Pfizer-Biotech Vaccine for COVID-19
The advisors from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cast votes on Thursday and decided to authorize the Pfizer-Biotech vaccine to be used in emergencies during the pandemic. The White House has been pushing the leader of the FDA to either step down or approve the vaccine immediately.
Many home health operators are currently crafting their protocols for this Covid-19 vaccine, including if employee vaccinations should be mandated or not.
Rising Fatigue Errors in Bayada Home Health Care Employees
It was reported in the home health care news that the Bayada Home Health Care and its workers who provide in-home services had used all PPE (personal protective equipment) in a week, which was meant for the whole year.
The CEO of Bayada Home Health Care, David Baiada, said in an interview that another problem we are greatly suffering from right now is fatigue. This facility comprises 26,000 employees. However, such a big number is still insufficient to manage increasing coronavirus patients. It has started to affect the capabilities of this facility. The rising fatigue and burnout of medical professionals is leading towards growing errors and mistakes.
The Cares Act
The CARES Act has enabled physician assistants, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse practitioners to confirm eligibility for providing home health care. This act was driven by the Home Health Care Planning Improvement Act that was presented in April 2019. Before this act, a physician had to certify and re-certify home health care services, which caused heavy delays.
The demand of Home-Based Health Care Services to prioritize their Workers for Vaccine
Various national advocacy organizations that provide in-house care services have united to conduct the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The group penned a letter to the chairman of ACIP, Dr. Jose Romero, in which they emphasized that older adults, people facing underlying medical problems, and essential workers must be given prioritized access to the COVID-19 vaccine.
A number of home health care associations have joined hands to form an alliance. These include NAHC, PQHH, HCAOA, and others. The industry is much motivated to offer its shoulders to others in these much needed times.
2021 Increasing Shift towards Home-Based Health Care Services
The medical analysts have researched and analyzed that 2021 will be highly shaped by the effects of Covid-19. Particularly, the industry of home health care will be less siloed and will move towards advanced technology.
The CEO and founder of Alaya Care, Adrian Schauer, said in an interview that the events of this year will most probably make the caregiving career more sought-after and attract more and more medical professionals towards home-based health care services.
The home health and personal care industries have been trying to boost the scope of their careers. It is expected by medical experts that the shift towards in-house health care services will accelerate in 2021 for sure.
