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McLean KE. Ebola lessons: Did prior epidemic experience protect against the spread of COVID-19 in Sierra Leone? Med Anthropol Q 2024; 38:164-178. [PMID: 38386863 DOI: 10.1111/maq.12850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted a re-examination of public health preparedness with an emphasis on lessons learned following the West African Ebola epidemic. However, much of this work focuses on technological solutions rather than social learning. Drawing upon anthropological work, this paper examines how Sierra Leoneans prepared for COVID-19 through a lens of "embodied epidemic memory." Findings reveal that while people felt more empowered to respond to COVID-19 due to their past experiences, traumatic memories from the Ebola outbreak also sparked logics of fear and avoidance, driven by mistrust toward the state and its healthcare system. As a result, people avoided healthcare facilities, and rumors concerning government corruption threatened mitigation efforts. While local populations should be better leveraged for their existing epidemic expertise, greater attention is needed to the "higher hanging fruit" of preparedness: restoring trust in the government's ability to respond to epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen E McLean
- International Studies Program, College of Charleston, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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Prayoga W. Concurrent emergencies: overlapping Salmonella and COVID-19 concerns in public health strategies and preparedness. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1331052. [PMID: 38741915 PMCID: PMC11089248 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1331052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Windra Prayoga
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia
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Lee JS, Tyler ARB, Veinot TC, Yakel E. Now Is the Time to Strengthen Government-Academic Data Infrastructures to Jump-Start Future Public Health Crisis Response. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2024; 10:e51880. [PMID: 38656780 PMCID: PMC11079773 DOI: 10.2196/51880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
During public health crises, the significance of rapid data sharing cannot be overstated. In attempts to accelerate COVID-19 pandemic responses, discussions within society and scholarly research have focused on data sharing among health care providers, across government departments at different levels, and on an international scale. A lesser-addressed yet equally important approach to sharing data during the COVID-19 pandemic and other crises involves cross-sector collaboration between government entities and academic researchers. Specifically, this refers to dedicated projects in which a government entity shares public health data with an academic research team for data analysis to receive data insights to inform policy. In this viewpoint, we identify and outline documented data sharing challenges in the context of COVID-19 and other public health crises, as well as broader crisis scenarios encompassing natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies. We then argue that government-academic data collaborations have the potential to alleviate these challenges, which should place them at the forefront of future research attention. In particular, for researchers, data collaborations with government entities should be considered part of the social infrastructure that bolsters their research efforts toward public health crisis response. Looking ahead, we propose a shift from ad hoc, intermittent collaborations to cultivating robust and enduring partnerships. Thus, we need to move beyond viewing government-academic data interactions as 1-time sharing events. Additionally, given the scarcity of scholarly exploration in this domain, we advocate for further investigation into the real-world practices and experiences related to sharing data from government sources with researchers during public health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Sin Lee
- School of Information, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | | | - Tiffany Christine Veinot
- School of Information, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Learning Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Elizabeth Yakel
- School of Information, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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4
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Lawless JW, Diel DG, Wagner B, Cummings KJ, Meredith GR, Parrilla L, Plocharczyk EF, Lawlis R, Hillson S, Dalziel BD, Bethel JW, Lubchenco J, McLaughlin KR, Haggerty R, Higley KA, Nieto FJ, Radniecki TS, Kelly C, Sanders JL, Cazer CL. Representative Public Health Surveys Pose Several Challenges: Lessons Learned Across 9 Communities During the COVID-19 Pandemic. AJPM FOCUS 2024; 3:100198. [PMID: 38379957 PMCID: PMC10877119 DOI: 10.1016/j.focus.2024.100198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Community surveillance surveys offer an opportunity to obtain important and timely public health information that may help local municipalities guide their response to public health threats. The objective of this paper is to present approaches, challenges, and solutions from SARS-CoV-2 surveillance surveys conducted in different settings by 2 research teams. For rapid assessment of a representative sample, a 2-stage cluster sampling design was developed by an interdisciplinary team of researchers at Oregon State University between April 2020 and June 2021 across 6 Oregon communities. In 2022, these methods were adapted for New York communities by a team of veterinary, medical, and public health practitioners. Partnerships were established with local medical facilities, health departments, COVID-19 testing sites, and health and public safety staff. Field staff were trained using online modules, field manuals describing survey methods and safety protocols, and in-person meetings with hands-on practice. Private and secure data integration systems and public awareness campaigns were implemented. Pilot surveys and field previews revealed challenges in survey processes that could be addressed before surveys proceeded. Strong leadership, robust trainings, and university-community partnerships proved critical to successful outcomes. Cultivating mutual trust and cooperation among stakeholders is essential to prepare for the next pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne W. Lawless
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Diego G. Diel
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Bettina Wagner
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Kevin J. Cummings
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Genevive R. Meredith
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Lara Parrilla
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | | | | | | | - Benjamin D. Dalziel
- Department of Integrative Biology, College of Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
- Department of Mathematics, College of Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Jeffrey W. Bethel
- College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Jane Lubchenco
- Department of Integrative Biology, College of Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | | | - Roy Haggerty
- College of Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
- Department of Geology and Geophysics, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
| | - Kathryn A. Higley
- Center for Quantitative Life Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - F. Javier Nieto
- College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | | | - Christine Kelly
- College of Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Justin L. Sanders
- Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Casey L. Cazer
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
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5
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Song P, Adeloye D, Acharya Y, Bojude DA, Ali S, Alibudbud R, Bastien S, Becerra-Posada F, Berecki M, Bodomo A, Borrescio-Higa F, Buchtova M, Campbell H, Chan KY, Cheema S, Chopra M, Cipta DA, Castro LD, Ganasegeran K, Gebre T, Glasnović A, Graham CJ, Igwesi-Chidobe C, Iversen PO, Jadoon B, Lanza G, Macdonald C, Park C, Islam MM, Mshelia S, Nair H, Ng ZX, Htay MNN, Akinyemi KO, Parisi M, Patel S, Peprah P, Polasek O, Riha R, Rotarou ES, Sacks E, Sharov K, Stankov S, Supriyatiningsih W, Sutan R, Tomlinson M, Tsai AC, Tsimpida D, Vento S, Glasnović JV, Vokey LB, Wang L, Wazny K, Xu J, Yoshida S, Zhang Y, Cao J, Zhu Y, Sheikh A, Rudan I. Setting research priorities for global pandemic preparedness: An international consensus and comparison with ChatGPT's output. J Glob Health 2024; 14:04054. [PMID: 38386716 PMCID: PMC10869134 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.14.04054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background In this priority-setting exercise, we sought to identify leading research priorities needed for strengthening future pandemic preparedness and response across countries. Methods The International Society of Global Health (ISoGH) used the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative (CHNRI) method to identify research priorities for future pandemic preparedness. Eighty experts in global health, translational and clinical research identified 163 research ideas, of which 42 experts then scored based on five pre-defined criteria. We calculated intermediate criterion-specific scores and overall research priority scores from the mean of individual scores for each research idea. We used a bootstrap (n = 1000) to compute the 95% confidence intervals. Results Key priorities included strengthening health systems, rapid vaccine and treatment production, improving international cooperation, and enhancing surveillance efficiency. Other priorities included learning from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, managing supply chains, identifying planning gaps, and promoting equitable interventions. We compared this CHNRI-based outcome with the 14 research priorities generated and ranked by ChatGPT, encountering both striking similarities and clear differences. Conclusions Priority setting processes based on human crowdsourcing - such as the CHNRI method - and the output provided by ChatGPT are both valuable, as they complement and strengthen each other. The priorities identified by ChatGPT were more grounded in theory, while those identified by CHNRI were guided by recent practical experiences. Addressing these priorities, along with improvements in health planning, equitable community-based interventions, and the capacity of primary health care, is vital for better pandemic preparedness and response in many settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peige Song
- School of Public Health and Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, China
| | - Davies Adeloye
- School of Health & Life Sciences, Teesside University, UK
| | - Yubraj Acharya
- Department of Health Policy and Administration, The Pennsylvania State University, USA
| | | | - Sajjad Ali
- Department of Medicine, Ziauddin Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Rowalt Alibudbud
- Department of Sociology and Behavioral Sciences, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Marie Buchtova
- Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Harry Campbell
- Centre for Global Health, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Kit Yee Chan
- Centre for Global Health, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK
- School of Social Sciences, Monash University, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Lina Diaz Castro
- National Institute of Psychiatry Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Teshome Gebre
- The Task force for Global Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Anton Glasnović
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, Zagreb University School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Christopher J Graham
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | | | - Bismeen Jadoon
- Egyptian Representative, Committee of Fellows of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Oxford, UK, and Royal Berkshire Hospital, NHS, UK
| | - Giuseppe Lanza
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
- University of Catania, Italy
| | - Calum Macdonald
- Centre for Global Health, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Chulwoo Park
- Department of Public Health and Recreation, San José State University, San Jose, California, USA
| | | | | | - Harish Nair
- Centre for Global Health, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Zhi Xiang Ng
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Semenyih, Malaysia
| | - Mila Nu Nu Htay
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Manipal University College Malaysia, Melaka, Malaysia
| | | | | | - Smruti Patel
- Editor, Journal of Global Health Reports, Washington, USA
| | - Prince Peprah
- Social Policy Research Centre/Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ozren Polasek
- Croatian Science Foundation, Zagreb, Croatia
- Algebra University College, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Renata Riha
- Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Emma Sacks
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Konstantin Sharov
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | | | | | - Rosnah Sutan
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | | | - Dialechti Tsimpida
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, The University of Liverpool, UK
| | | | | | - Laura B Vokey
- Centre for Global Health, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Liang Wang
- Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kerri Wazny
- Children's Investment Fund Foundation, London, UK
| | - Jingyi Xu
- School of Health Humanities, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | | | | | - Jin Cao
- School of Public Health and Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, China
| | - Yajie Zhu
- School of Information Science and Technology, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Aziz Sheikh
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Igor Rudan
- Centre for Global Health, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK
- Croatian Science Foundation, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - International Society of Global Health (ISoGH)
- School of Public Health and Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, China
- School of Health & Life Sciences, Teesside University, UK
- Department of Health Policy and Administration, The Pennsylvania State University, USA
- Gombe State University, Gombe, Nigeria
- Department of Medicine, Ziauddin Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan
- Department of Sociology and Behavioral Sciences, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
- Public Health Development Organization, El Paso, USA
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia
- African Studies, University of Vienna, Austria
- Universidad Adolfo Ibañez, Santiago, Chile
- Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czechia
- Centre for Global Health, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK
- School of Social Sciences, Monash University, Australia
- Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar, Doha, Qatar
- The World Bank, Washington, USA
- Universitas Pelita Harapan, Jakarta, Indonesia
- National Institute of Psychiatry Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City, Mexico
- Seberang Jaya Hospital, Ministry of Health, Malaysia
- The Task force for Global Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, Zagreb University School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- University of Bradford, UK
- University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria
- Department of Nutrition, University of Oslo, Norway
- Egyptian Representative, Committee of Fellows of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Oxford, UK, and Royal Berkshire Hospital, NHS, UK
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
- University of Catania, Italy
- Department of Public Health and Recreation, San José State University, San Jose, California, USA
- University of Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Semenyih, Malaysia
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Manipal University College Malaysia, Melaka, Malaysia
- Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria
- Clemson University, USA
- Editor, Journal of Global Health Reports, Washington, USA
- Social Policy Research Centre/Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Croatian Science Foundation, Zagreb, Croatia
- Algebra University College, Zagreb, Croatia
- Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, UK
- Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Pasteur Institute, Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
- Children and Mother Health Movement Action, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, The University of Liverpool, UK
- University of Puthisastra, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Department of Hematology, Dubrava University Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia
- Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangzhou, China
- Children's Investment Fund Foundation, London, UK
- School of Health Humanities, Peking University, Beijing, China
- World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
- Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
- School of Information Science and Technology, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK
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Michenka P, Marx D. Hospital-Level COVID-19 Preparedness and Crisis Management in Czechia. Int J Public Health 2023; 68:1606398. [PMID: 38155687 PMCID: PMC10752954 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2023.1606398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the inadequacy of pandemic preparedness mechanisms worldwide. This study gathered comprehensive data from Czech hospitals, identified possible weaknesses in important areas of crisis preparedness, and quantified changes performed to enhance crisis resilience of healthcare facilities. Methods: Drawing on literature review on pandemic preparedness and hospital crisis management and detailed interviews with hospital representatives, a questionnaire was designed and distributed by email among quality managers of all Czech hospitals. Statistical analysis of their responses was conducted using EZR software. Fisher's exact test and Kruskal-Wallis test, with post hoc testing, were used to assess statistical significance. Results: Achieving response rate of 31.9%, responses from 65 hospitals were analysed. New crisis management policies were necessary in 72.3% of responding hospitals. Furthermore, a majority of the respondents changes indicated the need for changes in policies on general pandemic, human resources and infrastructure and material preparedness. Conclusion: The COVID-19 crisis required significant alterations to previously established hospital crisis management protocols and establishment of new ones. The absence of a unified system for crisis preparedness was noted at hospital and national levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Michenka
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - David Marx
- Department of Public Health, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
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Nyenswah TG, Skrip L, Stone M, Schue JL, Peters DH, Brieger WR. Documenting the development, adoption and pre-ebola implementation of Liberia's integrated disease surveillance and response (IDSR) strategy. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2093. [PMID: 37880607 PMCID: PMC10601278 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17006-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the immediate aftermath of a 14-year civil conflict that disrupted the health system, Liberia adopted the internationally recommended integrated disease surveillance and response (IDSR) strategy in 2004. Despite this, Liberia was among the three West African countries ravaged by the worst Ebola epidemic in history from 2014 to 2016. This paper describes successes, failures, strengths, and weaknesses in the development, adoption, and implementation of IDSR following the civil war and up until the outbreak of Ebola, from 2004 to early 2014. METHODS We reviewed 112 official Government documents and peer-reviewed articles and conducted 29 in-depth interviews with key informants from December 2021 to March 2022 to gain perspectives on IDSR in the post-conflict and pre-Ebola era in Liberia. We assessed the core and supportive functions of IDSR, such as notification of priority diseases, confirmation, reporting, analysis, investigation, response, feedback, monitoring, staff training, supervision, communication, and financial resources. Data were triangulated and presented via emerging themes and in-depth accounts to describe the context of IDSR introduction and implementation, and the barriers surrounding it. RESULTS Despite the adoption of the IDSR framework, Liberia failed to secure the resources-human, logistical, and financial-to support effective implementation over the 10-year period. Documents and interview reports demonstrate numerous challenges prior to Ebola: the surveillance system lacked key components of IDSR including laboratory testing capacity, disease reporting, risk communication, community engagement, and staff supervision systems. Insufficient financial support and an abundance of vertical programs further impeded progress. In-depth accounts by donors and key governmental informants demonstrate that although the system had a role in detecting Ebola in Liberia, it could not respond effectively to control the disease. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that post-war, Liberia's health system intended to prioritize epidemic preparedness and response with the adoption of IDSR. However, insufficient investment and systems development meant IDSR was not well implemented, leaving the country vulnerable to the devastating impact of the Ebola epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tolbert G Nyenswah
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Laura Skrip
- School of Public Health, University of Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Mardia Stone
- Division of Global Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, USA
| | - Jessica L Schue
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - William R Brieger
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Howerton E, Dahlin K, Edholm CJ, Fox L, Reynolds M, Hollingsworth B, Lytle G, Walker M, Blackwood J, Lenhart S. The effect of governance structures on optimal control of two-patch epidemic models. J Math Biol 2023; 87:74. [PMID: 37861753 PMCID: PMC10589198 DOI: 10.1007/s00285-023-02001-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Infectious diseases continue to pose a significant threat to the health of humans globally. While the spread of pathogens transcends geographical boundaries, the management of infectious diseases typically occurs within distinct spatial units, determined by geopolitical boundaries. The allocation of management resources within and across regions (the "governance structure") can affect epidemiological outcomes considerably, and policy-makers are often confronted with a choice between applying control measures uniformly or differentially across regions. Here, we investigate the extent to which uniform and non-uniform governance structures affect the costs of an infectious disease outbreak in two-patch systems using an optimal control framework. A uniform policy implements control measures with the same time varying rate functions across both patches, while these measures are allowed to differ between the patches in a non-uniform policy. We compare results from two systems of differential equations representing transmission of cholera and Ebola, respectively, to understand the interplay between transmission mode, governance structure and the optimal control of outbreaks. In our case studies, the governance structure has a meaningful impact on the allocation of resources and burden of cases, although the difference in total costs is minimal. Understanding how governance structure affects both the optimal control functions and epidemiological outcomes is crucial for the effective management of infectious diseases going forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Howerton
- Department of Biology and Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Kyle Dahlin
- Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
| | | | - Lindsey Fox
- Mathematics Discipline, Eckerd College, Saint Petersburg, FL, USA
| | - Margaret Reynolds
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY, USA
| | | | - George Lytle
- Department of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Computer Science, University of Montevallo, Montevallo, AL, USA
| | - Melody Walker
- Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Julie Blackwood
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Williams College, Williamstown, MA, USA
| | - Suzanne Lenhart
- Department of Mathematics, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
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Ryan RE, Silke C, Parkhill A, Virgona A, Merner B, Hurley S, Walsh L, de Moel-Mandel C, Schonfeld L, Edwards AG, Kaufman J, Cooper A, Chung RKY, Solo K, Hellard M, Di Tanna GL, Pedrana A, Saich F, Hill S. Communication to promote and support physical distancing for COVID-19 prevention and control. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 10:CD015144. [PMID: 37811673 PMCID: PMC10561351 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd015144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This review is an update of a rapid review undertaken in 2020 to identify relevant, feasible and effective communication approaches to promote acceptance, uptake and adherence to physical distancing measures for COVID-19 prevention and control. The rapid review was published when little was known about transmission, treatment or future vaccination, and when physical distancing measures (isolation, quarantine, contact tracing, crowd avoidance, work and school measures) were the cornerstone of public health responses globally. This updated review includes more recent evidence to extend what we know about effective pandemic public health communication. This includes considerations of changes needed over time to maintain responsiveness to pandemic transmission waves, the (in)equities and variable needs of groups within communities due to the pandemic, and highlights again the critical role of effective communication as integral to the public health response. OBJECTIVES To update the evidence on the question 'What are relevant, feasible and effective communication approaches to promote acceptance, uptake and adherence to physical distancing measures for COVID-19 prevention and control?', our primary focus was communication approaches to promote and support acceptance, uptake and adherence to physical distancing. SECONDARY OBJECTIVE to explore and identify key elements of effective communication for physical distancing measures for different (diverse) populations and groups. SEARCH METHODS We searched MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library databases from inception, with searches for this update including the period 1 January 2020 to 18 August 2021. Systematic review and study repositories and grey literature sources were searched in August 2021 and guidelines identified for the eCOVID19 Recommendations Map were screened (November 2021). SELECTION CRITERIA Guidelines or reviews focusing on communication (information, education, reminders, facilitating decision-making, skills acquisition, supporting behaviour change, support, involvement in decision-making) related to physical distancing measures for prevention and/or control of COVID-19 or selected other diseases (sudden acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), influenza, Ebola virus disease (EVD) or tuberculosis (TB)) were included. New evidence was added to guidelines, reviews and primary studies included in the 2020 review. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Methods were based on the original rapid review, using methods developed by McMaster University and informed by Cochrane rapid review guidance. Screening, data extraction, quality assessment and synthesis were conducted by one author and checked by a second author. Synthesis of results was conducted using modified framework analysis, with themes from the original review used as an initial framework. MAIN RESULTS This review update includes 68 studies, with 17 guidelines and 20 reviews added to the original 31 studies. Synthesis identified six major themes, which can be used to inform policy and decision-making related to planning and implementing communication about a public health emergency and measures to protect the community. Theme 1: Strengthening public trust and countering misinformation: essential foundations for effective public health communication Recognising the key role of public trust is essential. Working to build and maintain trust over time underpins the success of public health communications and, therefore, the effectiveness of public health prevention measures. Theme 2: Two-way communication: involving communities to improve the dissemination, accessibility and acceptability of information Two-way communication (engagement) with the public is needed over the course of a public health emergency: at first, recognition of a health threat (despite uncertainties), and regularly as public health measures are introduced or adjusted. Engagement needs to be embedded at all stages of the response and inform tailoring of communications and implementation of public health measures over time. Theme 3: Development of and preparation for public communication: target audience, equity and tailoring Communication and information must be tailored to reach all groups within populations, and explicitly consider existing inequities and the needs of disadvantaged groups, including those who are underserved, vulnerable, from diverse cultural or language groups, or who have lower educational attainment. Awareness that implementing public health measures may magnify existing or emerging inequities is also needed in response planning, enactment and adjustment over time. Theme 4: Public communication features: content, timing and duration, delivery Public communication needs to be based on clear, consistent, actionable and timely (up-to-date) information about preventive measures, including the benefits (whether for individual, social groupings or wider society), harms (likewise) and rationale for use, and include information about supports available to help follow recommended measures. Communication needs to occur through multiple channels and/or formats to build public trust and reach more of the community. Theme 5: Supporting behaviour change at individual and population levels Supporting implementation of public health measures with practical supports and services (e.g. essential supplies, financial support) is critical. Information about available supports must be widely disseminated and well understood. Supports and communication related to them require flexibility and tailoring to explicitly consider community needs, including those of vulnerable groups. Proactively monitoring and countering stigma related to preventive measures (e.g. quarantine) is also necessary to support adherence. Theme 6: Fostering and sustaining receptiveness and responsiveness to public health communication Efforts to foster and sustain public receptiveness and responsiveness to public health communication are needed throughout a public health emergency. Trust, acceptance and behaviours change over time, and communication needs to be adaptive and responsive to these changing needs. Ongoing community engagement efforts should inform communication and public health response measures. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Implications for practice Evidence highlights the critical role of communication throughout a public health emergency. Like any intervention, communication can be done well or poorly, but the consequences of poor communication during a pandemic may mean the difference between life and death. The approaches to effective communication identified in this review can be used by policymakers and decision-makers, working closely with communication teams, to plan, implement and adjust public communications over the course of a public health emergency like the COVID-19 pandemic. Implications for research Despite massive growth in research during the COVID-19 period, gaps in the evidence persist and require high-quality, meaningful research. This includes investigating the experiences of people at heightened COVID-19 risk, and identifying barriers to implementing public communication and protective health measures particular to lower- and middle-income countries, and how to overcome these.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca E Ryan
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Charlotte Silke
- UNESCO Child & Family Research Centre, School of Political Science & Sociology, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Anne Parkhill
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Ariane Virgona
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Bronwen Merner
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Shauna Hurley
- Cochrane Australia, School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Louisa Walsh
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
- Department of Nursing and Allied Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Australia
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Lina Schonfeld
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Adrian Gk Edwards
- Wales COVID-19 Evidence Centre, Cardiff University, 8th floor Neuadd Meirionnydd, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN , UK
- PRIME Centre Wales, Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, 8th floor Neuadd Meirionnydd, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Jessica Kaufman
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
- Vaccine Uptake Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute , The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia
| | - Alison Cooper
- Wales COVID-19 Evidence Centre, Cardiff University, 8th floor Neuadd Meirionnydd, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN , UK
- PRIME Centre Wales, Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, 8th floor Neuadd Meirionnydd, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | | | - Karla Solo
- GRADE McMaster & Cochrane Canada, Health Research Methods, Evidence & Impact, McMaster University , Hamilton, Ontario , Canada
| | | | - Gian Luca Di Tanna
- Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, Lugano, Switzerland
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - Sophie Hill
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
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Hove C, Cilliers L. A structured literature review of the health infodemic on social media in Africa. JAMBA (POTCHEFSTROOM, SOUTH AFRICA) 2023; 15:1484. [PMID: 37795236 PMCID: PMC10546230 DOI: 10.4102/jamba.v15i1.1484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Infodemics is a multi-faceted threat that needs to be dealt with by governments during public health emergencies. This strategic review described the role of social media platforms in creating and reinforcing an infodemic during health pandemics in Africa. The inclusion criteria for the review were African research on infodemics on social media during pandemics, epidemics or endemics in the past 10 years. A structured literature review, making use of the Sample, Phenomenon of Interest, Design, Evaluation, Research (SPIDER) scoping review methodology framework, identified scholarly publications from various academic databases. A total of 41 articles met the eligibility criteria. The six factors identified included stakeholders, socio-economic context, conspiracy theories, sources of information, government responses and verification mechanisms. The findings of this study indicate that governments needs to include infodemics in the risk communication strategy for public health emergencies. Verification of misinformation can mitigate the effects of conspiracy theories while the socio-economic context of the audience will influence planning strategies to mitigate infodemics on social media. Contribution This study contributes to the knowledge base of risk communication during pandemics in Africa by providing a review of how infodemics on social media have influenced the COVID-19 pandemic on the continent. The results also provide a foundation for the research agenda in this research field that will provide an evidence-based response to the pandemic in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charity Hove
- Department of Information Systems, Faculty of Management and Commerce, University of Fort Hare, East London, South Africa
| | - Liezel Cilliers
- Department of Information Systems, Faculty of Management and Commerce, University of Fort Hare, East London, South Africa
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11
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Maccaro A, Audia C, Stokes K, Masud H, Sekalala S, Pecchia L, Piaggio D. Pandemic Preparedness: A Scoping Review of Best and Worst Practices from COVID-19. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2572. [PMID: 37761769 PMCID: PMC10530798 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11182572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the scale of global unpreparedness to deal with the fast-arising needs of global health threats. This problem was coupled with a crisis of governance and presented in the context of globally hitting climate crisis and disasters. Although such a pandemic was predictable due to the known effects of human intervention on the surrounding environment and its devastating secondary effects, such as climate change and increased zoonoses, most countries were unprepared to deal with the scale and scope of the pandemic. In this context, such as that of the climate crisis, the Global North and Global South faced several common challenges, including, first and foremost, the scarcity of resources required for health, policy, wellbeing and socioeconomic wellness. In this paper, we review the most recent evidence available in the literature related to pandemic preparedness and governance, focusing on principles and practices used during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we place it in the context of a European Parliament Interest Group meeting (this event took place on 21 March 2023 during the "European Health Tech Summit") to ground it within ongoing discussions and narratives of policy and praxis. The review identified key practices and principles required to better face future health threats and emergencies. Beyond health practices relying on technology and innovation, it is useful to mention the importance of contextualising responses and linking them to clear goals, improving the agreement between science and policymaking, thus building trust and enabling transparent communication with the general public based on clear ethical frameworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Maccaro
- School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Library Rd., Coventry CV4 7AL, UK; (K.S.); (L.P.); (D.P.)
| | - Camilla Audia
- Global Sustainable Development, School for Cross-Faculty Studies, University of Warwick, Library Rd., Coventry CV4 7AL, UK;
| | - Katy Stokes
- School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Library Rd., Coventry CV4 7AL, UK; (K.S.); (L.P.); (D.P.)
| | - Haleema Masud
- Institute of Advanced Studies, University of Warwick, Library Rd., Coventry CV4 7AL, UK;
| | - Sharifah Sekalala
- School of Law, University of Warwick, Library Rd., Coventry CV4 7AL, UK;
| | - Leandro Pecchia
- School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Library Rd., Coventry CV4 7AL, UK; (K.S.); (L.P.); (D.P.)
- Department of Engineering, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Roma, Italy
| | - Davide Piaggio
- School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Library Rd., Coventry CV4 7AL, UK; (K.S.); (L.P.); (D.P.)
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12
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Cousins K, Hertelendy AJ, Chen M, Durneva P, Wang S. Building resilient hospital information technology services through organizational learning: Lessons in CIO leadership during an international systemic crisis in the United States and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Int J Med Inform 2023; 176:105113. [PMID: 37290271 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2023.105113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic was an international systemic crisis which required an unprecedented response to quickly drive the digital transformation of hospitals and health care systems to support high quality health care while adhering to contagion management protocols. OBJECTIVE To identify and assess the best practices during the COVID-19 pandemic by Chief Information Officers (CIOs) about how to build resilient healthcare IT (HIT) to improve pandemic preparedness and response across global settings and to develop recommendations for future pandemics. METHODS We conducted a qualitative, interview-based study to sample CIOs in hospitals. We interviewed 16 CIOs from hospitals and health systems in the United States and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. We used in-depth interviews to capture their perspectives of the preparedness of hospitals' information technology departments for the pandemic and how they lead their IT department out of the pandemic. RESULTS Results showed that healthcare CIOs were ambidextrous IT leaders who built resilient HIT by rapidly improving existing digital business practices and creating innovative IT solutions. Ambidextrous IT leadership involved exploiting existing IT resources as well as exploring and innovating for continuous growth. IT resiliency focused on four inter-related capabilities: ambidextrous leadership, governance, innovation and learning, and HIT infrastructure. CONCLUSIONS We propose conceptual frameworks to guide the development of healthcare IT resilience and highlight the importance of organizational learning as an integral component of HIT resiliency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karlene Cousins
- Department of Information Systems and Business Analytics, College of Business, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Attila J Hertelendy
- Department of Information Systems and Business Analytics, College of Business, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.
| | - Min Chen
- Department of Information Systems and Business Analytics, College of Business, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Polina Durneva
- Department of Business Information and Technology, Fogelman College of Business and Economics, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Shangjun Wang
- Department of Information Systems and Business Analytics, College of Business, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
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13
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Zwick H, Asobee MS, Mitton IK, Headley J, Eagle DE. Burial workers' perceptions of community resistance and support systems during an Ebola outbreak in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo: a qualitative study. Confl Health 2023; 17:25. [PMID: 37231435 DOI: 10.1186/s13031-023-00521-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community Health Workers (CHWs) provide vital services during disease outbreaks. Appropriate burials of those who died from an infectious disease outbreak is a critical CHW function to prevent infection and disease spread. During the 2018 Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in Beni Town, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, we sought to understand the levels of understanding, trust, and cooperation of the community in response to the outbreak, the barriers burial workers faced in their health work and its impact on local burial workers and other CHWs. METHODS 12 EVD burial CHWs in Beni Town completed an hour-long qualitative in-depth interview on their experiences. They were recruited from a local counseling center. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and translated into English. A team of 3 researchers identified structural and emergent themes using applied thematic analysis. RESULTS Workers reported major misconceptions in the community surrounding the initiation of the outbreak. Community misconceptions were based on widespread governmental mistrust as well as a belief system that intertwines traditional and scientific understandings of the world. EVD burial workers identified violence directed at them and community misinformation as the two largest barriers to effectively carrying out their work. They named several important support systems including family and friends, personal relaxation techniques, and a local counseling center. CONCLUSIONS As with other disease outbreaks globally, we found that government mistrust and religious beliefs strongly impacted community perceptions of the EVD outbreak. Previous studies have demonstrated clinic-based medical personnel are often the targets of violence. Our research shows that burial workers were also targeted and exposed to extreme levels of violence in their work. Along with their ability to effectively respond to the outbreak, violence has a negative impact on their own mental wellbeing. Burial workers found group counseling sessions to be an effective tool for managing the stress associated with their work. Further developing and testing of group-based interventions for this group is a priority for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Zwick
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marc Salama Asobee
- Christian Bilingual University of the Congo, Beni Town, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | | | - Jennifer Headley
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, 310 Trent Dr, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - David E Eagle
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, 310 Trent Dr, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
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Kandeepan K, Robinson J, Reed W. Pandemic preparedness of diagnostic radiographers during COVID-19: A scoping review. Radiography (Lond) 2023; 29:729-737. [PMID: 37207374 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2023.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As chest imaging is a tool for detecting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), diagnostic radiographers are a key component of the frontline workforce. Due to its unforeseen nature, COVID-19 has challenged radiographers' preparedness in combating its effects. Despite its importance, literature specifically investigating radiographers' readiness is limited. However, the documented experiences are prognostic of pandemic preparedness. Hence, this study aimed to map this literature by addressing the question: 'what does the existing literature reveal about the pandemic preparedness of diagnostic radiographers during COVID-19?'. METHODS Using Arksey and O'Malley's framework, this scoping review searched for empirical studies in MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and CINAHL. Consequently, 970 studies were yielded and underwent processes of deduplication, title and abstract screening, full-text screening, and backward citation searching. Forty-four articles were deemed eligible for data extraction and analysis. RESULTS Four themes that reflected pandemic preparedness were extrapolated: infection control and prevention, knowledge and education, clinical workflow, and mental health. Notably, the findings highlighted pronounced trends in adaptation of infection protocols, adequate infection knowledge, and pandemic-related fears. However, inconsistencies in the provision of personal protective equipment, training, and psychological support were revealed. CONCLUSION Literature suggests that radiographers are equipped with infection knowledge, but the changing work arrangements and varied availability of training and protective equipment weakens their preparedness. The disparate access to resources facilitated uncertainty, affecting radiographers' mental health. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE By reiterating the current strengths and weaknesses in pandemic preparedness, the findings can guide clinical practice and future research to correct inadequacies in infrastructure, education, and mental health support for radiographers in the current and future disease outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Kandeepan
- Medical Imaging Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia.
| | - J Robinson
- Medical Imaging Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - W Reed
- Medical Imaging Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
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15
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Lin JS, Webber EM, Bean SI, Martin AM, Davies MC. Rapid evidence review: Policy actions for the integration of public health and health care in the United States. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1098431. [PMID: 37064661 PMCID: PMC10090415 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1098431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
ObjectiveTo identify policy actions that may improve the interface of public health and health care in the United States.MethodsA rapid review of publicly-available documents informing the integration of public health and health care, and case examples reporting objective measures of success, with abstraction of policy actions, related considerations, and outcomes.ResultsAcross 109 documents, there were a number of recurrent themes related to policy actions and considerations to facilitate integration during peace time and during public health emergencies. The themes could be grouped into the need for adequate and dedicated funding; mandates and shared governance for integration; joint leadership that has the authority/ability to mobilize shared assets; adequately staffed and skilled workforces in both sectors with mutual awareness of shared functions; shared health information systems with modernized data and IT capabilities for both data collection and dissemination of information; engagement with multiple stakeholders in the community to be maximally inclusive; and robust communication strategies and training across partners and with the public.ConclusionWhile the evidence does not support a hierarchy of policies on strengthening the interface of public health and health care, recurrent policy themes can inform where to focus efforts.
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Sileo KM, Muhumuza C, Helal T, Olfers A, Lule H, Sekamatte S, Kershaw TS, Wanyenze RK, Kiene SM. Exploring the effects of COVID-19 on family planning: results from a qualitative study in rural Uganda following COVID-19 lockdown. Reprod Health 2023; 20:31. [PMID: 36759838 PMCID: PMC9910252 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-023-01566-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has likely affected the already high unmet need for family planning in low- and middle-income countries. This qualitative study used Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Service Use as a theoretical framework to explore the possible ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic, including the impact of a 3-month government mandated lockdown, might affect family planning outcomes in rural Uganda. A secondary aim was to elicit recommendations to improve family planning service delivery in the context of COVID-19. METHODS Between June and October 2020, we conducted four focus group discussions with men and women separately (N = 26) who had an unmet need for family planning, and 15 key-informant interviews with community leaders and family planning stakeholders. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS We identified a significant disruption to the delivery of family planning services due to COVID-19, with potential negative effects on contraceptive use and risk for unintended pregnancy. COVID-19 had a negative effect on individual enabling factors such as family income, affecting service access, and on community enabling factors, such as transportation barriers and the disruption of community-based family planning delivery through village health teams and mobile clinics. Participants felt COVID-19 lockdown restrictions exacerbated existing contextual predisposing factors related to poverty and gender inequity, such as intimate partner violence and power inequities that diminish women's ability to refuse sex with their husband and their autonomy to use contraceptives. Recommendations to improve family planning service delivery in the context of COVID-19 centered on emergency preparedness, strengthening community health systems, and creating new ways to safely deliver contractive methods directly to communities during future COVID-19 lockdowns. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the consequences of COVID-19 lockdown on family planning distribution, as well as the exacerbation of gender inequities that limit women's autonomy in pregnancy prevention measures. To improve family planning service uptake in the context of COVID-19, there is a need to strengthen emergency preparedness and response, utilize community structures for contraceptive delivery, and address the underlying gender inequities that affect care seeking and service utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn M. Sileo
- Department of Public Health, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX USA
| | | | - Teddy Helal
- Department of Public Health, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX USA
| | - Allison Olfers
- Department of Public Health, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX USA
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Velloza J, Roche SD, Owidi EJ, Irungu EM, Dollah A, Kwach B, Thuo NB, Morton JF, Mugo N, Bukusi EA, O'Malley G, Ngure K, Baeten JM, Mugwanya KK. Provider perspectives on service delivery modifications to maintain access to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis during the COVID-19 pandemic: qualitative results from a PrEP implementation project in Kenya. J Int AIDS Soc 2023; 26:e26055. [PMID: 36739603 PMCID: PMC9899492 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an essential prevention strategy being scaled up for priority populations in Kenya, including for HIV serodiscordant couples. The COVID-19 pandemic posed challenges to PrEP rollout. We conducted a qualitative study of PrEP providers to understand how clinics adjusted PrEP delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Since 2017, the Partners Scale-Up Project has integrated PrEP into 25 HIV clinics in Central and Western Kenya. We conducted qualitative interviews with 40 purposively sampled clinic personnel. We interviewed personnel once during the first pandemic wave (May-Aug 2020) and again after some decline in COVID-19 rates (Nov-Jan 2021). We analysed data using inductive memo-writing and summarized data by themes along the PrEP delivery cascade, guided by the Framework for Reporting Adaptation and Modifications (FRAME). RESULTS We interviewed 27 clinical officers, five nurses, four health records and information officers, and four counsellors from Central (n = 20) and Western (n = 20) Kenya. About half (n = 19) were female, with a median age of 32 (IQR: 29-34) and 2.3 years of experience delivering PrEP (IQR: 2-3). All participants reported clinic changes in PrEP demand creation and service delivery during the pandemic. Modifications occurred during PrEP implementation and sustainment phases, were partly reactive to the pandemic and also facilitated by interim Ministry of Health guidance on PrEP delivery during COVID, and were made by PrEP delivery teams, clients and clinic managers. Commonly reported modifications included dispensing multiple-month PrEP refills, intensifying phone-based client engagement and collaborating with other HIV clinics to ensure that clients with prolonged stays in other regions could continue to access PrEP. Some clinics also adopted practices to streamline visits, such as within clinical-room PrEP dispensing, pre-packing PrEP and task-shifting. Most providers liked these changes and hoped they would continue after the pandemic subsides. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 served as a catalyst for PrEP delivery innovations in Kenya. HIV clinics successfully and rapidly adapted their PrEP demand creation, refill and retention strategies to promote PrEP uptake and effective use. These modified implementation strategies highlight opportunities to streamline the delivery of PrEP, as well as other HIV and chronic care services, and strengthen engagement with populations post-pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Velloza
- Department of Epidemiology & BiostatisticsUniversity of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Stephanie D. Roche
- Public Health DivisionFred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | | | | | - Annabell Dollah
- Washington State University – Global Health KenyaNairobiKenya
| | - Benn Kwach
- Kenya Medical Research InstituteKisumuKenya
| | | | | | - Nelly Mugo
- Partners in Health and Research DevelopmentThikaKenya,Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Elizabeth A. Bukusi
- Kenya Medical Research InstituteKisumuKenya,Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | | | - Kenneth Ngure
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA,Department of Community HealthJomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and TechnologyNairobiKenya
| | - Jared M. Baeten
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA,Gilead SciencesFoster CityCaliforniaUSA,Department of MedicineUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA,Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Kenneth K. Mugwanya
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA,Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
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Zhao L, Jin Y, Zhou L, Yang P, Qian Y, Huang X, Min M. Evaluation of health system resilience in 60 countries based on their responses to COVID-19. Front Public Health 2023; 10:1081068. [PMID: 36699903 PMCID: PMC9870292 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1081068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction In 2020, the COVID-19 epidemic swept the world, and many national health systems faced serious challenges. To improve future public health responses, it's necessary to evaluate the performance of each country's health system. Methods We developed a resilience evaluation system for national health systems based on their responses to COVID-19 using four resilience dimensions: government governance and prevention, health financing, health service provision, and health workers. We determined the weight of each index by combining the three-scale and entropy-weight methods. Then, based on data from 2020, we used the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method to rank the health system resilience of 60 countries, and then used hierarchical clustering to classify countries into groups based on their resilience level. Finally, we analyzed the causes of differences among countries in their resilience based on the four resilience dimensions. Results Switzerland, Japan, Germany, Australia, South Korea, Canada, New Zealand, Finland, the United States, and the United Kingdom had the highest health system resilience in 2020. Eritrea, Nigeria, Libya, Tanzania, Burundi, Mozambique, Republic of the Niger, Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, and Guinea had the lowest resilience. Discussion Government governance and prevention of COVID-19 will greatly affect a country's success in fighting future epidemics, which will depend on a government's emergency preparedness, stringency (a measure of the number and rigor of the measures taken), and testing capability. Given the lack of vaccines or specific drug treatments during the early stages of the 2020 epidemic, social distancing and wearing masks were the main defenses against COVID-19. Cuts in health financing had direct and difficult to reverse effects on health systems. In terms of health service provision, the number of hospitals and intensive care unit beds played a key role in COVID-19 clinical care. Resilient health systems were able to cope more effectively with the impact of COVID-19, provide stronger protection for citizens, and mitigate the impacts of COVID-19. Our evaluation based on data from 60 countries around the world showed that increasing health system resilience will improve responses to future public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laijun Zhao
- Business School, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yajun Jin
- Business School, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Yajun Jin ✉
| | - Lixin Zhou
- Business School, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Pingle Yang
- Business School, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Qian
- Business School, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyan Huang
- Emergency Management Office, Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengmeng Min
- Business School, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
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19
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Senga M, Kouhestani M, Hosseini Boroujeni SM, Ghaderi E, Parchami P, Hussain SJ. Risk communication and community engagement as an emerging pillar of health emergency management in Iran: Achievements and the way forward. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1097932. [PMID: 36875388 PMCID: PMC9975547 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1097932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
This article is part of the Research Topic Health Systems Recovery in the Context of COVID-19 and Protracted Conflict. Risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) is an essential component of emergency preparedness and response. In Iran, RCCE is a relatively new area of public health. During the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran, the national task force relied on conventional methods, which is to utilize existing primary health care (PHC) structure to implement RCCE activities around the country. The PHC network and the community health volunteers embedded in it enabled the country to bridge the health system and communities from the very beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The RCCE strategy to respond to COVID-19 was adapted over time with the development of a national program, commonly known as the "Shahid Qassem Soleimani" project. This project consisted of six steps including case detection, laboratory testing through the establishment of sampling centers, scale up of clinical care to vulnerable groups, contact tracing, home care for vulnerable population, and COVID-19 vaccination roll out. Nearly 3 years into the pandemic, the importance of designing RCCE for all types of emergencies, allocating a dedicated team to RCCE, coordinating with different stakeholders, improving the capacity of RCCE focal points, practicing more efficient social listening, and using social insight for better planning were identified as some lessons learned. Further, Iran's RCCE experience during the COVID-19 pandemic underscores the importance of continuing to invest in the health system, particularly PHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikiko Senga
- WHO Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.,WHO Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marzieh Kouhestani
- WHO Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.,WHO Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Communication Science, Faculty of Communication Science, Allameh Tabatabai University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sayed Mohsen Hosseini Boroujeni
- WHO Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.,WHO Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ebrahim Ghaderi
- Health Policy Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Fars, Iran.,Center for Communicable Diseases Control, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Peyman Parchami
- Center for Communicable Diseases Control, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Syed Jaffar Hussain
- WHO Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.,WHO Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Tehran, Iran
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20
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Saulnier DD, Duchenko A, Ottilie-Kovelman S, Tediosi F, Blanchet K. Re-evaluating Our Knowledge of Health System Resilience During COVID-19: Lessons From the First Two Years of the Pandemic. Int J Health Policy Manag 2022; 12:6659. [PMID: 37579465 PMCID: PMC10125099 DOI: 10.34172/ijhpm.2022.6659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health challenges like coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are becoming increasingly complex, transnational, and unpredictable. Studying health system responses to the COVID-19 pandemic is an opportunity to enhance our understanding of health system resilience and establish a clearer link between theoretical concepts and practical ideas on how to build resilience. METHODS This narrative literature review aims to address four questions using a health system resilience framework: (i) What do we understand about the dimensions of resilience? (ii) What aspects of the resilience dimensions remain uncertain? (iii) What aspects of the resilience dimensions are missing from the COVID-19 discussions? and (iv) What has COVID-19 taught us about resilience that is missing from the framework? A scientific literature database search was conducted in December 2020 and in April 2022 to identify publications that discussed health system resilience in relation to COVID-19, excluding articles on psychological and other types of resilience. A total of 63 publications were included. RESULTS There is good understanding around information sharing, flexibility and good leadership, learning, maintaining essential services, and the need for legitimate, interdependent systems. Decision-making, localized trust, influences on interdependence, and transformation remain uncertain. Vertical interdependence, monitoring risks beyond the health system, and consequences of changes on the system were not discussed. Teamwork, actor legitimacy, values, inclusivity, trans-sectoral resilience, and the role of the private sector are identified as lessons from COVID-19 that should be further explored for health system resilience. CONCLUSION Knowledge of health system resilience has continued to cohere following the pandemic. The eventual consequences of system changes and the resilience of subsystems are underexplored. Through governance, the concept of health system resilience can be linked to wider issues raised by the pandemic, like inclusivity. Our findings show the utility of resilience theory for strengthening health systems for crises and the benefit of continuing to refine existing resilience theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dell D. Saulnier
- Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Duchenko
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Fabrizio Tediosi
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Karl Blanchet
- Geneva Centre of Humanitarian Studies, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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21
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Valencia C, Jaramillo-Gutierrez G, Rearte A, Rosin P, Gassino F, Morreale SE, Gobern L, Paredes A, Rondy M, Balsells E, Galindo P, Parra L, Mazariegos O, Young A, Bhavnani D, Miri A, Iken D, James E, Rodriguez A. Adoption of digital tools in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Region of the Americas - the Go.Data experience. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2022; 16:100377. [PMID: 36246768 PMCID: PMC9536219 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2022.100377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the growth of digital health tools. Although a number of different tools exist to support field data collection in the context of outbreak response, they have not been sufficient. This prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to collaborate with the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) and GOARN partners to develop a comprehensive system, Go.Data. Go.Data, a digital tool for outbreak response has simplified how countries operationalize and monitor case and contact data. Since the start of the pandemic, WHO and GOARN partners have provided support to Go.Data projects in 65 countries and territories, yet the demand by countries to have documented success cases of Go.Data implementations continues to grow. This viewpoint documents the successful Go.Data implementation frameworks in two countries, Argentina and Guatemala and an academic institution, the University of Texas at Austin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Valencia
- Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN), Geneva, Switzerland,Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York City, USA,Corresponding author
| | - Giovanna Jaramillo-Gutierrez
- Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN), Geneva, Switzerland,European Programme of Interventional Epidemiology Training Alumni Network, EAN, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Analía Rearte
- Department of Epidemiology, Ministry of Health, Buenos Aires, Argentina,National University of Mar del Plata, Medicine School, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paula Rosin
- Department of Epidemiology, Ministry of Health, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernando Gassino
- Department of Information Systems, Ministry of Health, Buenos Aires, Argentina,Department of Health Emergencies, Pan American Health Organization, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Lorena Gobern
- Department of Epidemiology, Ministry of Health, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Antonio Paredes
- Department of Epidemiology, Ministry of Health, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Marc Rondy
- Immunization Unit, Pan American Health Organization, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Evelyn Balsells
- Immunization Unit, Pan American Health Organization, Guatemala City, Guatemala,Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Medical School, Teviot Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Pablo Galindo
- Department of Health Emergencies, Pan American Health Organization, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Liz Parra
- Department of Health Emergencies, Pan American Health Organization, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Oliver Mazariegos
- Department of Health Emergencies, Pan American Health Organization, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Amy Young
- The Dell Medical School at University of Texas at Austin, UT Health Austin, Austin, USA
| | - Darlene Bhavnani
- The Dell Medical School at University of Texas at Austin, UT Health Austin, Austin, USA
| | - Aaron Miri
- The Dell Medical School at University of Texas at Austin, UT Health Austin, Austin, USA
| | - Daniel Iken
- The Dell Medical School at University of Texas at Austin, UT Health Austin, Austin, USA
| | - Emily James
- The Dell Medical School at University of Texas at Austin, UT Health Austin, Austin, USA
| | - Angel Rodriguez
- Department of Health Emergencies, Pan American Health Organization, Washington, United States of America
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22
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Moturi AK, Suiyanka L, Mumo E, Snow RW, Okiro EA, Macharia PM. Geographic accessibility to public and private health facilities in Kenya in 2021: An updated geocoded inventory and spatial analysis. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1002975. [PMID: 36407994 PMCID: PMC9670107 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1002975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To achieve universal health coverage, adequate geographic access to quality healthcare services is vital and should be characterized periodically to support planning. However, in Kenya, previous assessments of geographic accessibility have relied on public health facility lists only, assembled several years ago. Here, for the first time we assemble a geocoded list of public and private health facilities in 2021 and make use of this updated list to interrogate geographical accessibility to all health providers. Methods Existing health provider lists in Kenya were accessed, merged, cleaned, harmonized, and assigned a unique geospatial location. The resultant master list was combined with road network, land use, topography, travel barriers and healthcare-seeking behavior within a geospatial framework to estimate travel time to the nearest (i) private, (ii) public, and (iii) both (public and private-PP) health facilities through a travel scenario involving walking, bicycling and motorized transport. The proportion of the population within 1 h and outside 2-h was computed at 300 × 300 spatial resolution and aggregated at subnational units used for decision-making. Areas with a high disease prevalence for common infections that were outside 1-h catchment (dual burden) were also identified to guide prioritization. Results The combined database contained 13,579 health facilities, both in the public (55.5%) and private-for-profit sector (44.5%) in 2021. The private health facilities' distribution was skewed toward the urban counties. Nationally, average travel time to the nearest health facility was 130, 254, and 128 min while the population within 1-h was 89.4, 80.5, and 89.6% for the public, private and PP health facility, respectively. The population outside 2-h were 6% for public and PP and 11% for the private sector. Mean travel time across counties was heterogeneous, while the population within 1-h ranged between 38 and 100% in both the public sector and PP. Counties in northwest and southeast Kenya had a dual burden. Conclusion Continuous updating and geocoding of health facilities will facilitate an improved understanding of healthcare gaps for planning. Heterogeneities in geographical access continue to persist, with some areas having a dual burden and should be prioritized toward reducing health inequities and attaining universal health coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela K. Moturi
- Population Health Unit, Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Laurissa Suiyanka
- Population Health Unit, Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Eda Mumo
- Population Health Unit, Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Robert W. Snow
- Population Health Unit, Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Emelda A. Okiro
- Population Health Unit, Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Peter M. Macharia
- Population Health Unit, Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
- Centre for Health Informatics, Computing, and Statistics, Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
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23
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Lal A, Abdalla SM, Chattu VK, Erondu NA, Lee TL, Singh S, Abou-Taleb H, Vega Morales J, Phelan A. Pandemic preparedness and response: exploring the role of universal health coverage within the global health security architecture. Lancet Glob Health 2022; 10:e1675-e1683. [PMID: 36179734 PMCID: PMC9514836 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(22)00341-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, several international initiatives have been developed to strengthen and reform the global architecture for pandemic preparedness and response, including proposals for a pandemic treaty, a Pandemic Fund, and mechanisms for equitable access to medical countermeasures. These initiatives seek to make use of crucial lessons gleaned from the ongoing pandemic by addressing gaps in health security and traditional public health functions. However, there has been insufficient consideration of the vital role of universal health coverage in sustainably mitigating outbreaks, and the importance of robust primary health care in equitably and efficiently safeguarding communities from future health threats. The international community should not repeat the mistakes of past health security efforts that ultimately contributed to the rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and disproportionately affected vulnerable and marginalised populations, especially by overlooking the importance of coherent, multisectoral health systems. This Health Policy paper outlines major (although often neglected) gaps in pandemic preparedness and response, which are applicable to broader health emergency preparedness and response efforts, and identifies opportunities to reconceptualise health security by scaling up universal health coverage. We then offer a comprehensive set of recommendations to help inform the development of key pandemic preparedness and response proposals across three themes-governance, financing, and supporting initiatives. By identifying approaches that simultaneously strengthen health systems through global health security and universal health coverage, we aim to provide tangible solutions that equitably meet the needs of all communities while ensuring resilience to future pandemic threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arush Lal
- Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK.
| | - Salma M Abdalla
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vijay Kumar Chattu
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India,Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, India,Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ngozi Adaeze Erondu
- O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law, Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, DC, USA,Global Health Institute for Disease Elimination, United Arab Emirates Global Health Programme, Chatham House, London, UK
| | - Tsung-Ling Lee
- Graduate Institute of Health and Biotechnology Law, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sudhvir Singh
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Hala Abou-Taleb
- Health System Governance Team, Department of Universal Health Coverage/Health Systems, Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, World Health Organization, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Alexandra Phelan
- O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law, Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, DC, USA,Center for Global Health Science and Security, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
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24
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Vitacca M, Giardini A, Gazzi L, Vitacca M. Hidden biases in clinical decision-making: potential solutions, challenges, and perspectives. Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2022; 93. [PMID: 36069639 DOI: 10.4081/monaldi.2022.2339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Every day, we must make decisions that range from simple and risk-free to difficult and risky. Our cognitive sources' limitations, as well as the need for speed, can frequently impair the quality and accuracy of our reasoning processes. Indeed, cognitive shortcuts lead us to solutions that are sufficiently satisfying to allow us to make quick decisions. Unfortunately, heuristics frequently misguide us, and we fall victim to biases and systematic distortions of our perceptions and judgments. Because suboptimal diagnostic reasoning processes can have dramatic consequences, the clinical setting is an ideal setting for developing targeted interventions to reduce the rates and magnitude of biases. There are several approaches to bias mitigation, some of which may be impractical. Furthermore, advances in information technology have given us powerful tools for addressing and preventing errors in health care. Recognizing and accepting the role of biases is only the first and unavoidable step toward any effective intervention proposal. As a result, our narrative review aims to present some insights on this contentious topic based on both medical and psychological literature.
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25
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Zicari RV. Assessing Trustworthy AI in Times of COVID-19: Deep Learning for Predicting a Multiregional Score Conveying the Degree of Lung Compromise in COVID-19 Patients. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY 2022; 3:272-289. [PMID: 36573115 PMCID: PMC9762021 DOI: 10.1109/tts.2022.3195114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
This article's main contributions are twofold: 1) to demonstrate how to apply the general European Union's High-Level Expert Group's (EU HLEG) guidelines for trustworthy AI in practice for the domain of healthcare and 2) to investigate the research question of what does "trustworthy AI" mean at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. To this end, we present the results of a post-hoc self-assessment to evaluate the trustworthiness of an AI system for predicting a multiregional score conveying the degree of lung compromise in COVID-19 patients, developed and verified by an interdisciplinary team with members from academia, public hospitals, and industry in time of pandemic. The AI system aims to help radiologists to estimate and communicate the severity of damage in a patient's lung from Chest X-rays. It has been experimentally deployed in the radiology department of the ASST Spedali Civili clinic in Brescia, Italy, since December 2020 during pandemic time. The methodology we have applied for our post-hoc assessment, called Z-Inspection®, uses sociotechnical scenarios to identify ethical, technical, and domain-specific issues in the use of the AI system in the context of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto V. Zicari
- Department of Business Management and Analytics, Arcada University of Applied Sciences, Helsinki, Finland
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26
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COVID-19 data reporting systems in Africa reveal insights for future pandemics. Epidemiol Infect 2022; 150:e119. [PMID: 35708156 PMCID: PMC9237488 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268822001054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, countries have used diverse methods to report data during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using international guidelines and principles of emergency management, we compare national data reporting systems in African countries in order to determine lessons for future pandemics. We analyse COVID-19 reporting practices across 54 African countries through 2020. Reporting systems were diverse and included summaries, press releases, situation reports and online dashboards. These systems were communicated via social media accounts and websites belonging to ministries of health and public health. Data variables from the reports included event detection (cases/deaths/recoveries), risk assessment (demographics/co-morbidities) and response (total tests/hospitalisations). Of countries with reporting systems, 36/53 (67.9%) had recurrent situation reports and/or online dashboards which provided more extensive data. All of these systems reported cases, deaths and recoveries. However, few systems contained risk assessment and response data, with only 5/36 (13.9%) reporting patient co-morbidities and 9/36 (25%) including total hospitalisations. Further evaluation of reporting practices in Cameroon, Egypt, Kenya, Senegal and South Africa as examples from different sub-regions revealed differences in reporting healthcare capacity and preparedness data. Improving the standardisation and accessibility of national data reporting systems could augment research and decision-making, as well as increase public awareness and transparency for national governments.
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27
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Alsalem MA, Mohammed R, Albahri OS, Zaidan AA, Alamoodi AH, Dawood K, Alnoor A, Albahri AS, Zaidan BB, Aickelin U, Alsattar H, Alazab M, Jumaah F. Rise of multiattribute decision-making in combating COVID-19: A systematic review of the state-of-the-art literature. INT J INTELL SYST 2022; 37:3514-3624. [PMID: 38607836 PMCID: PMC8653072 DOI: 10.1002/int.22699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Considering the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the government and health sectors are incapable of making fast and reliable decisions, particularly given the various effects of decisions on different contexts or countries across multiple sectors. Therefore, leaders often seek decision support approaches to assist them in such scenarios. The most common decision support approach used in this regard is multiattribute decision-making (MADM). MADM can assist in enforcing the most ideal decision in the best way possible when fed with the appropriate evaluation criteria and aspects. MADM also has been of great aid to practitioners during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, MADM shows resilience in mitigating consequences in health sectors and other fields. Therefore, this study aims to analyse the rise of MADM techniques in combating COVID-19 by presenting a systematic literature review of the state-of-the-art COVID-19 applications. Articles on related topics were searched in four major databases, namely, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect, and Scopus, from the beginning of the pandemic in 2019 to April 2021. Articles were selected on the basis of the inclusion and exclusion criteria for the identified systematic review protocol, and a total of 51 articles were obtained after screening and filtering. All these articles were formed into a coherent taxonomy to describe the corresponding current standpoints in the literature. This taxonomy was drawn on the basis of four major categories, namely, medical (n = 30), social (n = 4), economic (n = 13) and technological (n = 4). Deep analysis for each category was performed in terms of several aspects, including issues and challenges encountered, contributions, data set, evaluation criteria, MADM techniques, evaluation and validation and bibliography analysis. This study emphasised the current standpoint and opportunities for MADM in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and promoted additional efforts towards understanding and providing new potential future directions to fulfil the needs of this study field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Assim Alsalem
- Department of Computing, Faculty of Arts, Computing and Creative IndustryUniversiti Pendidikan Sultan IdrisTanjung MalimMalaysia
| | - Rawia Mohammed
- Faculty of Computing and Innovative TechnologyGeomatika University CollegeKuala LumpurMalaysia
| | - Osamah Shihab Albahri
- Department of Computing, Faculty of Arts, Computing and Creative IndustryUniversiti Pendidikan Sultan IdrisTanjung MalimMalaysia
| | - Aws Alaa Zaidan
- Department of Computing, Faculty of Arts, Computing and Creative IndustryUniversiti Pendidikan Sultan IdrisTanjung MalimMalaysia
| | - Abdullah Hussein Alamoodi
- Department of Computing, Faculty of Arts, Computing and Creative IndustryUniversiti Pendidikan Sultan IdrisTanjung MalimMalaysia
| | - Kareem Dawood
- Computer Science DepartmentKomar University of Science and Technology (KUST)SulaymaniyahIraq
| | - Alhamzah Alnoor
- School of ManagementUniversiti Sains MalaysiaPulau PinangMalaysia
| | - Ahmed Shihab Albahri
- Informatics Institute for Postgraduate Studies (IIPS)Iraqi Commission for Computers and Informatics (ICCI)BaghdadIraq
| | - Bilal Bahaa Zaidan
- Future Technology Research CenterNational Yunlin University of Science and TechnologyDouliouTaiwan R.O.C.
| | - Uwe Aickelin
- School of Computing and Information SystemsThe University of MelbourneAustralia
| | - Hassan Alsattar
- Department of Computing, Faculty of Arts, Computing and Creative IndustryUniversiti Pendidikan Sultan IdrisTanjung MalimMalaysia
| | - Mamoun Alazab
- College of Engineering, IT and EnvironmentCharles Darwin UniversityCasuarinaNorthern TerritoryAustralia
| | - Fawaz Jumaah
- Department of Advanced Applications and Embedded SystemsIntel CorporationPulau PinangMalaysia
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28
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Deussom R, Lal A, Frymus D, Cole K, Politico MRS, Saldaña K, Vasireddy V, Khangamwa G, Jaskiewicz W. Putting health workers at the centre of health system investments in COVID-19 and beyond. Fam Med Community Health 2022; 10:fmch-2021-001449. [PMID: 35500937 PMCID: PMC9062457 DOI: 10.1136/fmch-2021-001449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the implications of chronic underinvestment in health workforce development, particularly in resource-constrained health systems. Inadequate health workforce diversity, insufficient training and remuneration, and limited support and protection reduce health system capacity to equitably maintain health service delivery while meeting urgent health emergency demands. Applying the Health Worker Life Cycle Approach provides a useful conceptual framework that adapts a health labour market approach to outline key areas and recommendations for health workforce investment—building, managing and optimising—to systematically meet the needs of health workers and the systems they support. It also emphasises the importance of protecting the workforce as a cross-cutting investment, which is especially important in a health crisis like COVID-19. While the global pandemic has spurred intermittent health workforce investments required to immediately respond to COVID-19, applying this ‘lifecycle approach’ to guide policy implementation and financing interventions is critical to centering health workers as stewards of health systems, thus strengthening resilience to public health threats, sustainably responding to community needs and providing more equitable, patient-centred care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Deussom
- Global Health Division, Chemonics International, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Arush Lal
- ACT-Accelerator Health Systems Connector CSO Platform, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics, London, UK
| | - Diana Frymus
- Office of HIV/AIDS, US Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kimberly Cole
- US Agency for International Development, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | - Kelly Saldaña
- Office of Health Systems, US Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | | | - Wanda Jaskiewicz
- Global Health Division, Chemonics International, Washington, DC, USA
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29
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Kyomba GK, Kiyombo GM, Grépin KA, Mayaka SM, Mambu TNM, Hategeka C, Mapatano MA, Alcayna-Stevens L, Kapanga SK, Konde JNN, Ngo DB, Babakazo PD, Mafuta EM, Lulebo AM, Ruton H, Law MR. Assessing routine health information system performance during the tenth outbreak of Ebola virus disease (2018-2020) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: A qualitative study in North Kivu. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000429. [PMID: 36962427 PMCID: PMC10021379 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The Democratic Republic of Congo has implemented reforms to its national routine health information system (RHIS) to improve timeliness, completeness, and use of quality data. However, outbreaks can undermine efforts to strengthen it. We assessed the functioning of the RHIS during the 2018-2020 outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) to identify opportunities for future development. We conducted a qualitative study in North Kivu, from March to May 2020. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 34 key informants purposively selected from among the personnel involved in the production of RHIS data. The topics discussed included RHIS functioning, tools, compilation, validation, quality, sharing, and the use of data. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was used to study the interviewees' lived experience. The RHIS retained its structure, tools, and flow during the outbreak. The need for other types of data to inform the EVD response created other parallel systems to the RHIS. This included data from Ebola treatment centers, vaccination against Ebola, points of entry surveillance, and safe and dignified burial. The informants indicated that the availability of weekly surveillance data had improved, while timeliness and quality of monthly RHIS reporting declined. The compilation of data was late and validation meetings were irregular. The upsurge of patients following the implementation of the free care policy, the departure of healthcare workers for better-paid jobs, and the high prioritization of the outbreak response over routine activities led to RHIS disruptions. Delays in decision-making were one of the consequences of the decline in data timeliness. Adequate allocation of human resources, equitable salary policy, coordination, and integration of the response with local structures are necessary to ensure optimal functioning of the RHIS during an outbreak. Future research should assess the scale of data quality changes during outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Kalombe Kyomba
- Kinshasa School of Public Health, Université de Kinshasa, Kinshasa, The Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Guillaume Mbela Kiyombo
- Kinshasa School of Public Health, Université de Kinshasa, Kinshasa, The Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Karen A Grépin
- School of Public Health, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Serge Manitu Mayaka
- Kinshasa School of Public Health, Université de Kinshasa, Kinshasa, The Democratic Republic of Congo
| | | | - Celestin Hategeka
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Mala Ali Mapatano
- Kinshasa School of Public Health, Université de Kinshasa, Kinshasa, The Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Lys Alcayna-Stevens
- Department of Anthropology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Serge Kule Kapanga
- Département d'Anthropologie, Faculté des Sciences Sociales, Politiques et Administratives, Université de Kinshasa, Kinshasa, The Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Joël Nkima-Numbi Konde
- Kinshasa School of Public Health, Université de Kinshasa, Kinshasa, The Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Dosithée Bebe Ngo
- Kinshasa School of Public Health, Université de Kinshasa, Kinshasa, The Democratic Republic of Congo
| | | | - Eric Musalu Mafuta
- Kinshasa School of Public Health, Université de Kinshasa, Kinshasa, The Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Aimée Mampasi Lulebo
- Kinshasa School of Public Health, Université de Kinshasa, Kinshasa, The Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Hinda Ruton
- Centre for Health Services and Policy Research, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michael R Law
- Centre for Health Services and Policy Research, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Ogira D, Bharali I, Onyango J, Mao W, McDade KK, Kokwaro G, Yamey G. Identifying the impact of COVID-19 on health systems and lessons for future emergency preparedness: A stakeholder analysis in Kenya. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0001348. [PMID: 36962867 PMCID: PMC10021887 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has triggered a public health and economic crisis in high and low resource settings since the beginning of 2020. With the first case being discovered on 12th March 2020, Kenya has responded by using health and non-health strategies to mitigate the direct and indirect impact of the disease on its population. However, this has had positive and negative implications for the country's overall health system. This paper aimed to understand the pandemic's impact and develop lessons for future response by identifying the key challenges and opportunities Kenya faced during the pandemic. We conducted a qualitative study with 15 key informants, purposefully sampled for in-depth interviews from September 2020 to February 2021. We conducted direct content analysis of the transcripts to understand the stakeholder's views and perceptions of how COVID-19 has affected the Kenyan healthcare system. Most of the respondents noted that Kenya's initial response was relatively good, especially in controlling the pandemic with the resources it had at the time. This included relaying information to citizens, creating technical working groups and fostering multisectoral collaboration. However, concerns were raised regarding service disruption and impact on reproductive health, HIV, TB, and non-communicable diseases services; poor coordination between the national and county governments; shortage of personal protective equipment and testing kits; and strain of human resources for health. Effective pandemic preparedness for future response calls for improved investments across the health system building blocks, including; human resources for health, financing, infrastructure, information, leadership, service delivery and medical products and technologies. These strategies will help build resilient health systems and improve self-reliance, especially for countries transitioning from donor aid such as Kenya in the event of a pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dosila Ogira
- Institute of Healthcare Management, Strathmore Business School, Strathmore University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ipchita Bharali
- Center for Policy Impact in Global Health, Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Joseph Onyango
- Institute of Healthcare Management, Strathmore Business School, Strathmore University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Wenhui Mao
- Center for Policy Impact in Global Health, Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Kaci Kennedy McDade
- Center for Policy Impact in Global Health, Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Gilbert Kokwaro
- Institute of Healthcare Management, Strathmore Business School, Strathmore University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Gavin Yamey
- Center for Policy Impact in Global Health, Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
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Bowsher G, Bernard R, Sullivan R. Building Resilient Health Systems Intelligence: Adapting Indicators of Compromise for the Cyber-Bionexus. Health Secur 2021; 19:625-632. [PMID: 34870478 DOI: 10.1089/hs.2021.0084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The health sector is an underutilized source of actionable health intelligence for responding to threats across the "cyber-bionexus," defined as the convergence of threats from the biological and cybersecurity domains to produce harms with widespread societal consequences. The escalation of concerns about such threats-related to misinformation and disinformation; chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear events; cyberattacks; natural disease outbreaks; and disasters of various kinds-places health system concerns squarely at the forefront of national critical systems and broader security imperatives. Events such as the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the dearth of systems available for generating real-time intelligence in relation to critical functions of health sector operations amidst an unfolding crisis. Drawing on principles from the field of cyberthreat intelligence, and building on existing scholarship in health security intelligence, we propose a model for applying health system indicators of compromise for cyberbio events. We further discuss the relevance of this approach within the broader landscape of the cyber-bionexus to signal new pathways for research, practice, and policy engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Bowsher
- Gemma Bowsher, MBBS, is a Research Associate, Research for Health in Conflict in the Middle East and North Africa (R4HC-MENA); Rose Bernard, MA, is a Research Associate; and Richard Sullivan, PhD, is Co-Director, R4HC-MENA; all in Conflict and Health Research Group, Department of War Studies, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Rose Bernard
- Gemma Bowsher, MBBS, is a Research Associate, Research for Health in Conflict in the Middle East and North Africa (R4HC-MENA); Rose Bernard, MA, is a Research Associate; and Richard Sullivan, PhD, is Co-Director, R4HC-MENA; all in Conflict and Health Research Group, Department of War Studies, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Richard Sullivan
- Gemma Bowsher, MBBS, is a Research Associate, Research for Health in Conflict in the Middle East and North Africa (R4HC-MENA); Rose Bernard, MA, is a Research Associate; and Richard Sullivan, PhD, is Co-Director, R4HC-MENA; all in Conflict and Health Research Group, Department of War Studies, King's College London, London, UK
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Garcia AC, Beja A, Cupertino de Barros FP, Delgado AP, Ferrinho P. The Covid-19 pandemic reinforces the need for sustainable health planning. Int J Health Plann Manage 2021; 37:643-649. [PMID: 34825408 PMCID: PMC9015575 DOI: 10.1002/hpm.3389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development highlighted the growing attention to the adequacy of health planning models to sustainable development. A re-reading of the results of a round table debate on "sustainable planning", which took place at the 5th National Congress of Tropical Medicine (Portugal, 2019) under a participant observation strategy, framed by the findings of a "synthesis of better evidence" literature review and cross-referenced with the reflections of different authors and experts about the momentum created by the COVID-19 pandemic, underlined the challenges to sustainable health planning that have emerged and are projected beyond the current pandemic context. Variable perceptions of the term "sustainable health development", leading to the potential loss of their relevance in guiding the elaboration of policies and strategic plans, and the potential higher effectiveness of the participatory approaches of health planning in achieving sustainable health were highlighted in the debate and literature, in general and in public health emergency contexts. Those results gained new relevance during the current COVID-19 pandemic, bringing back to the forefront a reflection of the inadequate planning framework that has usually been used to understand and respond to global health challenges, despite the already existing experience, evidence and support instruments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cristina Garcia
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, NOVA University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal.,Department of Epidemiology, National Institute of Health Doctor Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - André Beja
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, NOVA University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - António Pedro Delgado
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, NOVA University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal.,University of Cape Verde, Praia, Cape Verde
| | - Paulo Ferrinho
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, NOVA University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
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Stephens PR, Gottdenker N, Schatz AM, Schmidt JP, Drake JM. Characteristics of the 100 largest modern zoonotic disease outbreaks. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2021; 376:20200535. [PMID: 34538141 PMCID: PMC8450623 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2020.0535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Zoonotic disease outbreaks are an important threat to human health and numerous drivers have been recognized as contributing to their increasing frequency. Identifying and quantifying relationships between drivers of zoonotic disease outbreaks and outbreak severity is critical to developing targeted zoonotic disease surveillance and outbreak prevention strategies. However, quantitative studies of outbreak drivers on a global scale are lacking. Attributes of countries such as press freedom, surveillance capabilities and latitude also bias global outbreak data. To illustrate these issues, we review the characteristics of the 100 largest outbreaks in a global dataset (n = 4463 bacterial and viral zoonotic outbreaks), and compare them with 200 randomly chosen background controls. Large outbreaks tended to have more drivers than background outbreaks and were related to large-scale environmental and demographic factors such as changes in vector abundance, human population density, unusual weather conditions and water contamination. Pathogens of large outbreaks were more likely to be viral and vector-borne than background outbreaks. Overall, our case study shows that the characteristics of large zoonotic outbreaks with thousands to millions of cases differ consistently from those of more typical outbreaks. We also discuss the limitations of our work, hoping to pave the way for more comprehensive future studies. This article is part of the theme issue 'Infectious disease macroecology: parasite diversity and dynamics across the globe'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick R. Stephens
- Odum School of Ecology and Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, 30602 GA, USA
| | - N. Gottdenker
- Odum School of Ecology and Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, 30602 GA, USA
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, 30602 GA, USA
| | - A. M. Schatz
- Odum School of Ecology and Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, 30602 GA, USA
| | - J. P. Schmidt
- Odum School of Ecology and Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, 30602 GA, USA
| | - John M. Drake
- Odum School of Ecology and Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, 30602 GA, USA
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Assessment of RHIS Quality Assurance Practices in Tarkwa Submunicipal Health Directorate, Ghana. ADVANCES IN PUBLIC HEALTH 2021. [DOI: 10.1155/2021/5561943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Routine health information system (RHIS) quality assurance has become an important issue, not only because of its significance in promoting high standard of patient care, but also because of its impact on government budgets for the maintenance of health services. Routine health information system comprises healthcare data collection, compilation, storage, analysis, report generation, and dissemination on routine basis at the various healthcare settings. The data from RHIS give a representation of health status, health services, and health resources. The sources of RHIS data are normally individual health records, records of services delivered, and records of health resources. Using reliable information from routine health information systems is fundamental in the healthcare delivery system. Quality assurance practices are measures that are put in places to ensure the health data that are collected meet required quality standards. Routine health information system quality assurance practices ensure that data that are generated from the system are fit for use. This study considered quality assurance practices in the RHIS processes. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in eight health facilities in Tarkwa Submunicipal health service in the western region of Ghana. The study involved routine quality assurance practices among the 90-health staff and management selected from facilities in Tarkwa Submunicipal who collect or use data routinely from 24th December, 2019, to 20th January, 2020. Results. Generally, Tarkwa Submunicipal health service appears to practice quality assurance during data collection, compilation, storage, analysis, and dissemination. The results show some achievement in quality control performance in report dissemination (77.6%), data analysis (68.0%), data compilation (67.4%), report compilation (66.3%), data storage (66.3%), and collection (61.1%). Conclusions. Even though Tarkwa Submunicipal health directorate engages some control measures to ensure data quality, there is the need to strengthen the process to achieve the targeted percentage of performance (90.0%). There was significant shortfall in quality assurance practices performance especially during data collection, with respect to the expected performance.
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Peros CS, Dasgupta R, Kumar P, Johnson BA. Bushmeat, wet markets, and the risks of pandemics: Exploring the nexus through systematic review of scientific disclosures. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & POLICY 2021; 124:1-11. [PMID: 36536884 PMCID: PMC9751798 DOI: 10.1016/j.envsci.2021.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is the third coronavirus this century to threaten human health, killing more than two million people globally. Like previous coronaviruses, SARS-CoV-2 is suspected to have wildlife origins and was possibly transmitted to humans via wet markets selling bushmeat (aka harvested wild meat). Thus, an interdisciplinary framework is vital to address the nexus between bushmeat, wet markets, and disease. We reviewed the contemporary scientific literature to: (1) assess disease surveillance efforts within the bushmeat trade and wet markets globally by compiling zoonotic health risks based on primarily serological examinations; and (2) gauge perceptions of health risks associated with bushmeat and wet markets. Of the 58 species of bushmeat investigated across 15 countries in the 52 articles that we analyzed,one or more pathogens (totaling 60 genera of pathogens) were reported in 48 species, while no zoonotic pathogens were reported in 10 species based on serology. Burden of disease data was nearly absent from the articles resulting from our Scopus search, and therefore was not included in our analyses. We also found that perceived health risks associated with bushmeat was low, though we could not perform statistical analyses due to the lack of quantitative perception-based studies. After screening the literature, our results showed that the global distribution of reported bushmeat studies were biased towards Africa, revealing data deficiencies across Asia and South America despite the prevalence of the bushmeat trade across the Global South. Studies targeting implications of the bushmeat trade on human health can help address these data deficiencies across Asia and South America. We further illustrate the need to address the nexus between bushmeat, wet markets, and disease to help prevent future outbreaks of zoonotic diseases under the previously proposed "One Health Framework", which integrates human, animal, and environmental health. By tackling these three pillars, we discuss the current policy gaps and recommend suitable measures to prevent future disease outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin Scott Peros
- Organization for Programs in Environmental Sciences, University of Tokyo, Japan
- Nature Resources and Ecosystem Services, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), Japan
| | - Rajarshi Dasgupta
- Nature Resources and Ecosystem Services, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), Japan
| | - Pankaj Kumar
- Nature Resources and Ecosystem Services, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), Japan
| | - Brian Alan Johnson
- Nature Resources and Ecosystem Services, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), Japan
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Ambrose JW, Layne DM, Catchpole K, Evans H, Nemeth LS. A Qualitative Protocol to Examine Resilience Culture in Healthcare Teams during COVID-19. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:1168. [PMID: 34574942 PMCID: PMC8465421 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9091168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Resilience allows teams to function at their optimal capacity and skill level in times of uncertainty. The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic created a perfect opportunity to study resilience culture during a time of limited healthcare team experience, protocols, and specific personal protective equipment (PPE) needed. Little is known about healthcare team resilience as a phenomenon; existing definitions and empiric referents do not capture the nature of healthcare team resilience, as the traditional focus has been placed on individual resilience. This qualitative research protocol provides the rationale and methodology to examine this phenomenon and builds a bridge between resilience engineering and individual resilience. The sample is composed of healthcare team members from the US. This research may add to the body of knowledge on resilience culture in healthcare teams during the COVID-19 pandemic. This qualitative research protocol paper outlines the rationale, objective, methods, and ethical considerations entailed in this research.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W. Ambrose
- College of Nursing, The Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; (D.M.L.); (L.S.N.)
| | - Diana M. Layne
- College of Nursing, The Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; (D.M.L.); (L.S.N.)
| | - Ken Catchpole
- College of Medicine, The Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; (K.C.); (H.E.)
| | - Heather Evans
- College of Medicine, The Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; (K.C.); (H.E.)
| | - Lynne S. Nemeth
- College of Nursing, The Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; (D.M.L.); (L.S.N.)
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Massoudi BL, Sobolevskaia D. Keep Moving Forward: Health Informatics and Information Management beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic. Yearb Med Inform 2021; 30:75-83. [PMID: 34479380 PMCID: PMC8416200 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1726499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives:
To identify gaps and challenges in health informatics and health information management during the COVID-19 pandemic. To describe solutions and offer recommendations that can address the identified gaps and challenges.
Methods:
A literature review of relevant peer-reviewed and grey literature published from January 2020 to December 2020 was conducted to inform the paper.
Results:
The literature revealed several themes regarding health information management and health informatics challenges and gaps: information systems and information technology infrastructure; data collection, quality, and standardization; and information governance and use. These challenges and gaps were often driven by public policy and funding constraints.
Conclusions:
COVID-19 exposed complexities related to responding to a world-wide, fast moving, quickly spreading novel virus. Longstanding gaps and ongoing challenges in the local, national, and global health and public health information systems and data infrastructure must be addressed before we are faced with another global pandemic.
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Hategeka C, Carter SE, Chenge FM, Katanga EN, Lurton G, Mayaka SMN, Mwamba DK, van Kleef E, Vanlerberghe V, Grépin KA. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and response on the utilisation of health services in public facilities during the first wave in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:e005955. [PMID: 34315776 PMCID: PMC8318723 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-005955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Health service use among the public can decline during outbreaks and had been predicted among low and middle-income countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020, the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) started implementing public health measures across Kinshasa, including strict lockdown measures in the Gombe health zone. METHODS Using monthly time series data from the DRC Health Management Information System (January 2018 to December 2020) and interrupted time series with mixed effects segmented Poisson regression models, we evaluated the impact of the pandemic on the use of essential health services (outpatient visits, maternal health, vaccinations, visits for common infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases) during the first wave of the pandemic in Kinshasa. Analyses were stratified by age, sex, health facility and lockdown policy (ie, Gombe vs other health zones). RESULTS Health service use dropped rapidly following the start of the pandemic and ranged from 16% for visits for hypertension to 39% for visits for diabetes. However, reductions were highly concentrated in Gombe (81% decline in outpatient visits) relative to other health zones. When the lockdown was lifted, total visits and visits for infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases increased approximately twofold. Hospitals were more affected than health centres. Overall, the use of maternal health services and vaccinations was not significantly affected. CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in important reductions in health service utilisation in Kinshasa, particularly Gombe. Lifting of lockdown led to a rebound in the level of health service use but it remained lower than prepandemic levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celestin Hategeka
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Faustin Mukalenge Chenge
- Faculté de Médecine, Ecole de Santé Publique, Université de Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Centre de Connaissances en Santé en RD Congo, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Eric Nyambu Katanga
- Ministère de la Santé Publique de la République Démocratique du Congo, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | | | - Serge Ma-Nitu Mayaka
- Public Health School of Kinshasa, Université de Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Dieudonné Kazadi Mwamba
- Public Health School of Kinshasa, Université de Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Ministry of Health of Democratic Republic of Congo, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | | | | | - Karen Ann Grépin
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
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Van Hoang M, Tran AT, Vu TT, Duong TK. Covid-19 Preparedness and Response Capability: A Case Study of the Hanoi Primary Healthcare System. Health Serv Insights 2021; 14:11786329211019224. [PMID: 34103938 PMCID: PMC8161850 DOI: 10.1177/11786329211019224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) preparedness and response of the health system (HS) in Hanoi, Vietnam, and identified enabling factors and barriers. This cross-sectional, mixed-methods study was conducted in 4 urban and peri-urban districts that included some wards with COVID-19-positive cases and some without. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) analytical frameworks were used. Overall, 10% of health facilities (HFs) failed to fully implement COVID-19 risk determination; 8.8% failed to fully implement stronger community partnerships with local stakeholders to support public health (PH) preparedness; 35% and 2.5% incompletely implemented and did not implement evaluation of PH emergency operations, respectively; 10% did not identify communication channels to issue public information, alerts, warnings, and notifications; 25% incompletely implemented identification, development of guidance, and standards for information; 72.5% had good preventive and treatment collaboration; and 10% did not fully implement procedures for laboratory testing and reporting results. Enablers included sufficient infrastructure and equipment, strong leadership, and good cross-public-sector collaboration with police and military forces. Barriers included workforce constraints, overburdened and inconsistent reporting systems, inappropriate financial mechanisms, ambiguous health governance, and lack of private-sector engagement. Nonetheless, the HS preparedness and response were satisfactory, although further coordinated efforts in evaluation, coordination, communication, and volunteering remain necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Trang Thu Vu
- Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
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Zhang Y, Tambo E, Djuikoue IC, Tazemda GK, Fotsing MF, Zhou XN. Early stage risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) strategies and measures against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic crisis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 5:44-50. [PMID: 33850632 PMCID: PMC8032327 DOI: 10.1016/j.glohj.2021.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has proven to be tenacious and shows that the global community is still poorly prepared to handling such emerging pandemics. Enhancing global solidarity in emergency preparedness and response, and the mobilization of conscience and cooperation, can serve as an excellent source of ideas and measures in a timely manner. The article provides an overview of the key components of risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) strategies at the early stages in vulnerable nations and populations, and highlight contextual recommendations for strengthening coordinated and sustainable RCCE preventive and emergency response strategies against COVID-19 pandemic. Global solidarity calls for firming governance, abundant community participation and enough trust to boost early pandemic preparedness and response. Promoting public RCCE response interventions needs crucially improving government health systems and security proactiveness, community to individual confinement, trust and resilience solutions. To better understand population risk and vulnerability, as well as COVID-19 transmission dynamics, it is important to build intelligent systems for monitoring isolation/quarantine and tracking by use of artificial intelligence and machine learning systems algorithms. Experiences and lessons learned from the international community is crucial for emerging pandemics prevention and control programs, especially in promoting evidence-based decision-making, integrating data and models to inform effective and sustainable RCCE strategies, such as local and global safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines and mass immunization programs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ernest Tambo
- Higher Institute of Health Sciences, University of the Mountains, P.O. Box 208 Bagangté, Cameroon
- Prevention and Control, NGO, Cameroon
| | - Ingrid C Djuikoue
- Higher Institute of Health Sciences, University of the Mountains, P.O. Box 208 Bagangté, Cameroon
- Prevention and Control, NGO, Cameroon
| | - Gildas K Tazemda
- Higher Institute of Health Sciences, University of the Mountains, P.O. Box 208 Bagangté, Cameroon
- Prevention and Control, NGO, Cameroon
| | | | - Xiao-Nong Zhou
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai 200025, China
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Sam-Agudu NA, Rabie H, Pipo MT, Byamungu LN, Masekela R, van der Zalm MM, Redfern A, Dramowski A, Mukalay A, Gachuno OW, Mongweli N, Kinuthia J, Ishoso DK, Amoako E, Agyare E, Agbeno EK, Jibril AM, Abdullahi AM, Amadi O, Umar UM, Ayele BT, Machekano RN, Nyasulu PS, Hermans MP, Otshudiema JO, Bongo-Pasi Nswe C, Kayembe JMN, Mbala-Kingebeni P, Muyembe-Tamfum JJ, Aanyu HT, Musoke P, Fowler MG, Sewankambo N, Suleman F, Adejumo P, Tsegaye A, Mteta A, Noormahomed EV, Deckelbaum RJ, Zumla A, Mavungu Landu DJ, Tshilolo L, Zigabe S, Goga A, Mills EJ, Umar LW, Kruger M, Mofenson LM, Nachega JB. The Critical Need for Pooled Data on Coronavirus Disease 2019 in African Children: An AFREhealth Call for Action Through Multicountry Research Collaboration. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 73:1913-1919. [PMID: 33580256 PMCID: PMC7929059 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally, there are prevailing knowledge gaps in the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and outcomes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection among children and adolescents; and these gaps are especially wide in African countries. The availability of robust age-disaggregated data is a critical first step in improving knowledge on disease burden and manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among children. Furthermore, it is essential to improve understanding of SARS-CoV-2 interactions with comorbidities and coinfections such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), tuberculosis, malaria, sickle cell disease, and malnutrition, which are highly prevalent among children in sub-Saharan Africa. The African Forum for Research and Education in Health (AFREhealth) COVID-19 Research Collaboration on Children and Adolescents is conducting studies across Western, Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa to address existing knowledge gaps. This consortium is expected to generate key evidence to inform clinical practice and public health policy-making for COVID-19 while concurrently addressing other major diseases affecting children in African countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia A Sam-Agudu
- Pediatric and Adolescent HIV Unit and International Research Center of Excellence, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria,Institute of Human Virology and Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA,Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Helena Rabie
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Michel Tshiasuma Pipo
- Department of Public Health, Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherche en Ethnopharmacologie, Faculty of Medicine, Université Notre-Dame du Kasayi, Kananga, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Liliane Nsuli Byamungu
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Refiloe Masekela
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Marieke M van der Zalm
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andrew Redfern
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Angela Dramowski
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Abdon Mukalay
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Onesmus W Gachuno
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Nancy Mongweli
- Department of Research and Programs and Department of Reproductive Health, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - John Kinuthia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya,Department of Research and Programs and Department of Reproductive Health, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Daniel Katuashi Ishoso
- Community Health Department, Kinshasa School of Public Health, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Emmanuella Amoako
- Department of Pediatrics, Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Elizabeth Agyare
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast and Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Evans K Agbeno
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast and Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Aishatu Mohammed Jibril
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Health Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University and Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Asara M Abdullahi
- Department of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University and Ahmadu Bello Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Oma Amadi
- Department of Pediatrics, Asokoro District Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Umar Mohammed Umar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asokoro District Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Birhanu T Ayele
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rhoderick N Machekano
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Peter S Nyasulu
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Michel P Hermans
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - John Otokoye Otshudiema
- World Health Organization Health Emergencies Program, COVID-19 Response, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Christian Bongo-Pasi Nswe
- Department of Public Health, Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherche en Ethnopharmacologie, Faculty of Medicine, Université Notre-Dame du Kasayi, Kananga, Democratic Republic of Congo,Faculty of Public Health, Université Moderne de Kinkole, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Jean-Marie N Kayembe
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Placide Mbala-Kingebeni
- National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB) and Department of Medical Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Jean-Jacques Muyembe-Tamfum
- National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB) and Department of Medical Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | | | - Philippa Musoke
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda
| | - Mary Glenn Fowler
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nelson Sewankambo
- School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Fatima Suleman
- Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Prisca Adejumo
- Department of Nursing, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Aster Tsegaye
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
| | - Alfred Mteta
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania
| | | | - Richard J Deckelbaum
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alimuddin Zumla
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Centre for Clinical Microbiology, University College London, and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Don Jethro Mavungu Landu
- Department of Public Health, Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherche en Ethnopharmacologie, Faculty of Medicine, Université Notre-Dame du Kasayi, Kananga, Democratic Republic of Congo,Faculty of Public Health, Université Moderne de Kinkole, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Léon Tshilolo
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo,Department of Pediatrics, Official University of Mbuji-Mayi, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo,Sickle Cell Disease Research Center et le Centre de Formation et d'Appui Sanitaire, Centre Hospitalier Monkole, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Serge Zigabe
- Hôpital Provincial Général de Référence de Bukavu, Département de Pédiatrie, Service de Néonatologie, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Ameena Goga
- South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa,Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Edward J Mills
- Department of Real World & Advanced Analytics, Cytel, Vancouver, Canada,Department of Health Research Evidence and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Lawal W Umar
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Health Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University and Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Mariana Kruger
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Jean B Nachega
- Department of Medicine and Centre for Infectious Diseases, Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa,Departments of Epidemiology & International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA,Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, and Center for Global Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA,Address for Correspondence: Jean B. Nachega, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., D.T.M & H., F.A.A.S, Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Professor Extraordinary, Department of Medicine and Centre for Infectious Diseases, Francie van Zijl Drive, Parow 7505, Clinical Building, 3rd Floor, Room No. 3149, Cape Town, South Africa, Tel: +27 21 938 9119; E-mail:
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Tiruneh A, Yetneberk T, Eshetie D, Chekol B, Gellaw M. A cross-sectional survey of COVID-19 preparedness in governmental hospitals of North-West Ethiopia. SAGE Open Med 2021; 9:2050312121993292. [PMID: 33623703 PMCID: PMC7878997 DOI: 10.1177/2050312121993292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The novel coronavirus was first reported in December 2019, from Wuhan, China, and it has been declared as a pandemic by World Health Organization on 7 January 2020, and from that time till now the disease transmitted across the world. Hospitals need to be prepared for the overwhelming COVID-19 cases in their respective hospitals. Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the level of hospital preparedness for COVID-19 in South Gondar Zone Governmental Hospitals, 2020. Methods: The institutionally based survey was conducted in South Gondar Zone Hospitals from 20 July to 25 July 2020. We used the World Health Organization preparedness checklist for COVID-19, and the checklist has three options for eight hospitals (not started, in progress, and started), so each hospital evaluated out of 208 points (104 items × 2) to assess each hospital their preparedness based on the checklist. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, Version 21, is used for the analysis of the data. We used descriptive statistics and explained by using text and tables. Results: We evaluated all eight hospitals in these zone hospitals and only one hospital was in an acceptable level of preparation (>146 points), three hospitals were in an insufficient level of preparation (73–145 points), and the other four hospitals were grouped under the unacceptable level of preparation (<72 points) for COVID-19. And in all hospitals, there was no laboratory diagnostic method and treatment center for the COVID-19 virus. Conclusion: From the level of COVID-19 pandemic preparation from eight hospitals, only one hospital reaches the level of an acceptable level of preparedness. Mobilizing the community and other stakeholders to equip the hospital with resources and prioritization is recommended to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abebe Tiruneh
- Department of Anesthesia, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Tikuneh Yetneberk
- Department of Anesthesia, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Denberu Eshetie
- Department of Anesthesia, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Bassazinew Chekol
- Department of Anesthesia, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Moges Gellaw
- Department of Anesthesia, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
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43
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Lal A, Erondu NA, Heymann DL, Gitahi G, Yates R. Fragmented health systems in COVID-19: rectifying the misalignment between global health security and universal health coverage. Lancet 2021; 397:61-67. [PMID: 33275906 PMCID: PMC7834479 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(20)32228-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 71.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has placed enormous strain on countries around the world, exposing long-standing gaps in public health and exacerbating chronic inequities. Although research and analyses have attempted to draw important lessons on how to strengthen pandemic preparedness and response, few have examined the effect that fragmented governance for health has had on effectively mitigating the crisis. By assessing the ability of health systems to manage COVID-19 from the perspective of two key approaches to global health policy-global health security and universal health coverage-important lessons can be drawn for how to align varied priorities and objectives in strengthening health systems. This Health Policy paper compares three types of health systems (ie, with stronger investments in global health security, stronger investments in universal health coverage, and integrated investments in global health security and universal health coverage) in their response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and synthesises four essential recommendations (ie, integration, financing, resilience, and equity) to reimagine governance, policies, and investments for better health towards a more sustainable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arush Lal
- Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK; Women in Global Health, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Ngozi A Erondu
- O'Neill Institute, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA; Centre for Universal Health, Chatham House, London, UK
| | - David L Heymann
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Githinji Gitahi
- UHC2030, Nairobi, Kenya; Amref Health Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Robert Yates
- Centre for Universal Health, Chatham House, London, UK
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Jiang LC, Chu TH, Sun M. Characterization of Vaccine Tweets During the Early Stage of the COVID-19 Outbreak in the United States: Topic Modeling Analysis. JMIR INFODEMIOLOGY 2021; 1:e25636. [PMID: 34604707 PMCID: PMC8448459 DOI: 10.2196/25636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, developing safe and effective coronavirus vaccines was considered critical to arresting the spread of the disease. News and social media discussions have extensively covered the issue of coronavirus vaccines, with a mixture of vaccine advocacies, concerns, and oppositions. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to uncover the emerging themes in Twitter users' perceptions and attitudes toward vaccines during the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak. METHODS This study employed topic modeling to analyze tweets related to coronavirus vaccines at the start of the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States (February 21 to March 20, 2020). We created a predefined query (eg, "COVID" AND "vaccine") to extract the tweet text and metadata (number of followers of the Twitter account and engagement metrics based on likes, comments, and retweeting) from the Meltwater database. After preprocessing the data, we tested Latent Dirichlet Allocation models to identify topics associated with these tweets. The model specifying 20 topics provided the best overall coherence, and each topic was interpreted based on its top associated terms. RESULTS In total, we analyzed 100,209 tweets containing keywords related to coronavirus and vaccines. The 20 topics were further collapsed based on shared similarities, thereby generating 7 major themes. Our analysis characterized 26.3% (26,234/100,209) of the tweets as News Related to Coronavirus and Vaccine Development, 25.4% (25,425/100,209) as General Discussion and Seeking of Information on Coronavirus, 12.9% (12,882/100,209) as Financial Concerns, 12.7% (12,696/100,209) as Venting Negative Emotions, 9.9% (9908/100,209) as Prayers and Calls for Positivity, 8.1% (8155/100,209) as Efficacy of Vaccine and Treatment, and 4.9% (4909/100,209) as Conspiracies about Coronavirus and Its Vaccines. Different themes demonstrated some changes over time, mostly in close association with news or events related to vaccine developments. Twitter users who discussed conspiracy theories, the efficacy of vaccines and treatments, and financial concerns had more followers than those focused on other vaccine themes. The engagement level-the extent to which a tweet being retweeted, quoted, liked, or replied by other users-was similar among different themes, but tweets venting negative emotions yielded the lowest engagement. CONCLUSIONS This study enriches our understanding of public concerns over new vaccines or vaccine development at early stages of the outbreak, bearing implications for influencing vaccine attitudes and guiding public health efforts to cope with infectious disease outbreaks in the future. This study concluded that public concerns centered on general policy issues related to coronavirus vaccines and that the discussions were considerably mixed with political views when vaccines were not made available. Only a small proportion of tweets focused on conspiracy theories, but these tweets demonstrated high engagement levels and were often contributed by Twitter users with more influence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Crystal Jiang
- Department of Media and Communication City University of Hong Kong Hong Kong Hong Kong
| | - Tsz Hang Chu
- Department of Media and Communication City University of Hong Kong Hong Kong Hong Kong
| | - Mengru Sun
- College of Media and International Culture Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
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