Summer 2021
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President's Message
By Toni Clare Hogencamp MD
 |
Dr. Hogencamp |
It is hard to believe it has been more than 15 months since the world plunged into locked-down states to help flatten the COVID curve. Masks are slowly being removed thanks to worldwide collaboration on COVID testing, vaccine discovery, production, and distribution. There is greater hope on the horizon as vaccines are tested and approved for the pediatric population. This is in contrast to the influenza pandemic in 1918 - the influenza virus was not successfully isolated until 1933, and the first influenza vaccine wasn’t used on a mass scale until 1944!
Healthcare was uniquely challenged with having too many COVID patients while at the same time having too few outpatients. During this short time, we have seen rapid innovation in telemedicine, telecommuting and tele-schooling. These services have been met with high consumer, patient, and provider satisfaction, and will persist after the pandemic comes to an end (maybe with the exception of tele-schooling). While telemedicine is not perfect for every patient in every situation, there are fewer limitations than were initially expected.
While the direct impact of COVID to children’s physical health was low, the pandemic has brought notable challenges to children’s mental health. While some of these challenges will be overcome with reopening and reengagement, there will be long lasting impact on children, requiring the need for greater focus on mental well-being.
There are some positive signs of change as we move through spring. Children are returning to sports and activities – much needed for their physical and emotional well-being. Urgent care volumes are showing signs of recovery. We are seeing the reemergence of ‘common ailments’- gastro, croup and seasonal allergies. At the same time, many urgent care practices are re-evaluating their current operations and scope, looking for ways to mitigate any future declines in patient volume by expanding services.
Is your practice planning any changes as a result of the pandemic? SPUC is looking forward to exploring and supporting the future of pediatric urgent care with you.
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