Ready for the Next Crisis? Investing in Health System Resilience
The COVID-19 pandemic had massive consequences for societies and health systems across the OECD and beyond. Health systems were not resilient enough. Resilient health systems plan and are ready for shocks, such as pandemics, economic crises or the effects of climate change. They are able to minimise the negative consequences of crises, recover as quickly as possible, and adapt to become better performing and more prepared. Smart, targeted investments in health system resilience are needed to improve health and ensure the next shock is less disruptive and costly. This report reviews the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic and applies them to build policy recommendations to ensure the global community is ready for the next crisis. The reviews and recommendations cover health system issues – including workforce, digitalisation, continuity of care and mental health – and other topics, including long-term care, supply chains and international co-operation.
Key findings and recommendations
Not being sufficiently prepared for a shock like the COVID-19 pandemic results in major loss of life and well-being, and requires costly interventions that have repercussions for years to come. Health systems must also be resilient to shocks beyond pandemics. This report uses the lens of the COVID-19 pandemic and the latest evidence to analyse how ready health systems were to prepare for, absorb and recover from a crisis, and how they can be adapted to be more resilient to future challenges. This report offers recommendations in six policy areas to improve health system resilience. These policy areas relate to the health system and to its interactions with broader society. Implementing these recommendations will produce health systems that deliver high-quality care before, during and after crises.
- Click to access:
-
Click to download PDF - 1.59MBPDF