Submission ID 130661
| Issue/Objective | Health services priority setting emerged as a critical consideration during the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of integrating priority setting parameters into health-related policy documents was identified. This study explores how lessons learned about health services priority setting were reflected in Ontario policies throughout the pandemic and whether those lessons are currently integrated into health policies. |
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| Methodology/Approach | This study employed qualitative document analysis as part of a larger multi-country study on priority setting during COVID-19 in Canada, Chile, and Uganda. We identified official Ontario government documents including health services policies, strategic plans, and directives between 2020 and 2025 and extracted lessons learned. These lessons were then analyzed in relation to an adapted framework for effective health services priority setting by Kapiriri & Martin (2010). The approach allowed for analysis of the lessons learned related to health services priority setting over time to identify current opportunities to further strengthen Ontario health policies. |
| Results | Findings show that the most consistent lessons related to health services priority setting include the importance of resource availability, planning for continuity of care, stakeholder participation and partnerships, and real-time use of evidence. Documents consistently highlighted the need for sustainable resources and planning for continuity of healthcare, mostly related to protective equipment supply chains, workforce retention, and infrastructure investment. Coordinated integration of systems, provision of virtual care, emergency preparedness plans and flexible services delivery were also emphasized as key aspects to improve the continuity of care during crises. Stakeholder participation was also identified in early pandemic documents related to engaging Indigenous communities and Black health organizations, while later documents shifted this language to partnerships and integration. However, processes to engage stakeholders were often unclear. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | Overall, this study shows that many early pandemic lessons related to health services priority setting have been integrated into current Ontario health policies. Importantly, gaps remain in transparent stakeholder engagement and public participation and feedback mechanisms. Further empirical research should engage health professionals at hospital and ministry levels to understand the practical integration of lessons learned during the pandemic. Understanding these lessons offers an opportunity to strengthen policy development and inclusion of vulnerable groups towards health equity. |
| Presenters and Affiliations | Hanna Chidwick McMaster University Lydia Kapiriri McMaster University Angela Kang McMaster University Beverley Essue University of Toronto |
