New Reopening Readiness Index indicates that most states in the U.S. are not ready to relax COVID-19 restrictions

New COVID-19 report introduces novel indices for assessing state reopening readiness and state health services utilization

As more states are beginning to relax restrictions in order to reopen local economies, the absence of a quantitative measure of readiness can make it difficult to make objective, evidence-based decisions -- or compare those decisions across states. A new IQVIA Institute for Human Data Science report available today, Reopening the U.S. Healthcare System: Tracking the Pandemic, Reopening Readiness, and Health Services Utilization, introduces a new Reopening Readiness Index (RRI). The index is based on five factors and provides a systematic way to assess a state’s progress and level of readiness to further reduce restrictions, and the associated social and economic impact of those decisions. The RRI generates an aggregate readiness score based on progress in each of the five categories. The result is a consistent way to assess current readiness and to track progress – or regression – over time. 

Using the RRI, the analysis concluded that only thirteen states reach an aggregate score of 90 or more against an index level of 100 points; New York, Rhode Island and New Jersey are the only states to even meet or exceed that score, due in large part to high levels of testing and low current reproduction rates.

It is understandable that states are eager to reopen, but they should be just as eager to use a rigorous, objective measure for making those decisions. The Reopening Readiness Index can help ensure consistency across regions, and provide a level of confidence that is certainly needed.

Beyond reopening businesses, local governments also need to consider and address how their respective state and county health systems are functioning, not just for COVID-19 patients, but for all Americans. As a complement to the RRI, the IQVIA Institute also released a Health Services Utilization Index (HSUI), which measures the utilization of five key health services - including doctor visits, elective procedures and new prescriptions – as a signal of revival for the health system.

The HSUI shows most states are operating well below pre-COVID levels – almost half the rate of utilization prior to the pandemic - suggesting large numbers of people still face delayed or deferred medical treatments. As states improve their reopening readiness, urgent attention should be focused on the resumption of general health services to ensure adequate care is available to, and sought by, all patients, not just those with COVID-19. This revival of the health system is critical to ensuring all Americans receive the preventive and treatment services they need. 

For a more detail look into the methodology used to develop the Reopening Readiness Index and the Health Services Utilization Index, go to www.IQVIAInstitute.org/COVID19ReopeningReport

As always, I'm interested in your thoughts on the indices. You input is valuable as we continue to track reopening readiness and health services utilization.