COVID-19 containment measures impact utilization and provision of healthcare in Europe

Abstract Background The COVID-19 containment measures, implemented to curb the pandemic, impacted health of children and adolescents by numerous pathways. We present the impact on health care utilization and provision. Methods A systematic review on secondary health impact is ongoing (PubMed, PsychInfo, Embase). Literature is screened (title, abstract, full-text) by 2 researchers, and data of interest extracted systematically.. Inclusion criteria are age (0 - 25 yrs.), exposure: containment measures, outcome: secondary health outcome, and European data origin. Results Jan. 2020 - Aug. 2021 10112 studies were identified, 337 were included. n = 60 were on health care utilization and provision. Utilization studies relied on objective hospital or registry data, care provision studies more often on survey data (professionals, parents). Data yields a large but varying decrease in emergency department visits during the lockdown: Italy ∼75%, Spain ∼65%, France ∼60%, and Germany ∼64%, and a substantial change in case mix and severity compared to comparable pre-COVID. Specialized and primary pediatric practices report that elective interventions were postponed, state of the art diagnostics withheld, and rehabilitation services disrupted. Vaccinations in infants, children, and adolescents dropped during the lockdown inversely proportional to children's age. Studies repeatedly suggest patients’ health services avoidance out of fear of infection and stay-at-home rules.Results on catch-up utilization and provision to follow (ongoing study). Conclusions COVID-19 measures exerted a measurable impact on health utilization and provision in children and adolescents. The utilization was comparatively lower and service provision disrupted across Europe. So far little can be said about a potential recovery in terms of catch-up of visits, diagnostics, or treatments. Analyses of the long-term health impact of the observed effects is recommended and can serve to improve future pandemic preparedness. Key messages • COVID-19 confinement measures had measurable secondary health impact on children and adolescents. • Data on catch-up healthcare is important to establish long term impact and learnings.


Background:
Many countries are experimenting with novel ways of organising and delivering more integrated health and social care. Governance is relatively neglected as a focus of attention in this context but addressing governance challenges is key for successful collaboration. Methods: Cross-country case analysis involving document review and semi-structured interviews with 27 local, regional and national level stakeholders in Italy, the Netherlands and Scotland. We used the Transparency, Accountability, Participation, Integrity and Capability (TAPIC) framework to structure our analytical enquiry to explore factors that influence the governance arrangements in each system. Results: Governance arrangements ranged from informal agreements in the Netherlands to mandated integration in Scotland. Novel service models were generally participative involving a wide range of stakeholders, including the public, although integration was seen to be driven, largely, from a health perspective. In Italy and Scotland some reversion to 'command & control' was reported in response to the imperatives of the Covid-19 pandemic. Policies, budgets, auditing and reporting systems that are clearly aligned at all levels were seen to help with implementing innovations in service organisation. Where alignment was lacking, cooperation and integration was suboptimal, regardless of whether governance arrangements were statutory or not. There was wide recognition of the importance of buy-in. Enablers of greater engagement included visible leadership, time and long-standing working relationships. Lack of suitable indicators and openness to data sharing to measure integration hindered working relationships and thus the successful delivery of integrated services.

Conclusions:
Our study provides important insights into how to more effectively and efficiently govern service delivery structures within care systems. We will discuss approaches to governance that help support more resilient integrated care systems.

Key messages:
Different governance arrangements face common challenges to greater integration of care. Enablers include strong leadership, inclusivity and openness to work across traditional boundaries.
Meeting the governance challenges of integrated health and social care requires clear lines of accountability, aligned policies, budgets and reporting systems.

Background:
The COVID-19 containment measures, implemented to curb the pandemic, impacted health of children and adolescents by numerous pathways. We present the impact on health care utilization and provision.

Methods:
A systematic review on secondary health impact is ongoing (PubMed, PsychInfo, Embase). Literature is screened (title, abstract, full-text) by 2 researchers, and data of interest extracted systematically.. Inclusion criteria are age (0 -25 yrs.), exposure: containment measures, outcome: secondary health outcome, and European data origin.

Results:
Jan. 2020 -Aug. 2021 10112 studies were identified, 337 were included. n = 60 were on health care utilization and provision. Utilization studies relied on objective hospital or registry data, care provision studies more often on survey data (professionals, parents). Data yields a large but varying decrease in emergency department visits during the lockdown: Italy 75%, Spain 65%, France 60%, and Germany 64%,

Background:
Late diagnosis of HIV remains a challenge and the construction workforce has several risk factors for HIV. In the Test@Work programme, we delivered HIV tests embedded within a general health check to construction workers, with high uptake and acceptability. Here, we report the experiences of construction managers and health professionals involved in Test@Work and explore the suitability of construction worksites as a venue for opt-in HIV testing.

Methods:
Qualitative interviews (n = 24) were conducted with construction managers who facilitated events (n = 13), and HIV/ health check delivery partners (n = 11) at 21 Test@Work events held on construction sites. Interviews explored experiences of events and views towards workplace HIV testing. Event exit questionnaires (n = 107) completed by delivery partners provided qualitative data identifying facilitators and barriers to effective delivery. Thematic analysis identified themes that were mapped against a socioecological framework (individual, interpersonal, organisational, industry, public health).

Results:
Delivery partners reported high engagement of construction workers with workplace HIV testing, peer-to-peer encouragement for uptake, and value for accessibility of onsite testing.
HIV professionals valued the opportunity to reach an untested population, many of whom had a poor understanding of their exposure to HIV risk. Managers valued the opportunity to offer workplace health checks to employees but some identified challenges with event planning, or provision of private facilities.

Conclusions:
The construction sector is complex with a largely male workforce. Providing worksite HIV testing and education to