Q&A: Remote work after the COVID-19 pandemic

Q: Is your CDI team going back to onsite work or staying remote even after the COVID-19 crisis has subsided? How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your CDI department for the long run? 

A: There are many different work models for facilities and their CDI department as the COVID-19 pandemic continues and cases ebb and flow.

CDI departments may choose to transition from fully remote to a hybrid model. Hospital executives often like to see personnel onsite when possible, and the CDI team presence can be useful for physician engagement. One way to implement a hybrid model is to have your CDI team members be onsite particular days. For example, staff may rotate onsite and remote responsibilities or work from home on set days per week.

Of course, some CDI departments may choose to continue with fully remote staff, but this can run the risk of decreased physician engagement and education since CDI staff permanently lose the face-to-face interaction with physicians. Virtual education sessions and video calls can assist with physician education when remote though, it just may take some getting used to.

Team spirit and engagement might also drop when everyone is working remotely full time, often leading a team to feel like they are working independently as individuals rather than as a close-knit group.

No matter the model adopted, CDI leaders should work to streamline communication and connection between their staff members and with physicians.

Editor’s note: This question and answer were adapted from a thread on the ACDIS Forum. To learn more about participating on the Forum, click here.