Articles: covid-19.
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Drug shortages are a persistent public health issue that increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both the US and Canada follow similar regulatory standards and require reporting of drug-related supply chain issues that may result in shortages. However, it is unknown what proportion are associated with meaningful shortages (defined by a significant decrease in drug supply) and whether differences exist between Canada and the US. ⋯ Drug-related reports of supply chain issues were 40% less likely to result in meaningful drug shortages in Canada compared with the US. These findings highlight the need for international cooperation between countries to curb the effects of drug shortages and improve resiliency of the supply chain for drugs.
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To identify research and development priorities for virtual care following the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic from the perspective of key stakeholders (patients, clinicians, informaticians and academics). ⋯ As the health system recalibrates with the return of in-person care, there is a growing need to demonstrate the value of virtual care models to patients, the health system, and society at large. Demonstrating this value while also demonstrating improvements to health outcomes will future-proof virtual care, enabling it to be used to address broader challenges of health care delivery. In addition, sustaining virtual care will depend on robust operational structures and workforce training and education. As services evolve, research and development priorities must be revisited to ensure that translational research aligns with stakeholder interests.
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Evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the Virtual Rural Generalist Service (VRGS) model of care. ⋯ Our economic evaluation of the VRGS showed that it provided lower cost care and equivalent quality-of-care outcomes when compared with usual care for ED presentations of the same complexity, and supported local clinical staff to maintain activity levels despite a pandemic. With additional investment in data capture and in nursing and technical staff to support the service, the VRGS has promise as a flexible service that can help sustain access to quality medical care in rural and remote communities.
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Review
Strategic imperatives for health in the USA: a roadmap for the incoming presidential administration.
As the beginning of the next US presidential administration approaches, the USA faces a series of complex challenges that threaten the health of the American people and the effectiveness and sustainability of their health and health-care systems. Taking office in January, 2025, the next administration will need to address myriad systems-level and public health challenges, including the long-term health impacts of COVID-19 and threat of future pandemics, negative effects of climate change on health, unaffordability and inefficiencies in health care, and resulting and long-standing disparities in health-care access and health outcomes. ⋯ To achieve these goals, we suggest policy action items for federal stakeholders and emphasise the importance of social determinants of health, cross-sector collaboration, population health perspectives, and transformative partnerships. By prioritising these strategic imperatives, the incoming administration can set a plan towards a healthier, more resilient future for all Americans.