Allocation of resources for health care in COVID-19 pandemic times: integrative review

Abstract

Objective: To analyze information on resource allocation in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, published in indexed scientific journals, from December 2019 to March 2020. Methods: This is an integrative literature review, which took place in March 2020. All databases were investigated and studies were found only in MEDLINE. After applying the established criteria, six articles were selected. Results: It was evident that the allocation of resources is carried out as the demands emerge. The fragility in presenting scientific-methodological evidence that can guide decision makers for assertive allocation of available resources is highlighted. The results showed that studies on this subject are incipient and need to be expanded. Final considerations: The need for health organizations and area authorities to be better prepared for the proper use of available resources, with allocation based on scientific evidence and maximization of resources is indicated.

Muito além da vacina da Covid-19: Bio-Manguinhos/Fiocruz e as ações de enfrentamento da pandemia

“…No entanto, a escassez desses insumos era algo esperado, pois houve acentuada demanda em todo o mundo. Os efeitos da escassez de insumos foram agravados pela insuficiente ou ausente produção nacional e a excessiva centralização da produção em poucos países (Gadelha & Temporão, 2018), assim como os obstáculos criados pela própria pandemia para o fluxo normal de produtos no mercado internacional (Silva et al, 2020;Silva & Pena, 2021).…”

“…Constatou-se também uma fragilização no quantitativo dos recursos humanos disponíveis para atendimento das demandas populacionais. Esse fenômeno gerou preocupação, pois a doença se mostrou grave o suficiente para sobrecarregar desde os cuidados de saúde até a infraestrutura (Silva et al, 2020). Tanto a escassez de insumos quanto a de recursos humanos foram sendo progressivamente equacionadas, apontando direções para políticas públicas que pudessem resolver ou mitigar tais obstáculos no caso de ocorrerem eventuais emergências sanitárias (Gadelha & Temporão, 2018;Homma et al, 2022;Mendes, 2013).…”

Implementation of community health care services to counter the SARS-CoV2 pandemic

“…The high infection rates, the high transmissibility, the need for health care assistance for individuals with comorbidities, have strained the national health care systems around the world in unprecedented ways. In order to alleviate the hospital burden and to meet the health care needs of the population, new organizational models were implemented worldwide for an optimal resource allocation [ 1 ].…”

Mobility restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic and reduced outpatient HIV and syphilis testing in Brazil

“…In the healthcare sector, COVID-19 took precedence over almost any other condition, and not only many professionals were displaced from their usual positions, but also a significant reallocation of diagnostic, therapeutic and financial resources was implemented. [ 3 , 4 ] Meanwhile, other health issues that commonly affect the population, such as Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI), didn't cease to exist. For instance, syphilis and HIV are persisting threats associated with 158,000 [5] and 40,000 [6] yearly new infections in Brazil, respectively.…”