Optimising COVID-19 health service adaptations and resilience [COVID-19]
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Optimising COVID-19 adaptations for ethical, equitable and quality delivery of essential health services and more resilient health systems
IRAS ID
284143
Contact name
Sally Theobald
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
UKCDR Unique database reference number, P00239
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Background\nThe COVID-19 pandemic has led to changes in how health services are provided in order to a) free up available resources including health workers, hospital beds, ventilators and other equipment etc. so that these can be available to care for the anticipated high number of patients with COVID-19 requiring hospitalisation and b) to protect patients and staff from unnecessary high risk contact. Many non-COVID-19 patients are being advised to stay away from hospitals and health facilities, or are choosing to do so for fear of catching COVID-19. While facing these challenges, doctors, nurses and other health care workers must adapt services to ensure quality and equitable access to essential services.\n\nChanges to how and when patients seek emergency care have been observed by health workers in Merseyside, with much lower numbers of patients attending hospitals with stroke and heart attacks. Patients with ongoing health care needs, including patients with chronic diseases; pregnant women needing maternal health care; and patients needing chronic cancer care, need regular follow-up, including laboratory investigations and blood transfusions. These patients also have a higher risk of becoming severely unwell if infected with COVID-19. The health system has changed how services are provided for patients who need ongoing routine essential care, e.g. using phone consultations, to reduce physical contact. With a sudden change in how health services are delivered, there is the risk that some patients, especially those who are more vulnerable, may not be able to get the care they need when they need it most. \n\nWest Africa experienced similar challenges during the 2014-2015 Ebola epidemic. This study hopes to learn from Liberia about how to continue providing care for all citizens, both those with COVID-19, and for patients who need to continue to receive routine essential health care. \n\nOverall Aim\nTo assess the impact of adaptation of health systems as a result of COVID-19 in Merseyside, UK and Liberia and produce guidance for essential service delivery during the crisis and stronger health systems in the immediate recovery phase and beyond.\n
REC name
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REC reference
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