This panel will be held during the two-day Emergency Preparedness Forum set for April 11-12 in North Little Rock. 

1.5 ACHE Face-to-Face Panel: Crisis Management: Strategies to Effectively Manage a Healthcare Organization

Panel:

• Shawn Barnett, President/CEO, CHI St. Vincent North, Sherwood

• Lesley Butler, RN, BSN, Director of Risk Management and Regulatory Affairs, Washington Regional Medical Center, Fayetteville (Moderator)

• Brian Thomas, President & CEO, Jefferson Regional, Pine Bluff

• Birch Wright, MPA, Chief Operating Officer and Hospital Administrator, Washington Regional Medical Center, Fayetteville

Preparing for an unplanned or unexpected event, such as an active shooter, patient to staff violence, staff to staff violence, civil disturbances, natural disasters, or pandemics causes physical, psychological and emotional stresses that can overwhelm employees, medical staff, patients and communities. In the event of a crisis, the quality and efficiency of care delivery may be challenged and typically takes a toll on every part of the organization. Lack of the unknown or uncertainty is also a challenge that healthcare leaders face in the time of crisis.

This panel discussion will provide insight and perspectives on ways to manage an unforeseen crisis within the healthcare organization and its community. It will include how healthcare leaders can better prepare and respond to a community or healthcare crisis, or health surge event or unanticipated response.