Theoretical and Conceptual Issues in Research Related to Health System Readiness and Response in Pandemic Outbreaks

Abstract

An accurate assessment of the effectiveness of a health system requires integrative initiatives through its components to establish a system's response to different shocks, including health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The focus of this study was to develop a framework for the analysis of the health system readiness and response capacity during a pandemic outbreak. A review of the conceptual and theoretical issues in developing a model for health system analysis and assessment was conducted based on the intersection and interconnectedness of the system components. An integrative modeling framework was developed by incorporating key theories derived from the system fields of preparedness, service utilization, and public health in addressing pandemic outbreaks. Three phases of an outbreak emergency have been identified and linked to integrative response effort from the three disciplines while aiming at achieving common outcome goals. The framework is designed to guide scholars, health system researchers, and policymakers in understanding and applying multidisciplinary approaches to develop effective strategies in response to health emergencies. The distribution of resources in emergencies and in the assessment of the level of preparation of the system should be among key operational processes that could benefit from adopting the context of the framework.