Hospital tech workers adapt to significant changes working on the front lines during pandemic

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – Hospital tech workers who are working on the front lines during this pandemic are being forced to make significant changes in order to keep up with the surge in patient demand.

Tech workers for Care New England who work at both Kent Hospital and Women and Infants, say they have had to shift their focus.

They have gone from working on operating systems and patient information portals to setting up IT for surge sites.

In addition, workers have provided the technology for remote communications between patients and their families.

“Our life has really changed from you know trying to think strategically, to trying to think day today about what’s needed to take care of our patients. My most important concern really are how we can provide the technology needed to take care of our patients and also to keep our IT folks as safe as possible.” Said, Phil Kahn, Chief Information Officer at Care New England.

The IT workers also help set up telehealth services in order for doctors and nurses to connect with patients at home as well.