Virtual Infection Prevention and Control in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Abstract

COVID-19 brought new challenges and opportunities for infection prevention and control. Virtual infection prevention and control (VIPC), although nascent, is rapidly becoming a viable and necessary strategy for combatting the COVID-19 pandemic. Benefits of VIPC include extending the impact of globally scarce infectious disease providers and public health practitioners, allowing coordination between disparate professionals to more effectively combat infectious disease, and increasing access to and quality of healthcare. Although mainly applied in developed countries, VIPC may play its greatest role in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with fewer healthcare resources. We conducted a brief literature search of VIPC in LMICs and found that many studies describe solutions in developed countries or describe planned or theoretical solutions. Few studies describe actual VIPC implementation in LMICs, except for China. Literature from related fields, for example, virtual critical care, and from developed countries is more robust and provides a roadmap for future research on VIPC in LMICs. Further research into strategies and outcomes related to VIPC in LMICs is necessary.