About the project
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the authorities implemented a number of intrusive and costly control measures, often based on insufficient documentation of their effectiveness.
Available epidemiological models lacked the precision necessary to predict the spread of the virus, and practical, political, and methodological issues made it difficult to test the effects of the measures in real time.
The pandemic highlighted the need for strengthened preparedness to manage crises and events where there may be a rapid increase in the number of seriously ill individuals lasting over time. This is emphasized in the Ministry of Health and Care Services' assignment document to the regional health authorities.
The aim of this ambitious project, which includes two PhD candidates, is to prepare society for new pandemics and similar events.
Method
Using data from previous outbreaks of infectious diseases such as influenza and COVID-19, the overall purpose of the project is:
- Part I: To develop a statistical tool that can determine the spread of infectious diseases. The tool should be easy to adapt and quick and cost-effective to use. Decision-makers can utilize the tool in planning which control measures to implement, which societal groups or geographic areas the measures should target, as well as when and for how long the measures should be in effect. This will help the authorities better manage future health crises, such as a pandemic.
- Part II: Develop a statistical tool that can predict hospital admissions, thereby supporting decision-making processes within hospitals related to the reallocation of personnel, equipment, and bed capacity within various departments and between different units.
