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Assessing Iran's health system according to the COVID-19 strategic preparedness and response plan of the World Health Organization: health policy and historical implications.
Ghanbari, Mahboubeh Khaton; Behzadifar, Masoud; Bakhtiari, Ahad; Behzadifar, Meysam; Azari, Samad; Abolghasem Gorji, Hasan; Shahabi, Saeed; Martini, Mariano; Bragazzi, Nicola Luigi.
  • Ghanbari MK; Health Management and Economics Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
  • Behzadifar M; Zoonoses Control Unit, Center of Diseases Control, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran.
  • Bakhtiari A; Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.
  • Behzadifar M; National Center for Health Insurance Research, Iran Health Insurance Organization, Tehran, Iran.
  • Azari S; Department of Health Management and Economics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
  • Abolghasem Gorji H; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Nutrition, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.
  • Shahabi S; Health Management and Economics Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
  • Martini M; Health Management and Economics Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
  • Bragazzi NL; Health Policy Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
J Prev Med Hyg ; 61(4): E508-E519, 2020 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1102691
ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:

The role of health systems in the management of disasters, including natural hazards like outbreaks and pandemics, is crucial and vital. Healthcare systems which are unprepared to properly deal with crises are much more likely to expose their public health workers and health personnel to harm and will not be able to deliver healthcare provisions in critical situations. This can lead to a drammatic toll of deaths, even in developed countries. The possible occurrence of global crises has prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to devise instruments, guidelines and tools to assess the capacity of countries to deal with disasters. Iran's health system has been hit hardly by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we aimed to assess its preparedness and response to the outbreak.

METHODS:

The present investigation was designed as a qualitative study. We utilized the "COVID-19 Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan" devised by WHO as a conceptual framework.

RESULTS:

The dimension/pillar which scored the highest was national laboratories, followed by surveillance, rapid response teams and case investigations. Risk communication and community engagement was another pillar receiving a high score, followed by infection prevention and control and by country-level coordination, planning and monitoring. The pillars/dimensions receiving the lowest scores were operational support and logistics; case management; and points of entry.

DISCUSSION:

The COVID-19 pandemic has represented an unprecedent event that has challenged healthcare systems and facilities worldwide, highlighting their weaknesses and the need for inter-sectoral cooperation and collaboration during the crisis. Analyzing these experiences and capitalizing on them, by strengthening them,will help countries to be more prepared to face possible future crises.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Disease Outbreaks / Infection Control / Delivery of Health Care / Disaster Planning / COVID-19 Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Qualitative research / Randomized controlled trials Limits: Humans Language: English Journal: J Prev Med Hyg Journal subject: Public Health Year: 2020 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: 2421-4248

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Disease Outbreaks / Infection Control / Delivery of Health Care / Disaster Planning / COVID-19 Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Qualitative research / Randomized controlled trials Limits: Humans Language: English Journal: J Prev Med Hyg Journal subject: Public Health Year: 2020 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: 2421-4248