Strengths and limitations of mathematical models in pandemics—the case of COVID-19 in Chile

This short paper focuses on the role of mathematical models to analyze the impact of pandemics on health resources and the different trade-offs that may be included in them. There is a large body of literature suggesting that mathematical modeling may be helpful to estimate how much additional equip...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Jorge Rojas-Vallejos
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Medwave Estudios Limitada 2020-04-01
Series:Medwave
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.medwave.cl/link.cgi/Medwave/Perspectivas/Comentario/7876.act
Description
Summary:This short paper focuses on the role of mathematical models to analyze the impact of pandemics on health resources and the different trade-offs that may be included in them. There is a large body of literature suggesting that mathematical modeling may be helpful to estimate how much additional equipment and infrastructure are necessary to mitigate an increase in demand for health services during a large-scale outbreak of an infectious disease. I comment on the crucial role of these models with a special focus on their strengths and limitations.
ISSN:0717-6384
0717-6384