Health system impacts of SARS-CoV − 2 variants of concern: a rapid review

Author:

Dol Justine,Boulos Leah,Somerville Mari,Saxinger Lynora,Doroshenko Alexander,Hastings Stephanie,Reynolds Bearach,Gallant Allyson,Shin Hwayeon Danielle,Wong Helen,Crowther Daniel,Macdonald Marilyn,Martin-Misener Ruth,McCulloch Holly,Tricco Andrea C.,Curran Janet A.

Abstract

Abstract Background As of November 25th 2021, four SARS-CoV − 2 variants of concern (VOC: Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), Gamma (P.1), and Delta (B.1.617.2)) have been detected. Variable degrees of increased transmissibility of the VOC have been documented, with potential implications for hospital and health system capacity and control measures. This rapid review aimed to provide a synthesis of evidence related to health system responses to the emergence of VOC worldwide. Methods Seven databases were searched up to September 27, 2021, for terms related to VOC. Titles, abstracts, and full-text documents were screened independently by two reviewers. Data were extracted independently by two reviewers using a standardized form. Studies were included if they reported on at least one of the VOC and health system outcomes. Results Of the 4877 articles retrieved, 59 studies were included, which used a wide range of designs and methods. Most of the studies reported on Alpha, and all except two reported on impacts for capacity planning related to hospitalization, intensive care admissions, and mortality. Most studies (73.4%) observed an increase in hospitalization, but findings on increased admission to intensive care units were mixed (50%). Most studies (63.4%) that reported mortality data found an increased risk of death due to VOC, although health system capacity may influence this. No studies reported on screening staff and visitors or cohorting patients based on VOC. Conclusion While the findings should be interpreted with caution as most of the sources identified were preprints, evidence is trending towards an increased risk of hospitalization and, potentially, mortality due to VOC compared to wild-type SARS-CoV − 2. There is little evidence on the need for, and the effect of, changes to health system arrangements in response to VOC transmission.

Publisher

Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Subject

Health Policy

Reference82 articles.

1. Cucinotta D, Vanelli M. WHO Declares COVID-19 a Pandemic. Acta Biomed 2020;91:157–60. https://doi.org/10.23750/abm.v91i1.9397.

2. World Health Organization. COVID-19 Weekly Epidemiological Update (Edition 64). 2021. https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/weekly-epidemiological-update-on-covid-19%2D%2D-2-november-2021.

3. WHO. SARS-CoV-2 Variants. World Health Organization 2020. http://www.who.int/csr/don/31-december-2020-sars-cov2-variants/en/. Accessed 9 Mar 2021.

4. WHO. COVID-19 Weekly Epidemiological Update - 25 February 2021. 2021. https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/covid-19-weekly-epidemiological-update. Accessed 9 Mar 2021.

5. WHO. Tracking SARS-CoV-2 variants. https://www.who.int/en/activities/tracking-SARS-CoV-2-variants/ . Accessed 7 Jun 2021.

同舟云学术

1.学者识别学者识别

2.学术分析学术分析

3.人才评估人才评估

"同舟云学术"是以全球学者为主线,采集、加工和组织学术论文而形成的新型学术文献查询和分析系统,可以对全球学者进行文献检索和人才价值评估。用户可以通过关注某些学科领域的顶尖人物而持续追踪该领域的学科进展和研究前沿。经过近期的数据扩容,当前同舟云学术共收录了国内外主流学术期刊6万余种,收集的期刊论文及会议论文总量共计约1.5亿篇,并以每天添加12000余篇中外论文的速度递增。我们也可以为用户提供个性化、定制化的学者数据。欢迎来电咨询!咨询电话:010-8811{复制后删除}0370

www.globalauthorid.com

TOP

Copyright © 2019-2024 北京同舟云网络信息技术有限公司
京公网安备11010802033243号  京ICP备18003416号-3