Crisis Committee Research Articles

Smart resilience through IoT‐enabled natural disaster management: A COVID‐19 response in São Paulo state

AbstractNatural disaster management approach establishes stages of prevention, preparation, response, and recovery. With the Internet of Things (IoT), Bigdata, Business Intelligence, and other Information Communication Technologies, data can be gathered to support decisions in stages of the response to natural disaster events. In biological natural disasters, the ICTs can also support efforts to promote social distancing, public health, and economic monitoring to face the threads. São Paulo state used IoT in scenarios to face COVID‐19, such as monitoring vehicular interurban mobility, social distancing, and economic activity. Frameworks, strategies, data views, and use cases are presented to support the decision‐making process to face this biological natural disaster. The data‐driven approach supports several purposes, including the communication of social distancing indices, economic recovery, the progression of contagion, and deaths. It also played a pivotal role in fostering transparency initiatives for society and supporting the crisis committee by facilitating situational analyses, and this approach became standard practice for pandemic response. Studies and innovative visualisation perspectives have produced positive outcomes, guiding the decision‐making process through data analysis. Noteworthy use cases were interurban traffic fence monitoring; mapping of virus spreading; tracking the economic impact concerning recovery plans; and, evaluating the effectiveness of public policies.

Challenge of Managing Hospitals during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualita-tive Study

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed many challenges on the health system and hospitals to provide services. This study investigated the difference between factors affecting hospital management which considered in preparing a disaster management plan for hospital in the face of a pandemic based on the experiences of hospital managers.
 Methods: This qualitative research was conducted on selected hospitals affiliated in Alborz University of Medical Sciences in 2021. Data were gathered with purposive sampling and semi-structured interviews with 16 hospital managers. MAXQDA 10 and framework analysis were used to analyze the data.
 Results: The results were categorized in four categories: 1) Mitigation including staffing, bed capacity, enough space for quarantines, protective equipment, diagnosis and treatment equipment, funding, medicines, patient follow-up, management and leadership; 2) Preparedness such as crisis committee, preparedness and response plan, measures, action plan; 3) Response including motivating health workers, cooperation and coordination; 4) Recovery and lessons learned including providing facilities, expediting patient processes, control, economic conditions, and planning better, passive defense, regular crisis committee meetings, human resources, documentation and use of information systems in planning.
 Conclusion: In addition to providing the necessary infrastructure, it is important to plan for fair distribution of resources and effective supply chain management. A mechanism should also be developed at the national level to anticipate future health crises and to prevent and control diseases in the most effective way.

The People’s Parliament: Disaggregating Popular Participation and Protest in Thembelihle, South Africa

ABSTRACT Thembelihle, an informal settlement to the south-west of Johannesburg, South Africa has experienced a wave of popular protest and grassroots democracy since the African National Congress (ANC) attempted to evict residents in 2002. Drawing from original in-depth interviews and observation, the article highlights the process through which the struggle waged by the Thembelihle Crisis Committee alongside the community has brought state concessions leading to material changes in poor people’s living conditions. In contrast to conventional approaches to the study of protest and popular participation, which focus on organisations as well as the frequency and intensity of protest, this study investigates their politics through the lens of a series of mass meetings: in Thembelihle, residents call these the People’s Parliament. There is ongoing contestation within the community regarding the extent to which the struggle is for the people of Thembelihle only (for housing and electricity) or for the working class more generally. The article argues that social and historical contexts are central for unpacking the meaning of participatory spaces. The conclusion suggests that in the midst of the declining hegemony and crisis of the ANC, it is necessary for both scholars and activists to reimagine the relationship between grassroots politics and the state.

Editorial

Editorial

Evolução do relacionamento entre a alta administração e média gerência em um processo de implementação estratégica no contexto da crise do COVID-19

Objective: The purpose of our study was to investigate how the relationship between top and middle management occurs during a strategy implementation in a crisis context, more specifically the one triggered by Covid-19 virus. Methodology/approach: The approach used was a single, in-depth case study. We adopted a process perspective, which considers the sequence of events and choices made over time, at multiple levels and units of analysis. We analyzed documents and interviewed members of top management, middle management, operational management and two consultants working in the investigated company. We then seek to identify instances of action and interaction where patterns could emerge. Originality/Relevance: There is an increasing number of studies about the role of middle management in the organizations strategic process, but there are still few empirical studies in crisis contexts. This study investigates strategic implementation process during the Covid-19 crisis, shedding light on dynamics of control, relationship and autonomy involving top and middle levels of management. Main results: We identified that the Covid-19 crisis enabled the closer approximation of top management with the middle managers, intensified by Crisis Committee meetings in the organization. The crisis management also catalyzed the process of reducing ambiguities and opening up senior management for the presentation and acceptance of ideas from the middle echelons.Theoretical/methodological contributions: Our findings contribute to the literature on crises, revealing both the process of strengthening relationships between top and middle managers, as well as the building content from the contributions of the middle managers, which can lead to a superior result. We also endorse the impacts of the facilitating conditions proposed by Mantere (2008) based on the work of Floyd Wooldridge (1992), even in the context of crisis. We also endorsed the proposals by Macpherson, Breslin and Akinci (2021) on the role of middle managers as connectors for initiatives in extreme situations that, otherwise, would not have visibility. Social contributions / for practice: For practice, we launch additional clues in favor of greater openness of top managers for the participation of middle managers in the implementation and strategic adaptation, even in a context of crisis. Similarly, we demonstrated that extreme crisis contexts are prone to rethink interorganizational structures and relationships, aiming at the renewal of management strategies and roles.

The state of public participation in the EIA process and its role in South Africa: a case of Xolobeni

ABSTRACT Public participation is an integral part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, as it provides opportunities for interested and affected parties (I&APs) to participate in the decision making process. This process is part of the legislative regime in South Africa and recognized as the main instrument to ensure that the proposed development is sustainable from a triple-helix perspective (i.e., ecological, socially, and economically sustainable). Therefore, the paper describes a case of public engagement in Xolobeni, located in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, as well as the environmental politics that evolved from arguments that favoured development over environmental conservation. The proposed mining project was known as the Xolobeni mining development project. The Department of Minerals and Petroleum Resources announced in 2005 that an Australian company, Transworld Energy and Minerals (TEM), would establish a mining development project in Xolobeni to mine red sand dunes contained within five blocks, each named after the river that runs through it on its southern border. The Department of Minerals and Energy is the exclusive custodian of mining licences and thus the only Department that issues them, according to the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act (Act 28 of 2002). When seeking mining rights, it also requires corporations to consult with local populations. The Amadiba Crisis Committee filed a mining licence appeal based on a lack of consultation. One of the complications was also brought about by the divided community. TEM’s solicitors sent a redacted copy of the mining right application to the community on 3 February 2016. The community was informed that drilling would begin on February 22nd, and that force would be employed if access was not granted. Following the receipt of the mining rights copy, an objection was lodged under section 10 of the MPRDA. The people resisted because they did not want their land, to be taken away. The community also opposed the proposed mining because they were concerned about the negative social, economic, and environmental effects. The land in Xolobeni was also used by the community for agriculture, or tourism and they did not want to lose that. The community also resists the migration of foreigners who wish to dwell in their village, fearing that they will overrun their way of life and impose a social lifestyle commonly connected with mining activity. The preceding study highlights the potential for conflict when communities reject the establishment of mining enterprises. As a result, the goal of this study is to see if incorporating community agreement into South Africa’s legal requirements for granting a mining licence could help to reduce community unrest. The High Court ruled in favour of Xolobeni residents in this mining rights case

THE ROLE OF TOURISM INDUSTRY GROWTH IN ATTAINING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS IN A MODERN GLOBALIZED WORLD

This article seeks to explore the effects of socioeconomic growth in the tourism industry to attain sustainable development goals in the contemporary globalized environment. A study on tourism as one of the fastest growing industries has revealed that modern tourism, an important area in foreign economic activity of many countries and a highly profitable sector, is a complex intersectoral phenomenon that contributes to tackling a number of critical economic and social issues. It is argued that tourism development promotes further integration and spurs international specialization. However, it is noted that rapid tourism growth might generate negative effects for the environment: soil and ocean pollution, climate change, inefficient use of energy sources, destruction of natural monuments, biodiversity loss, etc. In the context of this study, tourism is viewed as a promising management tool able to consolidate resources to meet economic, social and aesthetic needs along with preserving cultural identity, basic environmental processes, biodiversity and life support systems. Thus, the findings provide a rationale to assert that tourism boosting strategies should rely on sustainable development. It is emphasized that sustainable tourism development concept, in full compliance with the principles of harmonious development, is difficult to implement, however it is an ideal, a landmark that should be pursued. Despite the fact that over 4.2 million tourists visited Ukraine in 2021, the current tourism potential is yet to be further unlocked (the share of tourism industry in Ukraine's GDP makes only 1.5–2.5%). Among the key barriers to enhancing the tourism sector growth in Ukraine are the global COVID-19 pandemic as well as a range of managerial, economic, social, environmental and cultural factors. The study presents an overview on the recommendations of the Global Tourism Crisis Committee plan to restore the global tourism industry with a particular focus to attain sustainable development goals and the use of opportunities for transition to a circular economy.

РОЛЬ СОЦІАЛЬНО-ЕКОНОМІЧНОГО РОЗВИТКУ ІНДУСТРІЇ ТУРИЗМУ В ДОСЯГНЕННІ ЦІЛЕЙ СТАЛОГО РОЗВИТКУ

The article examines tourism as a complicated intercultural and intersectoral complex that provides solutions to major economic and social problems and is one of the most profitable sectors of the economy, the most dynamically developing, being an important part of foreign economic activity of many countries. The development of the socio-economic function of tourism is one of the most important areas of economic development of any country, given that the multiplicative impact of tourism contributes to achieving the goals of sustainable development. The article analyses the uneven growth rate of international tourism in the territorial context, which led to a change in its regional structure. The article reviews the main indicators and statistical trends in world tourism under the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The travel and tourism sectors were found to have suffered losses of almost 4.5 trillion US dollars and reached 4.7 trillion US dollars in 2020, while the contribution to GDP fell by a staggering 49.1% compared to 2019; compared to the fall in GDP of the world economy by 3.7% in 2020. Analysing the national development of tourism, it was found out that Ukraine belongs to the group of countries with a negative balance of payments, which is a net importer of services. In addition to the negative impact, possible promising areas of development caused by quarantine restrictions were outlined, which included: introduction of online technologies (paying more attention to hygiene and a healthy lifestyle); active use of non-cash and contactless payment methods, means of address delivery; the possibility of attracting tourists from neighbouring countries (for which visiting Ukraine has certain advantages: logistics, lack of language barrier, developed routes), in order to attract tourists, companies will be ready to provide better service etc. A review has been carried through as for the recommendations of the Global Crisis Committee on Tourism on a plan to rebuild the global tourism industry, including recommendations on sustainable development goals and the opportunity to move to a circular economy.

Local hazard consultants in Switzerland – an innovative social learning element in a community of practice

Hazard risk managers in Switzerland face multiple challenges due to increasing damage potential resulting from climate change. This calls for a new integrative risk management paradigm that targets involvement of all relevant actors. An innovative program to strengthen knowledge was introduced in 2011 by the Federal Office for Environment and Nature (FOEN), in which locally anchored lay persons are trained as local natural hazard consultants (LNHC). The key objective of the program is to complement LNHCs’ on-site experience with professional knowledge to support community crisis committees and tighten networks between actors. This study takes a social learning perspective in the context of this training program and interprets actors as a Community of Practice (CoP) in a social learning system. We evaluated the program with regard to its stated knowledge transfer goals and effects on the CoP. Applying a mixed-method study design, we conducted semi-structured interviews with cantonal training program coordinators (n = 12), followed by a quantitative survey of LNHC (N = 194). Results show an increased availability of knowledge, but the effects show better stability when participants are continuously involved in the CoP. We conclude that sustainable learning is enhanced by fostering the CoP and that risk awareness plays a crucial role in the implementation of the program.

بررسی میزان اطلاعات پرسنل بیمارستان امام خمینی (ره) جیرفت و ارزیابی آمادگی آنها درهنگام بروز بحران

Introduction: The occurrence of various crises in Iran is undeniable and hospitals are among the organizations that are directly affected by these crises. This study was performed with the aim of evaluating the level of information of the staff of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Jiroft and to assess their readiness in the event of a crisis in 2020. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. Census method was used for sampling and all of the personnel working in the Emergency Department of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Jiroft were included in the study. Data were collected using a valid and reliable researcher-made questionnaire of Disaster Preparedness, which has 3 parts. Data were collected, coded, and entered to SPSS software, and then analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistical tests. Results: 63 of the personnel of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Jiroft were included in the study. The mean age of the personnel of Imam Khomeini Hospital was 47.3±2.07 years. Minimum age of the participants was 22 year and the maximum was 59 years. Most of the personnel participating in this study were female (41 people, 65.1%). Most of the personnel had a Bachelor’s degree. No statistically significant correlation was observed between the level of awareness of personnel and age, gender, level of education, or job experience of personnel (P_value>0.05). There was a statistically significant correlation between the level of awareness of personnel and participation in crisis management training courses (P_value = 0.002). There was a statistically significant correlation between the level of readiness and participation in crisis maneuvers (P_Value = 0.04). A statistically significant correlation was observed between the level of awareness and membership in Crisis Committee (P_Value = 0.05). There was a statistically significant correlation between the level of awareness and readiness with sending the enactments of the Crisis Committee to the departments (P_Value = ???). Conclusion: Since it is very important to raise the awareness of the staff working in healthcare centers on managing crises that occur unexpectedly, it is necessary to continue and expand the activities of the Crisis Committee and to provide more accurate training and information in this regard.

SCIENTIFIC-APPLIED ASPECT OF MANAGEMENT OF INTERNATIONAL TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN MODERN CONDITIONS

The article considers the main problems affecting the development of international tourism and predicts the further development of the situation. The growing tourist flow has contributed to the intensification of entrepreneurship in all sectors of the economy, capitalization of assets, job creation, economic and social growth. In 2019, the global tourism industry provided about 330 million jobs, equivalent to 10.3% of total employment. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented crisis in the tourism industry. The flow of tourists in the world has decreased by about 65%. In January-September 2020 alone, the number of international revenues decreased by 70%.This has resulted in the loss of $ 730 billion and more than 120 million jobs. It is noted that in modern conditions there are possible directions of development of inbound and domestic tourism, which are an important factor influencing the economy, but the weakening of external restrictions and lack of competitive service in the Ukrainian tourism industry will contribute to further development of international tourism. Those countries in which tourism occupies a significant share in GDP, are interested in attracting tourists as soon as possible and are ready to promptly implement all necessary anti-epidemic measures in the tourist infrastructure. For the Ukrainian government today, such a strategy is not a priority. Based on this, it is proved that the essence of the scientific and applied aspect of managing the development of international tourism is based on the theory of large business cycles and the theory of prediction. It was emphasized that the world crises ended sooner or later and a new round of development began. The task of mastering the forces of socio-economic life and subordinating them to the conscious, planned leadership of the state, as well as constructive and continuous social dialogue between the government and social partners, is the next practical transformation of today. The program of conscious organizational and regulatory steps should be knowledge, anticipation and action plan. When developing an anti-crisis plan to overcome the impact of COVID-19 on the tourism sector in Ukraine, it is necessary to take into account the recommendations of the Global Crisis Committee on Tourism, namely: crisis management and job preservation; support for self-employed workers; providing incentives and implementing appropriate state policy in the field of international tourism. In predicting the future development of the situation, more attention should be paid to the role of the tourism sector in the country's economy and the achievement of sustainable development goals; develop plans for preparedness for the challenges of the future and use this opportunity to move to sustainable development of tourism facilities.

MEASURES TO PROMOTE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN THE EPIDEMIC RISKS CONDITIONS IN UKRAINE

Currently, in Ukraine there is significant change in the rate of implementation of the measures to support the tourism sector that jeopardize the competitiveness of the industry in the global market. The problems and the possible measures for tourism in Ukraine in conditions of an epidemic risks were revealed in the article. In particular, it is emphasized, now, during the stagnation of the area, the sphere of tourism in Ukraine is better than in most countries, because the international and domestic travel significantly exceed incoming flows. The tourism-related economy in Ukraine depends largely on domestic tourism, as well as the domestic component of inbound tourism. Except for the coronavirus pandemic there are a number of inhibitory factors of the development of tourism in Ukraine, including: lack of adequate support from public authorities; ineffective management and outdated legal framework; lack of proper infrastructure; illegal activity of subjects of tourist activity of the branch (in particular, activity without licenses of certificates); poor quality of road surface; pollution of recreational areas, etc. Support for the development of tourism in Ukraine at both central and local levels should be in cooperation with the specialists of the tourism business, taking into account the risks and preferences of tourists. Depending on how the world events related to the COVID-19 pandemic develop, following the recommendations developed by the UNWTO Crisis Committee, it is necessary to gradually implement the measures set out in the document “Roadmap for Competitive Tourism Development in Ukraine”, as well as to implement monitoring and adapting accordingly to possible changes in world tourism. This will restart the tourism industry, reduce the negative effects of the coronary pandemic crisis, as well as create a basis for increasing the competitiveness of Ukraine in the international tourism market.

El G20 ante la pandemia del COVID-19: agenda, acciones y perspectivas

El objetivo de este artículo de coyuntura es analizar el rol del G20 ante la pandemia del COVID-19, discutiendo su papel como comité de crisis. Se describe su origen y funcionamiento, a modo de comprender las estructuras institucionales que condicionan su accionar. Se analizan las reuniones de Líderes y de Ministros de Finanzas para enumerar las acciones que el G20 ha tomado hasta el momento.

SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pandemic: first wave, impact, response and lessons learnt in a fully integrated Regional Blood and Tissue Bank. A narrative report.

The COVID-19 pandemic is placing blood and tissue establishments under unprecedented stress, putting its capacity to provide the adequate care needed at risk. Here we reflect on how our integrated organisational model has faced the first impact of the pandemic and describe what challenges, opportunities and lessons have emerged. The organisational model of the Catalan Blood and Tissue Bank (Banc de Sang i Teixits, BST) is described. The new scenario was managed by following international recommendations and considering the pandemic in a context of volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA), allowing rapid measures to be taken. These aimed to: ensure donor safety, promote proper responses to patients' needs, ensure the health and well-being of personnel, and prepare for future scenarios. The BST has adapted its activities to the changes in demand. No shortage of any product or service occurred. Donor acceptance, safety and wellbeing were maintained except for tissue donation, which almost completely stopped. To support the health system, several activities have been promoted: large-scale convalescent plasma (CP) production, clinical trials with CP and mesenchymal stromal cells, massive COVID-19 diagnoses, and participation in co-operative research and publications. Haemovigilance is running smoothly and no adverse effects have been detected among donors or patients. Several elements have proven to be critical when addressing the pandemic scenario: a) the early creation of a crisis committee in combination with technical recommendations and the recognition of a VUCA scenario; b) identification of the strategies described; c) the integrated donor-to-patient organisational model; d) active Research and Development (R&D); and e) the flexibility of the staff. It is essential to underline the importance of the need for centralised management, effective contingency strategies, and early collaboration with peers.

School management crisis plan: a preemtive mission in schools

School Crisis needs a response. Leaders in schools are not trained crisis managers and to work well and achieve better results in times of crisis, needs planned actions set aside to preempt any eventual crisis in our schools. This study aim at bringing out credible plan activity as a preemptive measure ready to subside any crisis that may erupt in the school environment. Survey research design was used, specifically qualitative approach in bringing out the research findings. A uni-directional question was asked respondents. The question was: “What school crisis management plan to preempt school crisis can you propose to the minister of secondary education in Cameroon?” using purposeful and convenience sampling technique, the respondents (teachers and administrators) were selected from secondary and high schools in Benoue Division in the North Region of Cameroon and also from Secondary and High Schools from Fako Division in the Southwest region of Cameroon. A total number of 120 respondents were sought from the schools. Another category of respondents selected was five executive members of Parents’ Teachers Association from 10 (ten) schools in Fako division, south west region of Cameroon. A total of 50 (fifty) respondents emerged in this category. Findings reveal a combination of ideas ranging from creating an adhoc crisis committee in schools, the training of school leaders in crisis management, the institutionalizing a school crisis management team and the implantation of trained security operatives in the schools. The study recommends that policy makers in government and particularly the ministry of secondary education strategize through school legislation in making sure all schools in Cameroon implant a crisis committee re-enforced with professional security operatives ready to synergize at all times with the crisis committee.

Survey hospitals preparedness and resilience in crisis COVID-19 in the South of Kerman Province, Iran

Aims The hospital is the first center to fight the Covid-19. This study aimed to investigate the preparedness and resilience of hospitals in the South of Kerman province, Iran. Instrument & Methods This descriptive study was conducted on 77 members of the Crisis Committee in 7 hospitals in the south of Kerman province that was covered by Jiroft University of Medical Sciences from April 2020 to Mar 2021. The data collection tool was standard preparedness and resilience questionnaires. Data were analyzed by Pearson correlation coefficient and Chi-square using SPSS 25 software. Findings The most and lowest frequency of preparedness related to identifying and managing patients and facility communications by 54.9% and 1.2%. Overall, 43% of the preparedness was complete, 52% progressed, and 3% were not yet started. Also, the mean scores of resilience were 194.37±41.40, which was higher than average. The rate of the “Key vulnerabilities” component (70.47±16.68) in the resilience was higher than the other components. Finally, the Pearson correlation coefficient indicated no relation between preparedness and resilience (p>0.05). Conclusion Although hospital resilience was moderate, the hospital readiness was at a low level;thus, we should improve the health system to help to improve the continuing education program, psychological support, and planning and decision making to control the crisis of the covid-19 epidemic. Copyright © 2021, the Authors.

Covid-19 in Estonia. Restrictions and population’s coping with them

The article is based on a selection of data commissioned by the Government Office of the Republic of Estonia and received during 10 weeks from weekly surveys (COVID-THEMATIC SURVEY) conducted by Turu-uuringute AS, a market research company.
 The study began on 17 March and lasted for 10 weeks to 21 May. On three days of every week, about 2,000 Estonian residents aged 15 and over were interviewed. The respondents were randomly selected and represented the entire population of Estonia in terms of gender, age, ethnicity and social affiliation.
 The time series on the assessment of virus infections, hospital and intensive care (mechanical ventilation) and COVID deaths, compiled on the basis of data published by the Health Board, was also used as background information.
 The first three rounds took place during the period of increasing morbidity, the following four rounds (4–7) during the study period when the morbidity situation remained more or less stable, and all the established restrictions also applied. The last stage, rounds 8–10, took place at a time when morbidity was declining and restrictions were gradually eased.
 The survey revealed that Estonia was not ready for the crisis – just like most of the world’s countries. The crisis tested, on the one hand, the government’s ability to make difficult decisions and make significant use of the brain potential of the country’s research community, and, on the other hand, the people’s reasonableness, stress tolerance and ability to comply with rather awkward restrictions. It follows from the present analysis that all the restrictions were opposed by those who did not believe in their appropriateness. However, compared to the total population, their number was small, and, therefore, the restrictions in Estonia were maintained without sanctions and no contradictions arose, let alone unrest.
 The open action of the Crisis Committee was very important: the number of new infections, the number of patients in need of hospital treatment and mechanical ventilation, as well as the number of deaths, were reported daily at both the government press conference and in the media. The survey showed that there were very few people in the country who thought they did not know everything they needed about the crisis. The fact that people remained rather cautious in their assessments even after the end of the emergency situation adds to the hope of coping with the virus in the future – should a second wave or any other threat come.

Understanding the capacity of community-based groups to mobilise and engage in social action for health: Results from Avahan

ABSTRACT Community mobilisation improves outcomes from HIV to maternal and child health. Yet, little health research has explored why some community groups are better able to mobilise than others. We address this gap by considering the case of Avahan, the India AIDS Initiative, which sought to foster community mobilisation, including the creation of community-based groups serving men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSWs), and injection drug users (IDUs). Using quantitative and qualitative data collected from 58 community-based groups from 2009–2012 across six Indian states, we analyse variation in groups’ action on behalf of their members. Based on a mixed effects logistic regression, we find that older groups and those with bank accounts, crisis committees, or strategic relationships were most likely to take action on behalf of members by demanding rights or confronting gatekeepers and opinion leaders. Analysis of qualitative data reveals the types of action organisations took on behalf of members (mediation, removal of community members from harm, and advocacy), but also that sometimes organisations refused to take action, or community members declined their assistance. These findings indicate that organisations formalising, creating structures for social action, and building networks are important strategies to foster community mobilisation.

COVID-19 risk assessment and safety management operational guidelines for IVF center reopening.

PurposeTo promote nationwide dissemination and implementation of COVID-19 Risk Assessment and Safety Management Operational Guidelines, drawn up by SAMeR Task Force in ART centers in Argentina. Our objective is to prevent and mitigate the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 at an institutional level, while reducing the risk of infection among both physicians and patients in the context of a critical scenario in the local and Latin American healthcare system.MethodsSAMeR Executive Committee set up a crisis committee which was made up of specialists in reproductive medicine, embryology, and healthcare management. A critical and updated review of the advances in science, documents, and recommendations released by other societies (ASRM, ESHRE, IFFS, Red LARA, societies of anesthesiologists, infectious diseases, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration—OSHA) was carried out. Likewise, there were joint meetings with the Ministry of Health of Argentina in order to draw up the guidelines. Simultaneously, ongoing medical training was carried out, thus providing added value to them, including two status surveys of the activities of the monovalent and polyvalent centers according to the country’s epidemiological mapping. Four additional recommendations were made, and online training was given to healthcare workers. The aforementioned regulations were first analyzed by the healthcare providers and their practical suggestions were then added to the guidelines.ResultsThe one-off collaborative work and the actions coordinated with the National ART Program of the Ministry of Health of Argentina resulted in the development and implementation of the present COVID-19 Risk Assessment and Safety Management Operational Guidelines at a national level. SAMeR gave recommendations for the implementation of the Management Guidelines for the center reopening, providing new safety criteria against the threat of viral contagion. A new organizational culture was promoted through the awareness of all the healthcare workers and teaching responsibility. We continue working on the compliance with a new “Code of Conduct and Commitment in Healthcare” and with workplace safety measures. We helped with transforming the theoretical knowledge into practical measures for the healthcare workers in different services, with the aim to prevent, mitigate, and/or handle contingencies at the centers/services and gamete banks, in line with the actions agreed upon with the Ministry of Health.ConclusionsAs an extraordinary and uncertain event, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic helped consolidate a volunteer-based and collaborative panel of SAMeR experts who developed the COVID-19 Risk Assessment and Safety Management Operational Guidelines as a new and readily available tool for physicians, patients, and gamete banks care. Their implementation has provided specific guidelines to minimize risk for professionals in ART clinics, as well as guaranteeing patient safety.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s10815-020-01958-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Role of a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit during the COVID-19 Pandemia: recommendations from the neonatology discipline.

On 11th March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 a pandemic. The Obstetrics and Neonatology disciplines needed to be revised to suit the institutional need to expand intensive care beds to care for confirmed or suspected patients with COVID-19 in the state of São Paulo, following the recommendations of the Institutional Crisis Committee. Three different actions were needed: the structuring of teams and advanced medical post to attend COVID-19-free patients and those with suspect or confirmed COVID-19; elaborating the protocols from the delivery room throughout hospitalization. Some special considerations about breastfeeding and rooming-in were needed. The third action was the drafting of a protocol to admit infants from other hospitals with confirmed COVID-19 as the unit never admitted outpatients before.