Introduction
The resilience of health systems is a crucial factor in maintaining healthcare delivery during crises. The research article "Resilience of health systems in conflict affected governorates of Iraq, 2014–2018" offers valuable insights into how health systems can adapt and transform in the face of adversity. This blog post aims to guide practitioners in enhancing their skills by implementing these findings and encouraging further research.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The study focused on four governorates in Iraq—Al Anbar, Ninawa, Salah al-Din, and Kirkuk—examining their health systems' resilience during the ISIS insurgency from 2014 to 2018. The research identified three main resilience components: absorption, adaptation, and restructuring.
1. Absorption
Health systems were initially unprepared for the shock of the ISIS invasion. The public sector struggled to maintain services, while private clinics and pharmacies showed better resilience. Practitioners can learn from this by developing emergency preparedness plans and building community support to enhance absorptive capacity.
2. Adaptation
After the initial shock, health facilities adapted by prioritizing urgent care needs. However, preventive services like maternal and child health were often neglected. Practitioners should focus on maintaining a balance between urgent care and preventive services during crises.
3. Restructuring
Restructuring efforts are ongoing, with challenges in rebuilding community trust and restoring services to pre-crisis levels. Practitioners should engage in community-based approaches to rebuild trust and ensure the sustainability of health services.
Practical Applications for Practitioners
- Develop Disaster Plans: Practitioners should collaborate with local authorities to create comprehensive disaster preparedness plans, including stockpiling essential supplies and ensuring communication channels remain open during crises.
- Community Engagement: Building strong relationships with community leaders can enhance the resilience of health services. Practitioners should involve communities in planning and decision-making processes.
- Focus on Mental Health: Addressing the mental health needs of both health workers and the community is crucial. Practitioners should integrate mental health services into primary care to build psychological resilience.
- Cross-Sector Collaboration: Collaborating with other sectors can provide additional resources and support during crises. Practitioners should establish partnerships with NGOs and private sector entities.
Encouraging Further Research
While the study provides valuable insights, further research is needed to explore resilience strategies in different contexts and settings. Practitioners are encouraged to conduct local studies to identify specific resilience factors and share successful strategies with the broader community.
Conclusion
The resilience of health systems is vital for maintaining healthcare delivery during crises. By implementing the findings from the Iraq study, practitioners can enhance their ability to absorb, adapt, and restructure in the face of adversity. For more detailed insights, practitioners are encouraged to read the original research paper.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Resilience of health systems in conflict affected governorates of Iraq, 2014–2018.
