Strategies and challenges in Kerala's response to the initial phase of COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative descriptive study.
BMJ Open
; 11(7): e051410, 2021 07 09.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-34244285
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
To understand the structures and strategies that helped Kerala in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenges faced by the state and how it was tackled.DESIGN:
Qualitative descriptive study using focus group discussions and in-depth interviews.SETTING:
State of Kerala, India.PARTICIPANTS:
29participants:
four focus group discussions and eight in-depth interviews. Participants were chosen purposively based on their involvement in decision-making and implementation of COVID-19 control activities, from the department of health and family welfare, police, revenue, local self-government and community-based organisations. Districts, panchayats (local bodies) and primary health centres (PHCs) were selected based on epidemiological features of the area like the intensity of disease transmission and preventive/containment activities carried out in that particular area to capture the wide range of activities undertaken in the state.RESULTS:
The study identified five major themes that can inform best practices viz social capital, robust public health system, participation and volunteerism, health system preparedness, and challenges. This study was a real-time exploration of the intricacies of COVID-19 management in a low/middle-income country and the model can serve as an example for other states and nations to emulate or adjust accordingly.CONCLUSION:
The study shows the impact of synergy of these themes towards more effective solutions; however, further research is much needed in examining the relationship between these factors and their relevance in policy decisions.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Bases de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Pandemias
/
COVID-19
Tipo de estudio:
Guideline
/
Prognostic_studies
/
Qualitative_research
Límite:
Humans
País/Región como asunto:
Asia
Idioma:
En
Revista:
BMJ Open
Año:
2021
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
India