PEST-analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic. Peculiarities of the impact of the pandemic in the world and in Russia on various communities

The COVID-19 pandemic posed an unprecedented challenge, impacting all spheres of society. Its profound effect on political institutions, the economy, social interactions, and technological development necessitated a comprehensive analysis of the consequences for various communities. Aim . To conduct a PEST analysis for a comprehensive assessment of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on various professional communities globally and in Russia, with a focus on identifying the organizational and social consequences for the medical community. Materials and Methods . The structured survey involved 1,768 respondents from three cities in the Central Federal District of Russia (Moscow, Yaroslavl, Smolensk), representing various professional groups. A scoping review of scientific literature and regulatory-analytical documents from 2020–2025 was conducted in parallel, following the PEST analysis methodology. The keywords used for the search were: «COVID-19», «healthcare», «public policy», «fiscal support», «social impact», «telemedicine», «mandatory vaccination», «vaccine technology», and others. Results . The pandemic had a complex impact on all spheres of society, which proved to be highly specific. Key consequences included: tightened government regulation (political sphere), a decline in small business revenues (69.5% among respondents), and disruption of global supply chains (economic sphere); increased social inequality and psychological burden, especially among healthcare workers (social sphere); and accelerated digitalization and the adoption of telemedicine technologies (technological sphere). The PEST analysis helped structure these consequences into four key domains, revealing the unique nature of the impact on different professional communities, which is supported by the survey data. Conclusion . The impact of the pandemic was extensive and multifaceted, affecting all key sectors of society. The obtained data can serve as a basis for developing effective policies and initiatives aimed at strengthening the resilience of the healthcare system and society as a whole to future challenges.