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. 2022 Aug:25:100515.
doi: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2022.100515. Epub 2022 Jul 6.

Lessons from the frontline: The value of emergency care processes and data to pandemic responses across the Pacific region

Rob Mitchell  1   2 , Gerard O'Reilly  1   2 , Lisa-Maree Herron  3 , Georgina Phillips  1   4 , Deepak Sharma  5 , Claire E Brolan  3   6 , Sarah Körver  1 , Mangu Kendino  7 , Penisimani Poloniati  8 , Berlin Kafoa  9 , Megan Cox  10   11   12
Affiliations

Lessons from the frontline: The value of emergency care processes and data to pandemic responses across the Pacific region

Rob Mitchell et al. Lancet Reg Health West Pac. 2022 Aug.

Abstract

Background: Emergency care (EC) addresses the needs of patients with acute illness and injury, and has fulfilled a critical function during the COVID-19 pandemic. 'Processes' (e.g. triage) and 'data' (e.g. surveillance) have been nominated as essential building blocks for EC systems. This qualitative research sought to explore the impact of the pandemic on EC clinicians across the Pacific region, including the contribution of EC building blocks to effective responses.

Methods: The study was conducted in three phases, with data obtained from online support forums, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. There were 116 participants from more than 14 Pacific Island Countries and Territories. A phenomenological approach was adopted, incorporating inductive and deductive methods. The deductive thematic analysis utilised previously identified building blocks for Pacific EC. This paper summarises findings for the building blocks of 'processes' and 'data'.

Findings: Establishing triage and screening capacity, aimed at assessing urgency and transmission risk respectively, were priorities for EC clinicians. Enablers included support from senior hospital leaders, previous disaster experience and consistent guidelines. The introduction of efficient patient flow processes, such as streaming, proved valuable to emergency departments, and checklists and simulation were useful implementation strategies. Some response measures impacted negatively on non-COVID patients, and proactive approaches were required to maintain 'business as usual'. The pandemic also highlighted the value of surveillance and performance data.

Interpretation: Developing effective processes for triage, screening and streaming, among other areas, was critical to an effective EC response. Beyond the pandemic, strengthening processes and data management capacity will build resilience in EC systems.

Funding: Phases 1 and 2A of this study were part of an Epidemic Ethics/World Health Organization (WHO) initiative, supported by Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office/Wellcome Grant 214711/Z/18/Z. Co-funding for this research was received from the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine Foundation via an International Development Fund Grant.

Keywords: COVID-19; Emergency care; Emergency medicine; Health data; Health system building blocks; Health systems; Pacific Islands; Pacific region.

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Conflict of interest statement

MC, GP, RM and GOR declare they are recipients of International Development Fund Grants from the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine Foundation. GP reports past research funding from the Pacific Community (SPC) and visiting Faculty status at the University of Papua New Guinea and Fiji National University. Additionally, RM reports grants from the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as well as scholarships from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and Monash University. GOR reports that he is the recipient of a NHMRC Early Career Research Fellowship. CEB reports past research consultancy funding from SPC.

Figures

Figure 1:
Figure 1
World Health Organization health system building blocks, adapted for the Pacific emergency care context and this qualitative research project.,
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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