OBJECTIVES:

This study focuses on examining the changes in quality Indicators in Meuhedet insurers during the three waves of the COVID-19 epidemic between 2020 and 2021, compared to the prior years of 2019 and 2018.

METHODS:

Meuhedet Health Services is the third-largest HMO in Israel and has about 1.28 million insured citizens, with all their medical data managed through computerized electronic files. The study focuses on examining the changes in specific quality during the 3 waves between 2020 and 2021 while handling the COVID-19 epidemic. The specific quality indicators are:

• early detection in breast cancer
• early detection in colon cancer
• eye test in diabetic population
• cholesterol lab test in diabetic population
• cholesterol lab test in general population ages 55-74
• Rate of Performance of Vaccination against Pneumococcal Disease
• Rate of Performance of Vaccination against Influenza Virus – Ages 65 and above

RESULTS:

A significant reduction was observed in all indicators and started immediate with the first wave, while an opposite trend was detected in the 2 vaccination measures. The highest reduction of 4% was observed in diabetic eye test while a 5-6% increase in the performance rate of vaccinations. It seems that patients preferred to stay at home because of fear of COVID-19 contamination. No doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic influenced dramatically on the rate of vaccination. The two vaccines supposed to prevent or reduce the symptoms of the diseases in the respiratory system.

CONCLUSIONS:

Since new variants of COVID-19 will be part of our lives or even a new pandemic will appear in the next few years, we should learn how to continue living with the pandemic and develop alternative medical services to maintain health states. Digital services, telemedicine, home care, and remote services must gain priority in health medical organizations to prepare for the next pandemic.