Planning For The Next Pandemic: Lab Systems Need Policy Shift To Speed Emerging Infectious Disease Warning And Tracking

Publication Details

Authors: JK Varma, J Taylor, JM Sharfstein

Year: 2023

Source: Health Affairs

Publisher: healthaffairs.org

Citations: 3

Citations per Year: 1.5

DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2022.01211

Google Scholar Rank: 107

Author Count: 3

Abstract

Early detection and ongoing monitoring of infectious diseases depends on diagnostic testing. The US has a large, diverse system of public, academic, and private laboratories that conduct diagnostic testing for infectious diseases. This comprehensive policy analysis examines responses of US laboratory systems during COVID-19 and proposes critical policy shifts needed to speed emerging infectious disease warning and tracking capabilities for future pandemic preparedness, addressing laboratory capacity, coordination, and data sharing challenges.

Key Findings

• Comprehensive assessment of US laboratory system performance during COVID-19
• Critical policy gaps and coordination challenges identified
• Strategic recommendations for laboratory system integration and capacity building
• Framework for accelerating emerging infectious disease detection and tracking
• Evidence-based proposals for strengthening pandemic preparedness infrastructure

Research Impact

This timely policy analysis (3 citations) provides critical recommendations for laboratory system reforms needed for pandemic preparedness, addressing coordination challenges and capacity gaps revealed during COVID-19 to improve future infectious disease response capabilities.

Publication Access

Full Text: Health Affairs

Related Articles: Related Research

Citation Information: Google Scholar Citations