#ThisisPublicHealth—The Seed of an Idea That Has Grown Into a Forest of Possibilities
By Arti Barnes, Illinois Department of Public Health, USA, Arti.Barnes@illinois.gov | Sameer Vohra, Illinois Department of Public Health, USA, Sameer.S.Vohra@illinois.gov
Abstract
This review discusses the importance of public health and the lack of sufficient funding in this domain. Our study shows that public health investments are crucial not only for health but also for economic success, and it is essential to recognize their value and impact. Some barriers to funding include economic effectiveness standards, long-term prevention costs, and the influence of healthcare interest groups. The post-pandemic funding cuts, on top of an already underfunded infrastructure, may make the nation ill-prepared for future pandemics.
Lessons from the Pandemic for Healthcare Operations
Lessons from the Pandemic for Healthcare Operations delves into the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic that can be applied to the post-pandemic world to enhance efficiency, equity, and fairness in healthcare operations. It emphasizes the importance of preparedness in combating future pandemics or public health disasters, regardless of when or where they may occur. This work offers a unique perspective through which to view the evolving outlines of healthcare delivery, policy, and research. This is illustrated using several real-world experiences, empirical studies, and forward-looking insights. The contributions fall under three broad themes: the management of policies and funding in healthcare, the role of data and data-driven research, and accessible healthcare services during and after the pandemic.
Companion
Foundations and Trends® in Technology, Information and Operations Management, Volume 19, Issue 2-3 Special Issue: Lessons from the Pandemic for Healthcare Operations
See the other articles that are also part of this special issue.