RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Public Health and Primary Health Care Collaboration in Eight High-Income Countries During the Covid-19 Pandemic
JF The Annals of Family Medicine
JO Ann Fam Med
FD American Academy of Family Physicians
SP 4327
DO 10.1370/afm.21.s1.4327
VO 21
IS Supplement 1
A1 Zhao, Jane
A1 Lawes, Carnelle
A1 Bossche, Dorien Vanden
A1 Willems, Sara
A1 Ayu Pinky, Hapsari
A1 Sara Ares, Blanco
A1 Maria Pilar Astier, Peña
A1 decat, peter
A1 Kondo, Naoki
A1 Kroneman, Madelon
A1 Nishioka, Daisuke
A1 Schaubroeck, Emmily
A1 Pinto, Andrew
YR 2023
UL http://www.annfammed.org/content/21/Supplement_1/4327.abstract
AB CONTEXT: The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the importance of strong public health (PH) and primary health care (PHC) systems to respond nimbly and effectively during times of crisis. Both play a crucial role in triage and prevention, management, vaccination, and communication. PH and PHC systems, however, often act in parallel streams, but rarely together.OBJECTIVE: This study aims to describe PH and PHC collaboration during the COVID-19 pandemic in eight high-income countries.METHODS: In-depth case study reports were generated for each country or jurisdiction. Reports searched both peer-review publications and grey literature on five dimensions identified by the World Health Organization regarding COVID-19 management. Reports included country-specific health system descriptions, PH and PHC actions during the pandemic, and an evaluation of strengths and weaknesses. Expert validation was conducted by internal country stakeholders prior to cross-jurisdiction analyses.ANALYSIS: Thematic content analysis was conducted on all reports to develop a coding framework. Codes were identified that were relevant to the research questions. The study team discussed and reconciled discrepancies in themes until consensus was reached.RESULTS: Data was collected from eight high-income countries (Belgium, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, and Spain) from March 2020 to July 2021. Four key themes were identified along with respective strengths/weaknesses. 1) Health information systems: this played a critical role for disease containment and management when designed for efficient data management and cross-sectoral data-sharing. 2) Communication: In countries where PHC was engaged early on, PH messages were amplified; in other countries, a lack of cohesion in communication resulted in poor or delayed community-level responses. 3) Human resource capacity: Health human resources were overwhelmed, with many staff redeployed and undertrained. 4) Professional training: Health professionals who received dual training in PH and PHC acted as strong community champions and may be a bridge for future pandemics. CONCLUSION: Health system needs shifted dramatically throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings highlight four key lessons regarding PH and PHC collaboration from eight high-income countries. Future pandemic preparedness should focus on health information systems and data management, PH communication, health human resources, and education and training.