Biology Faculty Proceedings, Presentations, Speeches, Lectures

COVID-19-based Challenges and Countermeasures in Education, Research, and Management in Healthcare and STEM

Event Name/Location

University Research Symposium, The University of West Alabama

Date Range

March 9, 2021

Presntation Date

3-9-2021

Document Type

Conference Presentation

Description

The Coronavirus Infectious Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been one of most devastating contemporary issues of worldwide concern which affected all areas of functioning, individual to governmental. This comprehensive review encapsulates the global consequences of this pandemic on key socioeconomic sectors – healthcare management, and education and research in healthcare as well as science, technology, education, and mathematics (STEM). COVID-19 halted face-to-face classes and meetings in schools and colleges around the world, necessitating virtual instruction as academic institutions sought to continue education safely, yet effectively. This adversely impacted every field and level of learning, especially STEM and healthcare education since STEM degrees entail rigorous curricula integrating lectures and laboratory exercises whereas healthcare education involves hands-on, clinical lab activities and residencies that require working with patients. Research in high-needs STEM disciplines has been prioritized in the fight against COVID-19. Computational scientists, artificial intelligence experts, engineers, virologists, and mathematicians have been contributing with strategies to optimize patient care, enhance public understanding of the disease, track reported cases, and improve physical-distancing measures. Healthcare management facilities have implemented various operational changes geared towards reducing non-emergency patient visits and preventing infection transmission; these include shifting appointments to online modalities, altering procedures, and developing personal protective equipment (PPE). Multifaceted research endeavors have been undertaken to develop treatments or a potential cure for COVID-19; vaccines and antiviral drugs are being designed or undergoing clinical trials, with symptom-management approaches being employed upon evaluation of pre-existing conditions. The analysis will help identify and potentially overcome complex COVID-19-based barriers to global education, research, and management in healthcare and STEM.

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