Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/128883
Title: COVID-19 health information system assessments in eight European countries : identified gaps, best practices and recommendations
Authors: Saso, Miriam
Schutte, Nienke
Borg, Marika
Calleja, Neville
Schmidt, Andrea E.
Peyroteo, Mariana
Velez Lapão, Luís
Fehr, Angela
Thißen, Martin
Courtney, Michael
Bogaert, Petronille
Keywords: Information resources management -- Case studies
Law -- Cases
Justice
Public health -- Case studies
Pandemics
COVID-19 (Disease)
Coronaviruses
Issue Date: 2024
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Citation: Saso, M., Schutte, N., Borg, M., Calleja, N., Schmidt, A. E., Peyroteo, M., ... & Bogaert, P. (2024). COVID-19 health information system assessments in eight European countries: identified gaps, best practices and recommendations. European Journal of Public Health, 34(Supplement_1), i74-i80.
Abstract: Background: Global threats, such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, have highlighted the critical importance of robust and well-functioning health information systems (HIS) in effectively addressing public health emergencies. To enhance the understanding and the functioning of such systems, it is crucial to perform HIS assessments. This article explores key gaps and identifies best practices in the COVID-19 HIS of eight European countries. Furthermore, it provides recommendations to strengthen European systems for better pandemic preparedness. Methods: Assessments were carried out in eight European countries using an adapted version of the WHO support tool to strengthen HIS and the Joint Action on Health Information assessment tool. The assessments took place between January 2022 and April 2023. Results: Four main themes emerged regarding the gaps and best practices identified in the various HIS: organizational, technical, legal and resources. The results of these assessments show different approaches implemented by countries to improve their HIS and respond to the demands of the pandemic. Conclusions: It is imperative for countries to draw valuable insights from the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen their HIS. This involves the adaptation or development of pandemic preparedness plans, strengthening legislative framework for data sharing and privacy protection, promotion of data standards and international definitions and implementation of a unique person identifier. Additionally, countries will have to act in this post-pandemic era and integrate the newly developed systems and innovations into existing structures, maintain and develop trust by citizens through transparent communication and engage in infodemic management and address resource gaps in the workforce.
URI: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/128883
Appears in Collections:Scholarly Works - FacM&SPH

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