Investing in health system resilience: A scoping review to identify strategies for enhancing preparedness and response capacity

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Health system resilience refers to a healthcare system's capacity to withstand shocks and maintain essential functions during global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. Building resilient health systems has become a leading research priority, and this scoping review explores the concept of investing in health system resilience and focuses on identifying key strategies to enhance emergency preparedness and response capabilities of countries. METHODS Published literature and grey literature were identified by searching the PubMed and Google Scholar databases, covering topics on health systems resilience from March 2020 to March 2023. The search was limited to articles written in English and included original studies, meta-analyses, and reviews. In addition, relevant books, government publications, and technical reports were also considered. A narrative summary was used to identify the strategies for building health system resilience and organize them into main thematic areas. RESULTS The search yielded 940 records, of which 43 publications met the inclusion criteria. Six thematic areas were identified: investing in preventive care, governance and leadership, domestic resource mobilization, multisectoral coalition and collaboration, prioritization of future research, and creating a sustainable healthcare workforce. These strategies encompassed various aspects such as primary healthcare development, political commitment, resource allocation, partnerships, research investment, and workforce support. CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight the importance of fostering a coalition and building multisectoral partnerships, improving data visibility through research, demonstrating political commitment, and empowering government leadership. These strategic investments can significantly strengthen a healthcare system's capacity to withstand and effectively respond to crises, ensuring the protection of public health and fostering sustainable socioeconomic development and global health security. By investing in these areas, countries can proactively build resilient health systems that are better equipped to navigate challenges and promote the well-being of their populations.