The study was carried out by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal). The application of the Delphi method allowed to achieve a high level of communication when responding to the submitted research questions. The developed theses and recommendations were grouped in six areas: communication, healthcare systems, vaccinations, prophylaxis, therapy and unequal access to healthcare. The official ones have received the approval from over 150 organisations worldwide. - The results of the panel indicate what we should pay attention to and how to work to act more effectively next time. This relates both to the potentially hazardous COVID-19 mutation the appearance of which should not be excluded, as well as – in a wider scope – the scenario of reacting to the outbreak of every pandemic – said Professor Mariusz Gujski, the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences.
What key recommendations in the fight against the pandemic are indicated by the experts? It primarily includes establishing a joint strategy for the entire society, covering multiple disciplines, sectors and entities, which is going to allow to avoid ineffectiveness and the dispersion of the undertaken activities. Secondly – the coordination of activities between the specific departments for the purpose of an increased effectiveness of the healthcare system. Thirdly, maintaining the idea of “vaccination plus,” covering mass vaccinations against COVID-19 in connection with the use of other preventive measures and access to optimum treatment and financial support. Other recommendations approved by at least 99 percent of the participants of the study include, among others, effective communication, restoring the trust to healthcare representatives and the involvement of the society in the management of the fight against the pandemic. The slight differences in the opinion of such issues, such as for instance economic incentives used for reducing the level of reluctance to vaccinations or the symptomatic approach to diagnosing COVID-19 in facilities with low access to tests.
- Our study reflects some earlier recommendations; however, it is exceptional due to the very large number of consulted experts, the wide geographical coverage and the pressure on establishing consensus. It may thus turn out to become a template to develop answers to the future global health hazards – said Professor Jeffrey V. Lazarus, ISGlobal researcher and the coordinator of the research.
The results of the study were published in the newest issue of the prestigious “Nature” magazine.