Comparing International Military Response to COVID Utilizing Three Interoperability Frameworks

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic created a public health crisis worldwide. Healthcare workers became sick at a time when hospitals were overwhelmed with patients, leaving critical staffing shortages. International governments instructed their military assets to fill gaps in care and to initiate projects to promote public health efforts. The COVID-19 pandemic created a unique international military response to a biologic disaster.

Objective

This literature review highlights the non-conflict assets allocated, abilities utilized, projects completed, overall effectiveness, and lessons learned by the military community worldwide to support their local populace. This collated information is then compared using three interoperability frameworks to assess government responses. This data is then extrapolated to give recommendations for future civil-military actions occurring after climate change related disruption of healthcare delivery systems.

Methods

Medline (PubMed), SCOPUS, and CINAHL were searched for English language articles from 2020 with terms focused on the military, COVID-19, and collaboration. After data collection, the Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Program, Operational Interoperability Maturity Model, and Homeland Security Interoperability Continuum frameworks were utilized to evaluate collaboration and coordination between governments and military in response to the disaster.

Results and Conclusion

Data collection has been completed. Analysis and conclusion planned for completion by November 2023.