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Published on: Apr 04, 2020
2 minute read
By: Dr Rajan Choudhary

COVID-19 LOCKDOWN !

As the cases continue to increase worldwide more and more countries have begun to take drastic measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In some places it is clear containment is no longer achievable, as too many people have become infected and the natural exponential increase in number of cases is inevitable. Now the focus switches to damage mitigation.

We first saw this in Wuhan, with city wide quarantine measures. Then Italy enacted similar measures, now extending across the country with all non-essential services and businesses closed for the foreseeable future. The Italian health service has become strained with the rising patient load, with reports of drastic measures taken in hospitals including conversion of operating theatres into intensive care bays. We have previously discussed the effect this has had on the Italian economy.

A NEW EPICENTRE

With Europe now seen as the “epicentre” of the pandemic, other countries have begun following suit. Spain is the second hardest hit country in Europe, with 6,000 infections and nearly 200 deaths. After a lengthy meeting of the government cabinet, the Spanish PM has enacted a partial lockdown of the country, with the use of armed forces on standby to assist. This includes closure of all shops except those selling food and basic necessities, reduction in medium-distance rail traffic to stem the spread of people around the country, and economic measures to support business workers.

France has also shut down all non-essential businesses, with food shops, chemists, banks and petrol stations remaining unaffected. The PM urged a reduction in travel amongst the population, and to enact “social distancing”. Germany has 3,800 cases but remarkably has only had 8 deaths so far. Berlin has banned all public and private events with more than 50 participants, with similar bans occurring in other cities across the countries.

So what do they hope to achieve with such measures? At first people were advised to take measures to wash hands, practice basic hygiene, self-quarantine if developing symptoms. But it became apparent this was not enough. Social distancing and lockdowns further reduce the spread of the virus by drastically reducing the number of people out in public, the number of interactions they can have. Schools and universities act as breeding grounds for infections, large congregations amongst which respiratory infections can spread like wildfire.

SHUT DOWN EVERYTHING

Lockdown also carries great political power. People respond well to drastic action, rather than soft recommendations to slightly change their daily habit with washing hands and increased hygiene. This is why masks have been so popular amongst the populous. It is decisive, it is visible. It is however NOT recommended by the WHO and most governments to wear as it is unnecessary unless around infected patients, and increased demands is straining supply for medical professionals and those who truly need it.

Similarly, Lockdown is a decisive action. It reassures the population that something is being done, that the government is taking the IT seriously. But it is not a cure to COVID. It is a plaster, a temporary stopping measure, one that cannot continue indefinitely. Shutting businesses can seriously affect the economy, affect people’s income and subsequently prevent them from paying off mortgages or loans. Forcing children to stay at home can affect their education, parents have to choose whether to work or look after their unsupervised kids.

It’s true that lockdown is now a necessity in some countries, and the lockdown of the Hubei province and parts of China was credited with significantly slowing down the spread of COVID. But it will not stop the viral spread completely. For this reason the UK has adopted an alternate strategy, one that we will discuss in our next blog.

Dr Rajan Choudhary, London UK

Head Of Products, Second Medic Inc

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Monthly Field Day with Patients & Staff: Building Trust, Engagement, and Wellbeing

Healthcare is built on relationships. While diagnosis, treatment and technology are critical, the human connection between patients and healthcare staff remains central to healing and recovery. A Monthly Field Day with Patients & Staff is a thoughtful initiative designed to strengthen these relationships by creating opportunities for interaction outside routine clinical environments.

In today’s healthcare systems, patient engagement and staff wellbeing are recognised as essential components of quality care. Monthly field days provide a structured yet informal platform to support both.

What Is a Monthly Field Day with Patients & Staff?

A Monthly Field Day is a planned engagement event where patients and healthcare staff come together to participate in non-clinical activities. These events focus on:

interaction
wellbeing
communication
community-building

They are not medical appointments but shared experiences that promote trust and understanding.

Why Field Days Matter in Healthcare

Healthcare Is Emotionally Demanding

Patients often experience anxiety, fear and uncertainty. Staff face long hours, emotional stress and high responsibility. Field days offer a space for:

relaxed interaction
emotional connection
mutual understanding

This humanises care delivery.

Strengthening Patient–Staff Trust

Trust grows through:

open communication
shared experiences
consistent engagement

Field days reduce perceived barriers between patients and healthcare teams.

Benefits for Patients

Improved Comfort and Confidence

Patients feel more at ease when they know the people involved in their care beyond clinical roles.

Better Engagement in Care

Engaged patients are more likely to:

ask questions
follow care plans
attend follow-ups

This leads to improved health outcomes.

Emotional and Social Wellbeing

Social interaction, light activity and positive experiences support mental and emotional health, especially for patients with chronic conditions.

Benefits for Healthcare Staff

Reduced Burnout

Regular non-clinical engagement helps:

reduce emotional fatigue
restore motivation
improve job satisfaction

Stronger Team Relationships

Shared activities strengthen teamwork and communication among staff members.

Renewed Sense of Purpose

Seeing patients outside stressful clinical settings reinforces the meaningful impact of healthcare work.

Organisational Benefits

Enhanced Patient-Centered Culture

Field days reinforce values of empathy, accessibility and respect.

Improved Patient Satisfaction

Trust and familiarity contribute to better patient experiences and feedback.

Better Communication and Feedback

Informal settings encourage honest dialogue, helping organisations understand patient needs and expectations.

Activities Commonly Included in Field Days

Wellness Activities

gentle exercises
stretching or yoga
breathing sessions

Educational Interactions

health awareness talks
preventive care discussions
lifestyle guidance

Recreational and Social Activities

group games
creative sessions
interactive challenges

These activities promote joy, connection and inclusion.

Inclusivity and Accessibility

Effective field days are:

inclusive of different age groups
adaptable for physical limitations
culturally sensitive
welcoming and non-competitive

Inclusivity ensures meaningful participation for all.

Why Monthly Frequency Works Best

Monthly scheduling:

maintains continuity
builds long-term trust
prevents disengagement
supports gradual relationship building

Consistency transforms engagement into culture.

Evidence Supporting Engagement Initiatives

Research shows that:

patient engagement improves health outcomes
staff wellbeing reduces errors and burnout
relationship-based care enhances satisfaction

Global health frameworks emphasise people-centred care models.

Measuring the Impact of Field Days

Impact can be evaluated through:

patient feedback
staff engagement surveys
participation rates
qualitative testimonials

Regular assessment helps refine the program.

Implementing a Successful Monthly Field Day

Key elements include:

leadership support
clear objectives
simple, inclusive activities
consistent scheduling
feedback-driven improvement

Success depends on commitment rather than scale.

Long-Term Impact on Healthcare Culture

Over time, Monthly Field Days contribute to:

stronger trust
improved communication
better morale
enhanced care experience

They reinforce the idea that healthcare is a partnership between people.

Conclusion

A Monthly Field Day with Patients & Staff is more than an engagement activity—it is a meaningful investment in trust, wellbeing and human connection. By creating shared experiences beyond clinical settings, healthcare organisations strengthen relationships that directly influence care quality and satisfaction. In an environment often driven by efficiency and outcomes, monthly field days remind us that compassion, communication and community remain at the heart of effective healthcare.

References

World Health Organization (WHO) – People-Centred Care and Patient Engagement
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Patient Experience and Care Quality Studie
Lancet – Patient–Provider Relationships and Health Outcomes
National Health Systems Resource Centre – Community Engagement in Healthcare
Indian Journal of Healthcare Management – Staff Wellbeing and Patient Satisfaction
Statista – Healthcare Engagement and Experience Trends

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