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. 2020 Dec 18;18(1):136.
doi: 10.1186/s12961-020-00667-w.

Health research system resilience: lesson learned from the COVID-19 crisis

Bahareh Yazdizadeh  1 , Reza Majdzadeh  2 , Ayat Ahmadi  1 , Bita Mesgarpour  3
Affiliations

Health research system resilience: lesson learned from the COVID-19 crisis

Bahareh Yazdizadeh et al. Health Res Policy Syst. .

Abstract

Producing evidence in epidemics is crucial to control the current epidemic and prevent its recurrence in the future. Data must be collected and analyzed rapidly to recognize the most efficient and feasible methods with proper timelines. However, there are many challenges a research system may encounter during a crisis. This article has presented lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic for health research system (HRS) to deal with current and future crises. Therefore, a HRS needs to produce and use evidence in such a situation. The components Knowledge Translation Self-Assessment Tool for Research Institutes (SATORI) framework was used to review the actions required and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in a national HRS. This framework consists of four categories of defining the research question, conducting research, translating the research results, and promoting the use of evidence. The work is proposed actions in response to the COVID-19 crisis and improving a HRS's resilience. While COVID-19 has serious harm to the health and broader socio-economic consequences, this threat should be accounted for as an opportunity to make research systems more accountable and responsible in the timely production and utilization of knowledge. It is time to seriously think about how HRS can build a better back to be resilient to potential shock and prepare for unforeseen emerging conditions.

Keywords: Coronavirus infections/prevention and control; Health policy; Pandemics/prevention and control; Policy making; Translational medical research.

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Conflict of interest statement

BY, RM and AA declare that they have no competing interests. BM is an advisor to the Undersecretary for Research and Technology, Ministry of Health and Medical Education.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Interventions for building a resilient health research system
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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