Keep Moving Forward: Health Informatics and Information Management beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Public Health
• Information Management

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges to global health systems.
• Existing health information management and informatics infrastructure faced significant strain.
• Gaps in data systems hindered effective pandemic response and public health efforts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify critical gaps and challenges in health informatics and health information management during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To propose solutions and recommendations for addressing these identified issues.
• To enhance preparedness for future global health emergencies.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
• The review encompassed peer-reviewed and grey literature published between January 2020 and December 2020.
• Analysis focused on identifying recurring themes in health information challenges.

Main Results:

• Key challenges identified include deficiencies in information systems and IT infrastructure.
• Issues with data collection, quality, and standardization were prevalent.
• Information governance and utilization presented significant hurdles, often exacerbated by public policy and funding constraints.

Conclusions:

• The pandemic exposed deep-seated complexities in managing novel, rapidly spreading viruses.
• Longstanding deficiencies in local, national, and global health information systems require urgent attention.
• Addressing these data infrastructure gaps is crucial for future pandemic preparedness.