Impact of health policy on COVID-19 pandemic: a perspective framework

Abstract

Background Academic researchers and clinicians play a critical role in shaping public health policies to address the effects of the corona virus infectious disease (coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19]). The aim of this study was to determine the impact of public health policies during the COVID-19 pandemic as described in published articles and develop an operational framework for the analysis of health policy that may be carried out via specific research on the pandemic.

Methods There were 4 databases used: PubMed, MEDLINE, Ovid-Embase and ScienceDirect. We searched for articles published in English during the period of February to December 2020.

Results There were 10 articles selected and synthesized. Public health policy strategies and responses were divided according to 7 main themes: Find (early detection, track, trace and monitoring, communication), Foster (public education, social distancing, lockdown, crowd control, care facilities and medical equipment), Focus (socioeconomic needs, financial aid, ecological, biological, change point models), Form (capacity building, decision-making, leadership, partnerships), Function (organizational structure, information system, hospital and clinical facilities) and Foreknowledge (research and clinical trials, preparedness).

Conclusions Understanding the impact of public health policy during the COVID-19 pandemic could help in ensuring that we are adequately prepared to address future health crises. Policymakers and communities must remain diligent and flexible in responding to current needs and preparing for future policy changes due to COVID-19.