Value of clinical engagement in the NSW Health response to COVID-19.

Lyons, Nigel; Cox, Cathryn; Clements, Vanessa

Clinical engagement has been critical to the NSW Health response to COVID-19, with clinicians across the state working together at a scale and pace not seen before. Since mid-March 2020, 30 COVID-19 Communities of Practice (COPs) have been established, bringing together over 3500 clinicians and other members across 30 different clinical specialties to inform and support a consistent statewide response to the pandemic. COPs share issues, escalate priorities and develop evidence-based guidance on a range of topics. This article provides practical insights into the value of clinical leadership and engagement in a time of crisis. It describes the role of COVID-19 COPs, what they have achieved and their importance in supporting the ongoing pandemic response in New South Wales.