Integrated solutions to manage new normals in healthcare-lessons from corona virus disease 2019. (February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dawar, Sachet; Bhutani, Namita; Sudan, D.P.S.; Saini, Sonali; Singhal, Prem Kumar; Bhardwaj, Mohit; Pandey, Ayush; Jokhi Dara, Adil
• Is Part Of: Annals of medicine and surgery. Volume 62(2021)
• Page Start: 76
• Page End: 79
• Publication Date: 2021-02
• Subjects: Pandemic preparedness -- Technology -- COVID-19 -- Artificial intelligence; Surgery -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; General Surgery -- Periodicals; Education, Medical -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 617
• DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2020.12.037
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2049-0801

Abstract

Abstract: Global outbreak of the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID19) has not only challenged the existing healthcare systems but is also a threat to the world economy and stability. In the recent times the world has seen the best healthcare systems collapsing due to the overwhelming burden. Thus, it shows that there have been major lacunae in the pandemic preparedness across the globe. Hence, there is an urgent need to identify the problems, learn from failures and to prepare for future pandemics to reduce the loss of lives and livelihood. In the modern era, blend of public healthcare systems, medical sciences and technology can be put to use to provide solutions. In this article, the authors propose a developmental model of international integrated database software which would connect all the players involved in the management of a pandemic. Better networking and warning system is a key to successful containment of a new viral outbreak. Highlights: COVID-19 has wreaked havoc and even countries with the best healthcare systems have not been able to contain this overwhelming infection. Economic losses amounting to trillions of dollars and an uncertain future have triggered an urgent requirement of novel solutions for such novel infections. As per our understanding, the failure to contain this public health emergency lies in the poor pandemic preparedness beforehand and a lack of dedicated integrated national and international system. A new artificial intelligence technology backed management system is required to deal with such scenarios in future to enable efficient risk stratification and optimized resource allocation. Technology companies should take initiatives to build such software to solve problems being faced now for a better future.