Florence Nightingale Shaped COVID Care

Learn more about how Florence Nightingale helped us through early COVID pandemic response as part of our Women in Science Series!

florence nightingale covid 19
medical device REGULATORY submissions
PHARMA & BIOLOGICS REGULATORY SUBMISSIONS
TECHNOLOGY
GLOBAL INSIGHTS
DEI IN REGULATORY WRITING
GLOBAL Culture Team
February 29, 2024

This Women’s History Month, GLOBAL employees will highlight how women revolutionized science and medicine. In this blog post, Tracy Janus, Sr. VP of Regulatory Affairs & CMC, shares how century-old advice from Florence Nightingale helped us through the largest public health threat our generation has had to face.

Florence Nightingale (1820 – 1910) changed the face of nursing and healthcare globally and is regarded as the mother of modern nursing. She contributed significantly to the establishment of nursing as a respected profession for women. Her most famous book is titled "Notes on Nursing: What It Is, and What It Is Not." First published in 1859, the book aimed to improve the standards of nursing care and served as a basic instruction manual for student nurses.

However, her legacy extended beyond nursing into healthcare management, epidemiology, and public health. Nightingale’s work and philosophies have not only stood the test of time, but her teachings were instrumental in guiding policymakers and healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some examples:

  1. Importance of Statistical Analysis: Nightingale pioneered the use of statistical graphics to depict the causes of mortality, which allowed her to convince the British Government to improve hygiene practices in military hospitals. Today, statistical analysis is equally important for understanding COVID-19 trends and outcomes.(1)
  2. Preparedness and Planning: Nightingale emphasized the need for adequate preparations and contingency plans to manage diseases and injuries, especially during wars. This principle applies to pandemics, where countries and healthcare systems must be equipped to handle sudden increases in cases.(2)
  3. Healthcare Worker Protection: Nightingale fought for better working conditions, including lighting, heating, and ventilation, for her nurses during the Crimean War. Protecting healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic was similarly crucial to ensure they don't suffer harm while caring for infected patients.(3)
  4. Community Engagement and Communication: Nightingale collaborated with local populations and international actors to raise funds for her nursing projects. In the same vein, clear communication and collaboration with communities were essential during the pandemic to ensure proper public health measures are adopted.(4)
  5. Evidence-Based Decision Making: Nightingale drew on empirical evidence to shape her healthcare practices and policies. Similarly, evidence-based decision making and science-backed public health strategies were essential to combating the pandemic.(5)

Sources

Sources:

  1. Brasseur, L. (2019). Florence Nightingale, the First Female Data Analyst. Harvard Data Science Review, 1(2), 21-32.
  2. Hamric, A. B., Hanson, C. M., Tracy, M. F., & O'Grady, E. T. (Eds.). (2014). McCaffrey, Mary Elizabeth. In Textbook of Transitional Care for Children and Youth: Populations, Settings, Policy, and Practice (pp. 269-279). Springer Publishing Company.
  3. Boschma, G. (2016). Florence Nightingale and the Birth of Modern Nursing. Canadian Family Physician, 62(1), 22-23.
  4. Wilkins, K. (2016). Florence Nightingale and Public Health. Public Health Reviews, 37(1), 1-12.
  5. Roberts, M. E. (2002). Florence Nightingale and the Foundation of Modern Nursing Theory. Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 7(2).

The Latest

GLOBAL Resources

What Is an NDA?

For sponsors developing new therapies, one of the most critical milestones on the regulatory pathway is preparing and submitting a New Drug Application (NDA). While biologics require a Biologics License Application (BLA), small-molecule drugs follow the NDA process.

What Is a BLA?

The BLA is more than just an administrative step. It is the culmination of years of research, development, manufacturing, and clinical testing, and it represents the sponsor’s formal request that the FDA approve a biologic for commercial distribution in the United States.

Writing High-Quality CSRs: Common Pitfalls and How Expert Support Can Help

Whether you’re submitting to the FDA, EMA, or another authority, the CSR must tell a clear, compliant, and credible story of your trial. GLOBAL's Medical Writing team shares tips and tricks to get it right.

View More Resources from Global

Let's Get Started

GLOBAL provides trusted regulatory consulting , writing, and technology solutions to help manufacturers bring products to patients at a life saving pace. We’ll be with you every step of the way.

book a consultation
florence nightingale covid 19