The COVID-19 pandemic and beyond: A systems thinking analysis using iceberg model to transform an organization into a pandemic-resilient institution

Abstract

The pandemic continues to be a long-drawn battle with the emergence of new variants of concern of SARS CoV-2 virus and continued challenges of COVID-19 vaccination such as coverage, longevity of protection and real-world vaccine effectiveness against transmission prevention. It is therefore, imperative for every organisation that, it looks beyond the visible impact of pandemic, transform into a COVID-resilient institution and prepare for future threats. We applied systems-thinking approach and used iceberg conceptual model as a tool to evaluate the determinants of pandemic impact on an organisation and to develop a long-term public health strategy. This strategy is a robust four-pronged plan comprising of stringent preventive-cum-mitigation mechanisms in place, efficient health-care facilities, improved habitability and long-term adaptation to new working-norms. The model can be replicated in any organisation which has self-sustainable in-house facilities for accommodation and health care. This strategy comprises of feasible and scientific interventions which can be used to flatten the impact of future outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics of emerging/ re-emerging communicable diseases on functioning of an organisation. The four-pronged strategic interventions plan would serve as a readily available blueprint and better equip the organisations to fight future public health emergencies in an effective manner.

Keywords

• coronavirus disease 2019
• iceberg
• organization
• pandemic
• systems thinking