Abstract
The integration of health services with other sectors is hypothesised to support adaptation of health systems in response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study identified barriers and enablers associated with intersectoral coordination at an early stage of the pandemic. The study focused on the roles played by the academic and private sector in different areas of public health planning and delivery concerning COVID-19 in Colombia. A qualitative approach was used to understand stakeholders' experiences and perceptions of intersectoral working in response to COVID-19 in three Colombian cities (Bogotá, Cali and Cartagena). Between March and November 2020, data was collected via semi-structured interviews conducted online with 42 key actors, including representatives of governmental bodies, universities, and professional associations. The dataset was analysed thematically using a combination of inductive and deductive methods. Organizations adjacent to the health system, including universities and the private sector, supported responses to COVID-19 by providing evidence to inform decision-making, additional service capacity, and supporting coordination (eg, convening intersectoral "roundtables"). The academic and private sector involvement in intersectoral coordination was stimulated by solidarity (being the "right thing to do") and motivation for supporting local companies (reopening the economy). Intersectoral working was influenced by pre-existing (substantive) and emerging (situational) enablers and barriers. This study showed that intersectoral coordination has played an important role in responding to COVID-19 in Colombia. Coordination was influenced by substantive and situational enablers and barriers. Based on our findings, policy-makers should focus on addressing substantive barriers to coordination, including the pre-existing tensions and mistrust among national and local healthcare actors, strict regulations and limited financial and human resources, while providing support for situational enablers, including alignment of public and private actors' interests, intersectoral government support and establishing frequent communication channels and formal spaces of interaction among sector, in processes of decision-making.
Highlights
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has generated major challenges that surpassed the preparations for a pandemic by healthcare systems worldwide
Our study focused on intersectoral coordination within three cities, Bogotá, Cali, and Cartagena which have consistently presented a high number of COVID-19 cases relative to the rest of Colombia
The results focus on the partnering roles of academia and private enterprise in response to COVID-19 in Colombia
Summary
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has generated major challenges that surpassed the preparations for a pandemic by healthcare systems worldwide. The aim of this paper is to analyse how intersectoral coordination took place in three Colombian cities (Bogotá, Cali and Cartagena), describing the main roles that two sectors, academic institutions and private enterprise, assumed in their efforts to assist the response of the health sector to COVID-19. Evidence for this paper is derived from a qualitative study which analysed responses within Colombia to the COVID-19 pandemic using three in-depth case studies.[4] we describe the need for intersectoral coordination in the health sector, and its calling under the context of COVID-19 in Colombia. The methods used to study coordinated responses to COVID-19 are outlined. This is followed by findings focused on barriers and enablers associated with intersectoral coordination. The discussion section summarises the main insights from the study and their implications for research, policy, and practice
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Health Policy and Management
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
