Aultman Hospital's Response to COVID-19 Challenges

This case study details Aultman Hospital's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the challenges faced and the strategies implemented to ensure patient and staff safety. Aultman Hospital, part of the Aultman Health Foundation, is a major healthcare provider in Stark County, Ohio, with over 1,000 beds and a large workforce. The hospital's Chief Technology Officer, Rafael Gonzalez, discusses the early actions taken, including the implementation of a shelter-in-place order in Ohio, which contributed to flattening the curve of infections. The case study outlines how Aultman adapted to the crisis by establishing virtual visitation programs to maintain connections between patients and their families, as well as enabling remote work for non-clinical staff through the deployment of virtual desktops. The financial impacts of the pandemic are also addressed, including pay cuts for executive staff and support from technology partners. Gonzalez emphasizes the need for innovative solutions and strategic rethinking for future challenges.