Authors

  1. Ives Erickson, Jeanette RN
  2. Allard, Michael BA, MGH
  3. Blanchfield, Bonnie ScD
  4. Hammond, John A. MGH
  5. Meyer, Gregg S. MD, MGB
  6. Boland, Giles W. MD, BWH
  7. Vanderwagen, Craig MD

Abstract

As hospitals across the world realized their surge capacity would not be enough to care for patients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) infection, an urgent need to open field hospitals prevailed. In this article the authors describe the implementation process of opening a Boston field hospital including the development of a culture unique to this crisis and the local community needs. Through first-person accounts, readers will learn (1) about Boston Hope, (2) how leaders managed and collaborated, (3) how the close proximity of the care environment impacted decision-making and management style, and (4) the characteristics of leaders under pressure as observed by the team.