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Khorram-Manesh A, Burkle FM, Goniewicz K. Pandemics: past, present, and future: multitasking challenges in need of cross-disciplinary, transdisciplinary, and multidisciplinary collaborative solutions. Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2024; 15:267-285. [PMID: 39039818 PMCID: PMC11391372 DOI: 10.24171/j.phrp.2023.0372] [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: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The extensive history of pandemics has spanned many centuries, profoundly impacting societies, economies, and public health, and thereby shaping the course of history in various ways. Advances in medicine, science, and public health practices have played a pivotal role in mitigating the effects of pandemics over time. This review explores the scientific landscape of contemporary pandemics, examining their diverse and complex nature. It goes beyond the biological aspects of pandemics to consider socioeconomic, environmental, and technological factors. Through a scientific lens, this study aims to understand the complexities of pandemics and contribute to the expanding knowledge base that helps humanity strengthen its defenses against global health threats. By elucidating the enigmas of pandemics, the study hopes to foster a more resilient and prepared global health environment. Highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary, cross-disciplinary, and transdisciplinary approach, this exploration emphasizes the critical need to integrate biological, socioeconomic, environmental, and technological domains to develop more robust defenses against these global health challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Khorram-Manesh
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Gothenburg Emergency Medicine Research Group (GEMREG), Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Center for Disaster Medicine, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Marcassoli A, Leonardi M, Passavanti M, De Angelis V, Bentivegna E, Martelletti P, Raggi A. Lessons Learned from the Lessons Learned in Public Health during the First Years of COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1785. [PMID: 36767152 PMCID: PMC9914715 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20031785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
(1) Objectives: to investigate the main lessons learned from the public health (PH) response to COVID-19, using the global perspective endorsed by the WHO pillars, and understand what countries have learned from their practical actions. (2) Methods: we searched for articles in PubMed and CINAHL from 1 January 2020 to 31 January 2022. 455 articles were included. Inclusion criteria were PH themes and lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. One hundred and forty-four articles were finally included in a detailed scoping review. (3) Findings: 78 lessons learned were available, cited 928 times in the 144 articles. Our review highlighted 5 main lessons learned among the WHO regions: need for continuous coordination between PH institutions and organisations (1); importance of assessment and evaluation of risk factors for the diffusion of COVID-19, identifying vulnerable populations (2); establishment of evaluation systems to assess the impact of planned PH measures (3); extensive application of digital technologies, telecommunications and electronic health records (4); need for periodic scientific reviews to provide regular updates on the most effective PH management strategies (5). (4) Conclusion: lessons found in this review could be essential for the future, providing recommendations for an increasingly flexible, fast and efficient PH response to a healthcare emergency such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Marcassoli
- Neurology, Public Health, Disability Unit and Coma Research Center, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Matilde Leonardi
- Neurology, Public Health, Disability Unit and Coma Research Center, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Passavanti
- Neurology, Public Health, Disability Unit and Coma Research Center, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Valerio De Angelis
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Bentivegna
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Martelletti
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Raggi
- Neurology, Public Health, Disability Unit and Coma Research Center, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy
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Patient Management in the Emergency Department during a COVID-19 Pandemic. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10081456. [PMID: 36011113 PMCID: PMC9408013 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10081456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, international action has been taken to prevent the spread of the disease. The aim of this study is to establish the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on emergency department utilization patterns in Poland. It was established that age (among COVID-19 positive patients) has a large influence on the occurrence of a mental illness or disorder. It has been proven that the older the person (patients diagnosed with U07.1), the more often mental diseases/disorders are diagnosed (p = 0.009–0.044). Gender decides the course of hospitalization to the disadvantage of men (p = 0.022). Men diagnosed with U07.1 stay much longer in specialized long-term care units. Lower-aged patients have a shorter hospitalization time (up to the age of 29; p = 0.017). The COVID-19 pandemic has placed healthcare systems, their staff, and their patients in an unprecedented situation. Our study showed changes in the number and characteristics of patients visiting the ED during COVID-19. Despite the shift in the center of gravity of health system functioning to the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients, care must be taken to ensure that uninfected patients have access to treatment for cardiovascular, mental health, oncological, and other diseases.
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Assefa Y, Woldeyohannes S, Cullerton K, Gilks CF, Reid S, Van Damme W. Attributes of national governance for an effective response to public health emergencies: Lessons from the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. J Glob Health 2022; 12:05021. [PMID: 35787525 PMCID: PMC9258903 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.12.05021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic takes variable shapes and forms in different regions and countries. This variability is explained by several factors, including the governance of the epidemic. We aimed to identify the key attributes of governance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and gain lessons for an effective response to public health emergencies. Methods We employed a mixed-methods design. We mapped the attributes of governance from well-established governance frameworks. A negative binomial regression was conducted to identify the effect of the established governance measures on the epidemiology of the COVID-19 pandemic. We used publicly available data on COVID-19 cases and deaths in countries around the world. Document review was conducted to identify the key approaches and attributes of governance during the pre-vaccine era of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a thematic analysis to identify key attributes for effective governance. Results The established governance measures, including generation of intelligence, strategic direction, regulation, partnership, accountability, transparency, rule of law, control of corruption, responsiveness, effectiveness, efficiency, equity, ethics, and inclusiveness, are necessary but not sufficient to effectively respond to and contain the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional attributes of national governance were identified: 1) agile, adaptive, and transformative governance; 2) collective (collaborative, inclusive, cooperative, accountable, and transparent) governance; 3) multi-level governance; 4) smart and ethical governance: sensible, pragmatic, evidence-based, political, learner, and ethical. Conclusions The current governance frameworks and their attributes are not adequate to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. We argue that countries need agile, adaptable, and transformational, collaborative, multi-level, smart and ethical governance to effectively respond to emerging and re-emerging public health threats. In addition, an effective response to public health emergencies depends not only on national governance but also on global governance. Hence, global health governance should be urgently renewed through a paradigm shift towards universal health coverage and health security to all populations and in all countries. This requires enhanced and consistent global health diplomacy based on knowledge, solidarity, and negotiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibeltal Assefa
- School of Public Health, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | | | - Charles F Gilks
- School of Public Health, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Simon Reid
- School of Public Health, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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Borek AJ, Pilbeam C, Mableson H, Wanat M, Atkinson P, Sheard S, Martindale AM, Solomon T, Butler CC, Gobat N, Tonkin-Crine S. Experiences and concerns of health workers throughout the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK: A longitudinal qualitative interview study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264906. [PMID: 35294450 PMCID: PMC8926177 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the experiences and concerns of health workers (HWs), and how they changed, throughout the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. METHODS Longitudinal, qualitative study with HWs involved in patient management or delivery of care related to COVID-19 in general practice, emergency departments and hospitals. Participants were identified through snowballing. Semi-structured telephone or video interviews were conducted between February 2020 and February 2021, audio-recorded, summarised, and transcribed. Data were analysed longitudinally using framework and thematic analysis. RESULTS We conducted 105 interviews with 14 participants and identified three phases corresponding with shifts in HWs' experiences and concerns. (1) Emergency and mobilisation phase (late winter-spring 2020), with significant rapid shifts in responsibilities, required skills, and training, and challenges in patient care. (2) Consolidation and preparation phase (summer-autumn 2020), involving gradual return to usual care and responsibilities, sense of professional development and improvement in care, and focus on learning and preparing for future. (3) Exhaustion and survival phase (autumn 2020-winter 2021), entailing return of changes in responsibilities, focus on balancing COVID-19 and non-COVID care (until becoming overwhelmed with COVID-19 cases), and concerns about longer-term impacts of unceasing pressure on health services. Participants' perceptions of COVID-19 risk and patient/public attitudes changed throughout the year, and tiredness and weariness turned into exhaustion. CONCLUSIONS Results showed a long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on UK HWs' experiences and concerns related to changes in their roles, provision of care, and personal wellbeing. Despite mobilisation in the emergency phase, and trying to learn from this, HWs' experiences seemed to be similar or worse in the second wave partly due to many COVID-19 cases. The findings highlight the importance of supporting HWs and strengthening system-level resilience (e.g., with resources, processes) to enable them to respond to current and future demands and emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra J. Borek
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Caitlin Pilbeam
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Hayley Mableson
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Marta Wanat
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Atkinson
- Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Sally Sheard
- Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Anne-Marie Martindale
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Tom Solomon
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Neurology, Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher C. Butler
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nina Gobat
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Tonkin-Crine
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Vrijhoef HJM. The future of coordination is smart coordination. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARE COORDINATION 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/20534345221075661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hubertus JM Vrijhoef
- Panaxea, the Netherlands
- Maastricht University Medical Center, the Netherlands
- Dutch Stroke Knowledge Network, the Netherlands
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Chapman HJ, Veras-Estévez BA. Lessons Learned During the COVID-19 Pandemic to Strengthen TB Infection Control: A Rapid Review. GLOBAL HEALTH, SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021; 9:964-977. [PMID: 34933990 PMCID: PMC8691887 DOI: 10.9745/ghsp-d-21-00368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In light of competing health priorities of COVID-19 and TB, we propose recommendations to strengthen health system preparedness for optimal TB control across low- and middle-income countries during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Introduction: Over the past 5 years, substantial global investment has resulted in reduced TB incidence rates by 9% and mortality rates by 14%. However, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has hindered access and availability of TB services to maintain robust TB control. The objective of this rapid review was to describe the challenges to be addressed and recommendations to strengthen health system preparedness for optimal TB control across low- and middle-income countries during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Five databases were used to systematically search for relevant articles published in 2020. The 5-step framework proposed by Arskey and O'Malley and adapted by Levac et al. guided the review process. Thematic analysis with grounded theory principles was used to summarize themes from selected articles and integrate analyses with barriers reported from authors' previous TB research. Results: Of the 218 peer-reviewed articles, 20 articles met the inclusion criteria. Four emerging themes described challenges: (1) unprepared health system leadership and infrastructure, (2) coexisting health priorities, (3) insufficient health care workforce support for continued training and appropriate workplace environments, and (4) weak connections to primary health centers hindering community engagement. Four recommendations were highlighted: (1) ensuring leadership and governance for sustainable national health budgets, (2) building networks of community stakeholders, (3) supporting health care workforce training and safe workplace environments, and (4) using digital health interventions for TB care. Conclusions: National health systems must promote patient-centered TB care, implement ethical community interventions, support operational research, and integrate appropriate eHealth applications. TB program managers and primary care practitioners can serve as instrumental leaders and patient advocates to deliver high-quality and sustainable TB care that leads to achieving the targets of the End TB Strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena J Chapman
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
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Geer LA, Radigan R, Bruneli GDL, Leite LS, Belian RB. COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study of Healthcare Students' Perceptions of Life during the Pandemic in the United States and Brazil. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18179217. [PMID: 34501806 PMCID: PMC8431579 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Societal influences, such as beliefs and behaviors, and their increasing complexity add to the challenges of interactivity promoted by globalization. This study was developed during a virtual global educational exchange experience and designed for research and educational purposes to assess personal social and cultural risk factors for students’ COVID-19 personal prevention behavior and perceptions about life during the pandemic, and to inform future educational efforts in intercultural learning for healthcare students. We designed and implemented a cross-sectional anonymous online survey intended to assess social and cultural risk factors for COVID-19 personal prevention behavior and students’ perceptions about life during the pandemic in public health and healthcare students in two public universities (United States n = 53; Brazil n = 55). Statistically significant differences existed between the United States and Brazil students in degree type, employment, risk behavior, personal prevention procedures, sanitization perceptions, and views of governmental policies. Cultural and social differences, risk messaging, and lifestyle factors may contribute to disparities in perceptions and behaviors of students around the novel infectious disease, with implications for future global infectious disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A. Geer
- School of Public Health, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | - Rachel Radigan
- School of Public Health, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA;
| | - Guilherme de Lima Bruneli
- Keizo Asami Immunopathology Laboratory, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife 50670-901, Brazil; (G.d.L.B.); (L.S.L.); (R.B.B.)
| | - Lucas Sampaio Leite
- Keizo Asami Immunopathology Laboratory, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife 50670-901, Brazil; (G.d.L.B.); (L.S.L.); (R.B.B.)
| | - Rosalie Barreto Belian
- Keizo Asami Immunopathology Laboratory, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife 50670-901, Brazil; (G.d.L.B.); (L.S.L.); (R.B.B.)
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Lynn LA, Wheeler E, Woda R, Levitov AB, Stawicki SP, Bahner DP. Protocol Failure Detection: The Conflation of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia and Respiratory Dysfunction. J Emerg Trauma Shock 2021; 14:227-231. [PMID: 35125789 PMCID: PMC8780641 DOI: 10.4103/jets.jets_75_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In medicine, protocols are applied to assure the provision of the treatment with the greatest probability of success. However, the development of protocols is based on the determination of the best intervention for the group. If the group is heterogeneous, there will always be a subset of patients for which the protocol will fail. Furthermore, over time, heterogeneity of the group may not be stable, so the percentage of patients for which a given protocol may fail may change depending on the dynamic patient mix in the group. This was thrown into stark focus during the severe acute respiratory syndrome-2 coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. When a COVID-19 patient presented meeting SIRS or the Berlin Criteria, these patients met the criteria for entry into the sepsis protocol and/or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) protocol, respectively and were treated accordingly. This was perceived to be the correct response because these patients met the criteria for the "group" definitions of sepsis and/or ARDS. However, the application of these protocols to patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection had never been studied. Initially, poor outcomes were blamed on protocol noncompliance or some unknown patient factor. This initial perception is not surprising as these protocols are standards and were perceived as comprising the best possible evidence-based care. While the academic response to the pandemic was robust, recognition that existing protocols were failing might have been detected sooner if protocol failure detection had been integrated with the protocols themselves. In this review, we propose that, while protocols are necessary to ensure that minimum standards of care are met, protocols need an additional feature, integrated protocol failure detection, which provides an output responsive to protocol failure in real time so other treatment options can be considered and research efforts rapidly focused.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence A. Lynn
- Department of Pulmonology, OhioHealth Doctors Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Emily Wheeler
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Florida State University, Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Sarasota, Florida, USA,Address for correspondence: Dr. Emily Wheeler, Department of Emergency Medicine, Florida State University, Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Emergency Medicine Residency Program, 1700 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Florida 34239, USA. E-mail:
| | - Russel Woda
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Alexander B. Levitov
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia
| | - Stanislaw P. Stawicki
- Department of Research and Innovation, St Luke's University Health Network, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - David P. Bahner
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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