Allocation of scarce resources in a pandemic: rapid systematic review update of strategies for policymakers.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

In pandemics like COVID-19, the need for medical resources quickly outpaces available supply. policymakers need strategies to inform decisions about allocating scarce resources.

Study design and setting

We updated a systematic review on evidence-based approaches and searched databases through May 2020 for evaluation of strategies for policymakers.

Results

The 201 identified studies evaluated reducing demand for healthcare, optimizing existing resources, augmenting resources, and adopting crisis standards of care. Most research exists to reduce demand (n = 149); 39 higher quality studies reported benefits of contact tracing, school closures, travel restrictions, and mass vaccination. Of 28 strategies to augment resources, 6 higher quality studies reported eff

SUBMITTER: Hempel S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8642033 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature