Key Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic
By Rodney P. Parker, Indiana University, USA, rodp@iu.edu
Abstract
This document summarizes the author’s presentation during a panel discussion at the Third Midwest Healthcare Conference held at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, in August 2023. The presentation describes some key lessons derived from the author’s experience of conducting research during the COVID-19 pandemic, notably (1) the importance of gathering a research team consisting of complementary but overlapping skills, and (2) the increased usage of digital technologies in healthcare delivery is likely to be enduring.
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.