Article type
Abstract
Background: In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, health research systems (HRSs) around the world reacted in dynamic ways to address the presented challenges. A transformative period of reflection and learning from the responses followed. To effectively inform decision-making and enhance preparedness for future pandemics, a review of the global responses is required to develop emergency-ready HRSs by identifying the necessary functions and mechanisms of such systems.
Objectives: 1) To describe the strengths, limitations, and lessons learned related to the HRS responses to the COVID-19 pandemic; 2) to identify the organizational, programmatic, and governance structures that were required to support an effective research response to COVID-19
Methods: A rapid scoping review of the MEDLINE and Embase databases was undertaken to identify papers published up to November 2023 using the following key concepts: COVID-19, research response, and lessons learned. Gray literature was identified through a review of government, academic, and health organization websites. The research team conducted single screening of title/abstract followed by full-text screening based on eligibility criteria. The selected articles were extracted for key data points using a data extraction tool developed by the research team.
Results: 5336 sources were identified, leaving 3609 after removal of duplicates. Of these, 117 full-text papers were reviewed, of which 65 were included in the final analysis. We identified 8 categories of HRS response types to the pandemic: 1) Collaboration; 2) Governance; 3) Infrastructure; 4) Knowledge Mobilization; 5) Monitoring & Evaluation; 6) Prioritization; 7) Research Allocation & Capacity; and 8) Strategic Planning. The lessons learned from the responses included prioritizing core capacities, fostering collaboration, ensuring equitable access, securing sustainable funding, enhancing governance structures, fortifying infrastructure, advancing knowledge mobilization efforts, refining monitoring and evaluation strategies, and engaging in strategic planning.
Conclusions: Addressing the COVID-19 pandemic requires a multifaceted approach. Overall, investing in foundational capacities, enhancing response capabilities, promoting collaboration, and strategic planning are key to strengthening HRSs globally and warranting effective preparedness and response to public health emergencies, while ensuring inclusivity and equity in research endeavors to better support patients worldwide.
Objectives: 1) To describe the strengths, limitations, and lessons learned related to the HRS responses to the COVID-19 pandemic; 2) to identify the organizational, programmatic, and governance structures that were required to support an effective research response to COVID-19
Methods: A rapid scoping review of the MEDLINE and Embase databases was undertaken to identify papers published up to November 2023 using the following key concepts: COVID-19, research response, and lessons learned. Gray literature was identified through a review of government, academic, and health organization websites. The research team conducted single screening of title/abstract followed by full-text screening based on eligibility criteria. The selected articles were extracted for key data points using a data extraction tool developed by the research team.
Results: 5336 sources were identified, leaving 3609 after removal of duplicates. Of these, 117 full-text papers were reviewed, of which 65 were included in the final analysis. We identified 8 categories of HRS response types to the pandemic: 1) Collaboration; 2) Governance; 3) Infrastructure; 4) Knowledge Mobilization; 5) Monitoring & Evaluation; 6) Prioritization; 7) Research Allocation & Capacity; and 8) Strategic Planning. The lessons learned from the responses included prioritizing core capacities, fostering collaboration, ensuring equitable access, securing sustainable funding, enhancing governance structures, fortifying infrastructure, advancing knowledge mobilization efforts, refining monitoring and evaluation strategies, and engaging in strategic planning.
Conclusions: Addressing the COVID-19 pandemic requires a multifaceted approach. Overall, investing in foundational capacities, enhancing response capabilities, promoting collaboration, and strategic planning are key to strengthening HRSs globally and warranting effective preparedness and response to public health emergencies, while ensuring inclusivity and equity in research endeavors to better support patients worldwide.