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

THE CHALLENGES FACED IN MAKING A VACCINE FOR COVID-19 — Part 2

Previously we’ve seen the difficulties researches face in trying to make a vaccine. But even if we make a vaccine, that’s just half the battle. Viruses are unique because they can mutate, and they can mutate to astonishing degrees. In humans mutations to tiny parts of our DNA can cause severe diseases or even death. In viruses mutations can change their structure, making them more infective and giving them a new coat. It gives them a survival advantage, the ability to evade our immune system and make our vaccines ineffective. This is why we need a new flu vaccine every year.

If it takes months to a year to develop a vaccine, it will be based off the virus found in December 2019. By this time the virus may have spread and mutated to such a degree that it is not effective. This does not mean all the effort was for nothing. Going through the steps and understanding the issues faced with making a COVID-19 vaccine can make the process quicker for subsequent vaccines against its mutated versions.

https://www.sciencealert.com/who-says-a-coronavirus-vaccine-is-18-months-away So Long to Develop a Vaccine

FAILURES FROM THE PAST

These issues were faced during the Ebola and Zika virus epidemics, and many large companies are understandably hesitant to develop vaccines for COVID-19. Ebola first broke out in 2014, and it was only in December 2019 that the first vaccine was approved for use by the European Commission and the United States. This is despite multiple large institutes in Canada and the UK working together to develop it.

13 different Ebola vaccine candidates had been identified soon after the outbreak, but none had been tested on humans. Unfortunately this is the most expensive part of development, and the area biopharmecuticals stand to loose the most money. Return on investments is also low, since epidemics usually take place in poorer countries, and the potential customers are unable to pay the high prices for these brand new treatments. It is an unfortunate realisation that research into medicines is driven by rich countries, for diseases that affect the rich.

https://newint.org/features/web-exclusive/2016/06/16/why-did-the-market-fail-to-produce-an-ebola-vaccine Ebola

WHERE ARE WE NOW?

This is all well and good, but what does it mean for COVID-19? We know we cannot rush a vaccine, because a poorly designed vaccine with unknown side effects can cause more harm than good, especially if given to children or the elderly. Currently the WHO are tracking 31 different attempts at making a COVID-19 vaccine, using different methods as discussed before. All of these are currently in the pre-clinical stage, focusing on isolating parts of the virus and creating a target the body will recognise and react to.

Researchers at the University of Queensland were one of the first to start using the genetic code of COVID-19, released openly by Chinese researchers. They have developed a test vaccine within 6 weeks using state-of-the-art genetic techniques, used for the first time. If animal models prove successful then human testing might begin within 6 months. In the pharmaceutical industry advancements this quick are almost unheard of.

Additionally over 293 clinical trials are taking place in China using existing drugs on the market. The advantage is we already know these drugs are safe to use in humans, but we are trying to work out if they will work against COVID-19. Some scientists are also looking at medications that were initially developed against SARS and MERS, but never completed because these outbreaks died down and the medication was no longer required.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/china-recovered-develop-effective-covid-19-treatments-200302082850237.html COVID-19 treatments

https://www.who.int/blueprint/priority-diseases/key-action/novel-coronavirus-landscape-ncov.pdf?ua=1 WHO news

https://www.theverge.com/2020/2/28/21156385/covid-coronavirus-vaccine-treatment-moderna-remdesivir-research COVID-19 treatment

Its not all doom and gloom. Challenges drive innovation, and we are already benefitting from this. New forms of genetic sequencing, new methods for extracting viral proteins, new techniques in creating a vaccine. These innovations are already benefitting us on the drive to create an effective vaccine for COVID-19, and they will benefit us in the future when the next pandemic hits.

Dr Rajan Choudhary, Product Manager Second Medic UK

www.secondmedic.com

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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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