scholarly journals Varieties of Crises: Comparing the Politics of COVID-19 and Climate Change

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Hamish van der Ven ◽  
Yixian Sun
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Climate Change ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Economic Activity ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Public Health Crisis ◽  
Policy Responses ◽  
Climate Action ◽  
Climate Crisis ◽  
State Responses

The COVID-19 pandemic is the largest public health crisis in recent history. Many states have taken unprecedented action in responding to the pandemic by restricting international and domestic travel, limiting economic activity, and passing massive social welfare bills. This begs the question, why have states taken extreme measures for COVID-19 but not the climate crisis? By comparing state responses to COVID-19 with those to the climate crisis, we identify the crisis characteristics that drive quick and far-reaching reactions to some global crises but not others. We inductively develop a conceptual framework that identifies eight crisis characteristics with observable variation between the COVID-19 and climate crises. This framework draws attention to under-considered areas of variance, such as the perceived differences in the universality of impacts, the legibility of policy responses, and the different sites of expertise for both crises. We use this structured comparison to identify areas of leverage for obtaining quicker and broader climate action.

scholarly journals Expert Advisory Groups: Exploring the Sensemaking Process During a Public Health Crisis Response

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Iva Seto
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Crisis Response ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Advisory Group ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Public Health Crisis ◽  
Long Duration ◽  
Expert Advisory ◽  
Expert Advisory Group

<p>Crisis sensemaking research has focused mainly on acute crises such as wildfires or industrial accidents, with crisis response being approximately under 72 hours. However, there is limited research on long duration crisis sensemaking for crisis response that may be several weeks, months, or even years. This research study aims to explore long duration crisis sensemaking during a public health crisis.  During the crisis response period, key decision makers (KDMs) face a plethora of challenges, including being inundated with information, with varying levels of quality and relevance, or not having the right kind of information. They may rely on an Expert Advisory Group (EAG) to advise on the scientific/medical aspect of the disease. The EAG is comprised of specialists such as infectious disease physicians, infection prevention and control practitioners, epidemiologists, and public health physicians.  The 2003 SARS outbreak in Toronto, Canada, was the context for this research. Participants were recruited who served as members of the Ontario SARS Scientific Advisory Committee (OSSAC) or were stakeholders during the crisis. Among their duties, these experts were tasked to write directives (mandated protocols) that govern all aspects of hospital life, from patient transfers, to cleaning. Data was collected in multiple forms, including: public inquiry reports, meeting minutes, newspaper articles, and interviews. Following a constructivist grounded theory strategy, I conducted several iterations of data collection and analysis.  The findings include a conceptual framework of EAG social sensemaking through a long duration crisis, depicting the sequential process of a stream of sensemaking (the creation and revision of one directive). A second conceptual framework on the information dynamics of long duration social sensemaking reflects the learning over the course of the crisis period. Finally, a third conceptual framework on the regulation of expert advisory group sensemaking as a balance between the knowns and unknowns in the greater health system is presented.</p>

scholarly journals Expert Advisory Groups: Exploring the Sensemaking Process During a Public Health Crisis Response

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Iva Seto
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Crisis Response ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Advisory Group ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Public Health Crisis ◽  
Long Duration ◽  
Expert Advisory ◽  
Expert Advisory Group

<p>Crisis sensemaking research has focused mainly on acute crises such as wildfires or industrial accidents, with crisis response being approximately under 72 hours. However, there is limited research on long duration crisis sensemaking for crisis response that may be several weeks, months, or even years. This research study aims to explore long duration crisis sensemaking during a public health crisis.  During the crisis response period, key decision makers (KDMs) face a plethora of challenges, including being inundated with information, with varying levels of quality and relevance, or not having the right kind of information. They may rely on an Expert Advisory Group (EAG) to advise on the scientific/medical aspect of the disease. The EAG is comprised of specialists such as infectious disease physicians, infection prevention and control practitioners, epidemiologists, and public health physicians.  The 2003 SARS outbreak in Toronto, Canada, was the context for this research. Participants were recruited who served as members of the Ontario SARS Scientific Advisory Committee (OSSAC) or were stakeholders during the crisis. Among their duties, these experts were tasked to write directives (mandated protocols) that govern all aspects of hospital life, from patient transfers, to cleaning. Data was collected in multiple forms, including: public inquiry reports, meeting minutes, newspaper articles, and interviews. Following a constructivist grounded theory strategy, I conducted several iterations of data collection and analysis.  The findings include a conceptual framework of EAG social sensemaking through a long duration crisis, depicting the sequential process of a stream of sensemaking (the creation and revision of one directive). A second conceptual framework on the information dynamics of long duration social sensemaking reflects the learning over the course of the crisis period. Finally, a third conceptual framework on the regulation of expert advisory group sensemaking as a balance between the knowns and unknowns in the greater health system is presented.</p>

Molecular characterization of SARS-CoV-2

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miribane Dërmaku-Sopjani ◽  
Mentor Sopjani
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Drug Targets ◽  
Virus Genome ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Public Health Crisis ◽  
Therapeutic Drugs ◽  
New Public Health ◽  
New Public ◽  
And Function

Abstract:: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is currently a new public health crisis threatening the world. This pandemic disease is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The virus has been reported to be originated in bats and by yet unknown intermediary animals were transmitted to humans in China 2019. The SARSCoV- 2 spreads faster than its two ancestors the SARS-CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERSCoV) but has reduced fatality. At present, the SARS-CoV-2 has caused about a 1.16 million of deaths with more than 43.4 million confirmed cases worldwide, resulting in a serious threat to public health globally with yet uncertain impact. The disease is transmitted by inhalation or direct contact with an infected person. The incubation period ranges from 1 to 14 days. COVID-19 is accompanied by various symptoms, including cough, fatigue. In most people the disease is mild, but in some other people, such as in elderly and people with chronic diseases, it may progress from pneumonia to a multi-organ dysfunction. Many people are reported asymptomatic. The virus genome is sequenced, but new variants are reported. Numerous biochemical aspects of its structure and function are revealed. To date, no clinically approved vaccines and/or specific therapeutic drugs are available to prevent or treat the COVID-19. However, there are reported intensive researches on the SARSCoV- 2 to potentially identify vaccines and/or drug targets, which may help to overcome the disease. In this review, we discuss recent advances in understanding the molecular structure of SARS-CoV-2 and its biochemical characteristics.

Anticipating on a post covid-19 world and the pivotal role of science and technology

Coronaviruses ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 01 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saeed Khan ◽  
Tusha Sharma ◽  
Basu Dev Banerjee ◽  
Scotty Branch ◽  
Shea Harrelson
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Pivotal Role ◽  
Public Healthcare ◽  
Healthcare Organizations ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Outbreak Management ◽  
The Public ◽  
Public Health Crisis ◽  
Future Outbreak

: Currently, Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has transformed into a severe public health crisis and wreaking havoc worldwide. The ongoing pandemic has exposed the public healthcare system's weaknesses and highlighted the urgent need for investments in scientific programs and policies. A comprehensive program utilizing the science and technologydriven strategies combined with well-resourced healthcare organizations appears to be essential for current and future outbreak management.

Communications and Politics

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua M. Sharfstein
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Disease Control ◽  
Accurate Information ◽  
Political Judgment ◽  
Political Leaders ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Public Health Crisis ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Public Health Officials ◽  
Centers For Disease Control

An effective communications approach starts with a basic dictum set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “Be first, be right, be credible.” Agencies must establish themselves as vital sources of accurate information to maintain the public’s trust. At the same time, public health officials must recognize that communications play out in the context of ideological debates, electoral rivalries, and other political considerations. During a public health crisis, this means that health officials often need to constructively engage political leaders in communications and management. Navigating these waters in the middle of a crisis can be treacherous. Figuring out the best way to engage elected leaders is a core aspect of political judgment.

The Public Health Crisis Survival Guide

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua M. Sharfstein
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Police Officers ◽  
Health Agency ◽  
Health Improvement ◽  
Strong Response ◽  
Popular Imagination ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
The Public ◽  
Public Health Crisis ◽  
Critical Skills

Firefighters fight fires. Police officers race to crime scenes, sirens blaring. And health officials? Health officials respond to crises. There are infectious disease crises, budget crises, environmental health crises, human resources crises—and many more. At such critical moments, what happens next really matters. A strong response can generate greater credibility and authority for a health agency and its leadership, while a bungled response can lead to humiliation and even resignation. Health officials must be able to manage and communicate effectively as emotions run high, communities become engaged, politicians lean in, and journalists circle. In popular imagination, leaders intuitively rise to the challenge of a crisis: Either they have what it takes or they do not. In fact, preparation is invaluable, and critical skills can be learned and practiced. Students and health officials alike can prepare not only to avoid catastrophe during crises, but to take advantage of new opportunities for health improvement. The Public Health Crisis Survival Guide provides historical perspective, managerial insight, and strategic guidance to help health officials at all levels not just survive but thrive in the most challenging of times.

scholarly journals Expert Advisory Groups: Exploring the Sensemaking Proces s During a Public Health C risis R esponse

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iva Seto ◽  
David Johnstone ◽  
Jennifer Campbell-Meier
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Process Information ◽  
Unexpected Event ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Creation Process ◽  
Public Health Crisis ◽  
Advisory Groups ◽  
Expert Advisory ◽  
Meaning Creation

In a public health crisis, experts (such as epidemiologists, public health officers, physicians and virologists) support key decision  makers with advice in a highly dynamic, pressured,  and time-sensitive context. Experts must process information (to provide advice) as quickly as possible, yet this must be balanced with ensuring the information is credible, reliable,  and relevant. When an unexpected event occurs, it may lead to a gap between what is  experienced and what was expected; sensemaking is a meaning creation process which is engaged to fill the gap. This research explores how experts engage in sensemaking during a  public health crisis.

scholarly journals ‘Long COVID’ syndrome

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. e241485
Author(s):  
Priyal Taribagil ◽  
Dean Creer ◽  
Hasan Tahir
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Cognitive Deficits ◽  
Recent Literature ◽  
Complex Case ◽  
Shortness Of Breath ◽  
Gastrointestinal Dysfunction ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Public Health Crisis ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Poor Memory

SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in a global pandemic and an unprecedented public health crisis. Recent literature suggests the emergence of a novel syndrome known as ‘long COVID’, a term used to describe a diverse set of symptoms that persist after a minimum of 4 weeks from the onset of a diagnosed COVID-19 infection. Common symptoms include persistent breathlessness, fatigue and cough. Other symptoms reported include chest pain, palpitations, neurological and cognitive deficits, rashes, and gastrointestinal dysfunction. We present a complex case of a previously well 28-year-old woman who was diagnosed with COVID-19. After resolution of her acute symptoms, she continued to experience retrosternal discomfort, shortness of breath, poor memory and severe myalgia. Investigations yielded no significant findings. Given no alternative diagnosis, she was diagnosed with ‘long COVID’.

scholarly journals Perceived vulnerability to COVID-19 infection from event attendance: results from Louisiana, USA, two weeks preceding the national emergency declaration

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ran Li ◽  
Bingcheng Yang ◽  
Jerrod Penn ◽  
Bailey Houghtaling ◽  
Juan Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Food Preference ◽  
Classification Tree ◽  
Personal Characteristics ◽  
Initial Response ◽  
Income Group ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Public Health Crisis ◽  
Early Stages ◽  
Preference Study

Abstract Background Individual perceptions of personal and national threats posed by COVID-19 shaped initial response to the pandemic. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in residents’ awareness about COVID-19 and to characterize those who were more aware and responsive during the early stages of the pandemic in Louisiana. Methods In response to the mounting threat of COVID-19, we added questions to an ongoing food preference study held at Louisiana State University from March 3rd through March 12th, 2020. We asked how likely it was that the spread of the coronavirus will cause a national public health crisis and participants’ level of concern about contracting COVID-19 by attending campus events. We used regression and classification tree analysis to identify correlations between these responses and (a) national and local COVID case counts; (b) personal characteristics and (c) randomly assigned information treatments provided as part of the food preference study. Results We found participants expressed a higher likelihood of an impending national crisis as the number of national and local confirmed cases increased. However, concerns about contracting COVID-19 by attending campus events rose more slowly in response to the increasing national and local confirmed case count. By the end of this study on March 12th, 2020 although 89% of participants agreed that COVID-19 would likely cause a public health crisis, only 65% of the participants expressed concerns about contracting COVID-19 from event attendance. These participants were significantly more likely to be younger students, in the highest income group, and to have participated in the study by responding to same-day, in-person flyer distribution. Conclusions These results provide initial insights about the perceptions of the COVID-19 public health crisis during its early stages in Louisiana. We concluded with suggestions for universities and similar institutions as in-person activities resume in the absence of widespread vaccination.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document