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. 2020 Dec;9(4):598-612.
doi: 10.1016/j.hlpt.2020.08.009. Epub 2020 Aug 29.

Swedish policy analysis for Covid-19

Andrius Kavaliunas  1 , Pauline Ocaya  2 , Jim Mumper  3 , Isis Lindfeldt  4 , Mattias Kyhlstedt  5
Affiliations

Swedish policy analysis for Covid-19

Andrius Kavaliunas et al. Health Policy Technol. 2020 Dec.

Abstract

Introduction: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has challenged health care systems and put societies to the test in the world beyond expectations.

Objective: Our aim is to describe and analyze the Swedish approach in combating the pandemic.

Methods: We present and discuss data collated from various sources - published scientific studies, pre-print material, agency reports, media communication, public surveys, etc. - with specific focus on the approach itself, Covid-19 trends, healthcare system response, policy and measures overview, and implications.

Results: The main intervention to manage the curve has been the general recommendations to adhere to good hand hygiene, beware of physical distance to others, to refrain from large gatherings and restrain from non-essential travel. Persons with suspected Covid-19 infection were recommended to stay at home and avoid social contacts. Additionally, visits to the elderly care homes and meetings with more than 50 people were forbidden. As a result, the healthcare system in the country has so far, never been overwhelmed. However, the relatively high mortality among the elderly, together with the vulnerability of some migrants, points out the drawbacks.

Conclusions: Many countries have both marvelled and criticized the Swedish strategy that is formed in a close partnership between the government and the society based on a mutual trust giving the responsibility to individuals. It already highlights how much can be achieved with voluntary measures (recommendations) - something that was noticed and proposed as a future model by the World Health Organization.

Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic; Health policy; Healthcare system; Public health surveillance; Public policy; Sweden.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
The Swedish Healthcare Governance.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
How to protect oneself and others from infection, by the Public Health Agency of Sweden.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
The dashboard with the main indicators showing the status on 14 August 2020, by the Public Health Agency of Sweden.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
New cases per day.
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Total number of cases by age group.
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Number of deaths per day.
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
Total number of deaths by age group.
Fig. 8
Fig. 8
Total number of patients at ICUs per day.
Fig. 9
Fig. 9
Number of newly admitted to ICUs per day.
Fig. 10
Fig. 10
Comorbidity distribution among deceased by sex.
Fig. 11
Fig. 11
Timeline of policy interventions.
Fig. 12
Fig. 12
Covid-19 policy discussion framework.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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