APW for review of primary health care service delivery redesign for new normal

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought changes to how health services are accessed and delivered in countries around the world. Health systems have been stretched and, in some cases, overwhelmed by the response efforts.

Preliminary findings from WHO-led surveys on noncommunicable diseases in particular, and essential services in general have pointed to disruptions of essential services. The reasons for these disruptions range from the effect of movement restrictions to fear of the public about infection risk or reallocation of health workers to direct support on the outbreak response, limiting the bandwidth for providing essential services. However, these surveys also highlighted that countries are exploring unique ways of maintaining provision of essential services. Some of these include increased use of digital platforms for service delivery, mobilizing surge capacity of health workers, reorganizing patient flow in health facilities, or reorganizing patient pathways among others.

This assessment is proposed to review and document the various approaches to redesign service delivery including but not limited to telemedicine platforms and community-based approaches; broader enablers for their implementation and; lessons learnt from their implementation to date. The review will also highlight the main issues for countries to consider in order to redesign their health systems for the long term.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

The aim of this APW is to conduct a systematic review of the main approaches to service redesign by health systems in the Western Pacific and globally to meet the new social context brought about by the COVID-19 outbreak, focusing mainly on the primary care level and for public health activities.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

In consultation with the Health Policy and Service Design Unit of the Division of Health Systems and Services, the service provider will perform the following:

Activity 1: Conduct a review on service design and adaptation in response to the COVID-19 outbreak

• review lessons from the various approaches to redesign service delivery including but not limited to telemedicine platforms and community-based approaches,
• Identify the broader enablers for the implementation of new service delivery approaches including health system specific or other macro-contextual factors
• highlight the main issues for countries to consider in order to redesign their health systems for the long term

• • Deliverable 1: A draft review report on PHC service redesign for the new normal for internal consultation
• • Deliverable 2: A final report on PHC service redesign for the new normal

Activity 2: Prepare a policy brief(s) on approaches and options for service design in the new normal

This brief will be targeted at Member States of the Western Pacific Region to guide reform efforts to adapt to the new normal while maintaining the drive to achieve UHC.

• • Deliverable 3: A policy brief(s) on options for primary care service redesign building on the findings of the review report

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

Review of existing literature on impact of COVID-19 on services at primary care level and approaches/ mechanisms by countries to mitigate disruptions to essential services. Literature to be reviewed includes peer reviewed articles, preprints of manuscripts, grey literature etc.

Consultations with experts and other stakeholders, as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

Post graduate degree in health policy, health management, health research or other public health-related sciences.

EXPERIENCE

Essential:

At least seven years of experience in public health policy, health system analysis, health planning, health services management or monitoring and evaluation of health services

Desirable:

Experience at district health or primary care level management and planning

Experience in research methods including systematic reviews

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

• • Experience in health policy and planning, health services organization
• • Demonstrable expertise in health service management, especially at subnational/district levels
• • Good knowledge of health systems strengthening

LANGUAGES

Proficiency in English

COMPETENCIES

• • Technical competence in health systems and service delivery management and organisation
• • Ability to produce results
• • Ability to work independently to deadlines
• • Effective communication skills

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit their CV {for individual contractors} or Company Profile {for institutional applications} and Expression of Interest {cover letter} to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < wproungm@who.int > by 2 September 2020. 

The cover letter should outline how their experience and qualifications make them a suitable candidate for this position and should include their proposed daily consultancy fee and availability.

Please use Tender Notice No. 112826 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.