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Health care providers have had to manage the novel demands of treating patients with COVID-19 while continuing to provide other health services – the dual delivery of care – for nearly two years. While the initial response across Europe during the first wave of COVID-19 was to postpone or cancel non-urgent services, as time passed, health systems had to readjust to a new normal and ensure the continuation of essential health services.

Managing dual delivery of care, for both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients and services, has been a key challenge for health care providers for nearly two years, and essential health services have faced ongoing disruptions. Against this situation, several transformations in the delivery of essential health services have emerged in Europe.

These include 1) adjusting coverage and payment systems, 2) introducing new care pathways, and 3) building on the strengths of primary health care. These transformations may continue post-pandemic in certain settings and can guide action for future preparedness.

To read the full paper, click the linked file.