As we close out 2020 and kick off a new year, it’s a time to look back and reflect on what has been a year unlike any other. Through the challenges and uncertainty of living in a global pandemic, we have been reflecting on what we have to be thankful for.
All of us at Health Language are extremely grateful to all of the many essential and front-line workers who have served our families, friends, and communities throughout 2020, and will continue to do so in 2021.
Our seasoned team of content experts has shared a few thoughts on what they’re thankful for in 2020:
Lisa Wolf, RN, Content Analyst and Client Specialist, Health Language
What am I thankful for in 2020? I am thankful for so much, despite the challenging times we are in. Being part of a team that has worked so hard to deliver needed standards-based content and normalized data to our clients during these trying times of pandemic and social unrest has truly been rewarding. I am very thankful for all our colleagues, family, and, friends who are working tirelessly on the front, back, and side-lines helping those in need.
I am also thankful that the World Health Organization declared 2020 the “International Year of the Nurse and Midwife” in honor of the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth. Florence was instrumental in ensuring quality patient care, and introduced best practices in hygiene to reduce the spread of disease. She also made it her mission to train the next generation of nurses, reminding them always to serve with compassion. How fitting, indeed.
These days of pandemic and social unrest are much like times past. We again are faced with much adversity and have lost so many care providers, family members, friends, and neighbors. Yet I see hope for a brighter future where compassion and care prevail, one where we value each other, and honor lives lost by carrying forward the mission. I am hopeful and thankful!
Holly Van Kleeck, RN, Senior Content Analyst, Health Language
I am grateful that the Regenstrief team reacted quickly to create new lab test codes for public health use to track the new COVID-19 outbreak. The LOINC® codes have been important to track cases of COVID-19, and help public health leaders create strategies to address the pandemic.
Cheryl Mason, Director of Content and Informatics, Health Language
I am thankful for the HHS’s continued efforts to move the industry towards greater interoperability. With the two interoperability rules released in May of this year, patients are poised to be more in control of their health information than ever before. While full implementation is still 2-3 years out, this is great momentum and will allow for the right data to be accessed by the right people at the right time leading to higher quality care at lower cost and higher patient and provider satisfaction. To put a nice bow on the year, the ONC released its year strategic plan that puts patients at the center of the healthcare ecosystem.
Mary Rawson, RN, Senior Content Consultant, Health Language
I’m thankful to the National Library of Medicine for the work they do to enhance SNOMED CT’s already diverse offering of disorder and finding concepts, by adding additional US Extension SNOMED CT concepts to meet the needs of users in the American health care system. This kind of work by standard bodies improves patient care and helps add to correct health care data for now and the future.
David Klaversma, Content Consultant, Health Language
After some family health issues recently, I am thankful for all of the providers who work so hard to keep us COVID-free while providing excellent medical care. We are so lucky to continue to be able to access healthcare during a global pandemic.
Katie Sutton RHIT, CCS, Senior Content Consultant, Health Language
I am thankful for the quick action of the standard bodies to created new coronavirus codes. Not only for diagnosis but new procedures and vaccines. Their quick action will allow for a better patient experience and better research after this pandemic is over.
Lastly, we are thankful as a team for our clients new and old. You have taught us so much and continue to help us understand and learn from the vast world of healthcare. We are grateful for your questions and your consistent pushing for us to do better and provide more. We look forward with hopeful eyes to 2021 and beyond. Thank you from all of us.
