The response of the Military Health System (MHS) to the COVID-19 pandemic: a summary of findings from MHS reviews
Abstract Introduction The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused major disruptions to the US Military Health System (MHS). In this study, we evaluated the MHS response to the pandemic to understand the impact of the pandemic response in a large, national, integrated healthcare system pr...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2024-01-01
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| Series: | Health Research Policy and Systems |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12961-023-01093-4 |
| _version_ | 1797272753439506432 |
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| author | Alysa Pomer Satish Munigala Christian L. Coles Jessica Pope Mitro Andrew J. Schoenfeld Joel S. Weissman Tracey Perez Koehlmoos |
| author_facet | Alysa Pomer Satish Munigala Christian L. Coles Jessica Pope Mitro Andrew J. Schoenfeld Joel S. Weissman Tracey Perez Koehlmoos |
| author_sort | Alysa Pomer |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Introduction The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused major disruptions to the US Military Health System (MHS). In this study, we evaluated the MHS response to the pandemic to understand the impact of the pandemic response in a large, national, integrated healthcare system providing care for ~ 9 million beneficiaries. Methods We performed a narrative literature review of 16 internal Department of Defense (DoD) reports, including reviews mandated by the US Congress in response to the pandemic. We categorized the findings using the Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership, Personnel, Facilities, and Policy (DOTMLPF-P) framework developed by the DoD to assess system efficiency and effectiveness. Results The majority of the findings were in the policy, organization, and personnel categories. Key findings showed that the MHS structure to address surge situations was beneficial during the pandemic response, and the rapid growth of telehealth created the potential impact for improved access to routine and specialized care. However, organizational transition contributed to miscommunication and uneven implementation of policies; disruptions affected clinical training, upskilling, and the supply chain; and staffing shortages contributed to burnout among healthcare workers. Conclusion Given its highly integrated, vertical structure, the MHS was in a better position than many civilian healthcare networks to respond efficiently to the pandemic. However, similar to the US civilian sector, the MHS also experienced delays in care, staffing and materiel challenges, and a rapid switch to telehealth. Lessons regarding the importance of communication and preparation for future public health emergency responses are relevant to civilian healthcare systems responding to COVID-19 and other similar public health crises. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-07T14:33:52Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-4c73d45a26e54471a07eba30fd3013e9 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1478-4505 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-07T14:33:52Z |
| publishDate | 2024-01-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Health Research Policy and Systems |
| spelling | doaj.art-4c73d45a26e54471a07eba30fd3013e92024-03-05T20:44:42ZengBMCHealth Research Policy and Systems1478-45052024-01-012211910.1186/s12961-023-01093-4The response of the Military Health System (MHS) to the COVID-19 pandemic: a summary of findings from MHS reviewsAlysa Pomer0Satish Munigala1Christian L. Coles2Jessica Pope Mitro3Andrew J. Schoenfeld4Joel S. Weissman5Tracey Perez Koehlmoos6Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women’s HospitalHenry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military MedicineHenry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military MedicineDepartment of Global and Community Health, George Mason UniversityDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women’s HospitalCenter for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women’s HospitalUniformed Services University of Health SciencesAbstract Introduction The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused major disruptions to the US Military Health System (MHS). In this study, we evaluated the MHS response to the pandemic to understand the impact of the pandemic response in a large, national, integrated healthcare system providing care for ~ 9 million beneficiaries. Methods We performed a narrative literature review of 16 internal Department of Defense (DoD) reports, including reviews mandated by the US Congress in response to the pandemic. We categorized the findings using the Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership, Personnel, Facilities, and Policy (DOTMLPF-P) framework developed by the DoD to assess system efficiency and effectiveness. Results The majority of the findings were in the policy, organization, and personnel categories. Key findings showed that the MHS structure to address surge situations was beneficial during the pandemic response, and the rapid growth of telehealth created the potential impact for improved access to routine and specialized care. However, organizational transition contributed to miscommunication and uneven implementation of policies; disruptions affected clinical training, upskilling, and the supply chain; and staffing shortages contributed to burnout among healthcare workers. Conclusion Given its highly integrated, vertical structure, the MHS was in a better position than many civilian healthcare networks to respond efficiently to the pandemic. However, similar to the US civilian sector, the MHS also experienced delays in care, staffing and materiel challenges, and a rapid switch to telehealth. Lessons regarding the importance of communication and preparation for future public health emergency responses are relevant to civilian healthcare systems responding to COVID-19 and other similar public health crises.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12961-023-01093-4COVID-19 pandemic responseMilitary Health SystemMilitary healthMilitary medicine |
| spellingShingle | Alysa Pomer Satish Munigala Christian L. Coles Jessica Pope Mitro Andrew J. Schoenfeld Joel S. Weissman Tracey Perez Koehlmoos The response of the Military Health System (MHS) to the COVID-19 pandemic: a summary of findings from MHS reviews Health Research Policy and Systems COVID-19 pandemic response Military Health System Military health Military medicine |
| title | The response of the Military Health System (MHS) to the COVID-19 pandemic: a summary of findings from MHS reviews |
| title_full | The response of the Military Health System (MHS) to the COVID-19 pandemic: a summary of findings from MHS reviews |
| title_fullStr | The response of the Military Health System (MHS) to the COVID-19 pandemic: a summary of findings from MHS reviews |
| title_full_unstemmed | The response of the Military Health System (MHS) to the COVID-19 pandemic: a summary of findings from MHS reviews |
| title_short | The response of the Military Health System (MHS) to the COVID-19 pandemic: a summary of findings from MHS reviews |
| title_sort | response of the military health system mhs to the covid 19 pandemic a summary of findings from mhs reviews |
| topic | COVID-19 pandemic response Military Health System Military health Military medicine |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12961-023-01093-4 |
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