HOW CAN HEALTH SYSTEMS PREPARE FOR NEW AND EMERGING HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES? THE ROLE OF HORIZON SCANNING REVISITED

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 254-259 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wija Oortwijn ◽  
Laura Sampietro-Colom ◽  
Fay Habens ◽  
Rebecca Trowman

Objectives:For many years, several health technology assessment (HTA) agencies scanned the horizon to identify health technologies that were safe, effective and offer value for money. However, there is limited evidence regarding its impact. The role of horizon scanning in preparing health systems for the uptake of new and emerging health technologies was discussed during the 2018 HTA International (HTAi) Global Policy Forum Meeting.Methods:Reflection of the discussion between seventy-two senior representatives from for-profit, not-for-profit organizations, and HTAi leadership. It was informed by a background paper, and presentations from four invited experts and seventeen Policy Forum members.Results:Current horizon scanning systems (HSS) mainly identify health technologies in the late stage of development, aiming to inform topic selection for HTA. Areas for improvement included the need for a clearer definition of the end user(s), purpose, scope, and focus of HSS, the long-term full health system effects, including all relevant stakeholders as early as possible, and considering smart data systems and international collaboration to improve HSS's efficiency. The way in which HSS could be further optimized and better shaped to prepare health systems was also discussed and good practice examples were presented.Conclusions:HSS have not yet reached their full potential in preparing health systems. To improve the current situation, the HTA community could act as convenors, bringing together all relevant stakeholders and providing the information that decision makers need. This would require a new, more integrative approach to define and use HSS and HTA, and requires new skills.

2020 ◽  
pp. 948-953
Author(s):  
Miriam Mutebi ◽  
Rohini Bhatia ◽  
Omolola Salako ◽  
Fidel Rubagumya ◽  
Surbhi Grover ◽  
...  

Utilization of clinical technology and mobile health (mHealth) is expanding globally. It is important to reflect on how their usage and application could translate in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) settings. With the exponential growth and advancements of mobile and wireless technologies, LMICs are prime to adapt such technologies to potentially democratize and create solutions to health-related challenges. The role of these technologies in oncology clinical trials continues to expand. The lure of mHealth promises disruptive technology that may change the way clinical trials are designed and conducted in many settings. Its applicability in the African context is currently under consideration. Although potentially of expanding benefit, the role of these technologies requires careful and nuanced evaluation of the context in which they might be applied to harness their full potential, while mitigating possible harms or preventing further deepening of disparities within populations. Moreover, technology and digital innovations are no substitute for poor referral pathways and dysfunctional health systems and can only complement or enhance definite strategies aimed at strengthening these health systems.


Author(s):  
Conor Teljeur ◽  
Máirín Ryan

Abstract This commentary considers the positive and negative consequences of early economic modelling and explores potential future directions. Early economic modelling offers device manufacturers an opportunity to assess the potential value of an innovation at an early stage of development. Early modelling can direct resources into potentially viable technologies and reduce investment in technologies with limited prospect of value. However, it is unclear whether early modelling is sufficiently specific to identify innovations with low value. It may be that early modelling is more useful for directing data gathering to reduce decision uncertainty. Early modelling is of primary benefit to the manufacturer and may have both positive and negative consequences for reimbursement processes that should be considered


2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 262-269
Author(s):  
Linda Mundy ◽  
Rebecca Trowman ◽  
Brendon Kearney

ObjectivesThe 2019 Health Technology Assessment International (HTAi) Asia Policy Forum (HAPF) discussed the role of horizon scanning (HS) and health technology reassessment (HTR) in supporting sustainable healthcare in Asia.MethodsDiscussions and presentations at the 2019 HAPF, informed by a literature review, results of a premeeting survey, and case studies of HTA agencies from the region form the basis of this paper.ResultsFive of the fourteen HTA agencies surveyed have established or are developing HS systems (HSSs), and six reported some experience with HTR. Although there were many differences in the respective HSSs, all were proactive and identified technologies within a 1–3-year time horizon. Commonalities included the criteria used to prioritize the technologies including burden and rarity of the disease, and cost to the health system and patients. Experience in HTR was not as extensive with most HTR activity being conducted on an ad hoc basis. Challenges for both HS and HTR include a lack of HTA capacity and good quality data, as well as a need for transparency and collaboration with industry.ConclusionsWith developing universal health care and HTA capacity in many countries in Asia, HS and HTR are in their infancy. Whilst several countries in the region are experienced in all facets of HTA, other countries are developing their HTA skill base. As such, there was a clear appetite for setting up a collaborative network in the Asia region to facilitate information sharing around HTA activities, and more specifically, HS and HTR methodologies, experiences, and assessments.


Empowerment ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 18
Author(s):  
Tita Rosita

The Implementation of Early Childhood Education (ECD) is to optimally grow, develop and foster the full potential of early childhood. So it could form basic behaviors and abilities of children in accordance with the stage of development in favor of having per preparation to enter further education and achieve the objective of education. In reality,  the implementation of ECD in the community is not maximal that caused by various factors. One of the issues has been suffered by TUNAS MANDIRI ECD located at RW (Hamlet) 27, Padalarang subdistrict, West Bandung. For 11 years TUNAS MANDIRI ECD has not shown a significant Since it established in 2007,  in other words, the learning process goes flat. But, in early 2017 and last 2018, this ECD shows an improvement. Therefore, this research is conducted by determining the research question; how the Community Leader in fostering TUNAS MANDIRI ECD in Padalarang Indah Regency, Padalarang, West Bandung. This research uses a descriptive qualitative method, with interviews and observation as a data collection technique. All data was taken from Community Leader, teacher of ECD, and the educators. There are four questions that answered by this research; How was the initial condition of the school, why this school did not show any progress for 11 years since it established, what factor that initiate the development in 2017 and what progress that achieved in 2017. As the result, the initial situation of this school are; having 30 students, 6 teacher, and educators. As a classroom, the ECD occupies an empty house. And for 11 years it did not develop due to the influence of passive community leaders, none of the teachers and educators were graduated from Early Childhood major. It means that the competence is not as it required, yet they follow various seminar, training, and HIMPAUDI Activity. The development since 2017 is due to the very responsive role of the head of the hamlet by having a clear mission to make this ECD as the most advance ECD in Padalarang.  


2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (8) ◽  
pp. 83-87
Author(s):  
B. Kh. ALIYEV ◽  

In the Russian Federation, the problem of budget planning becomes especially relevant when the pace of economic development slows down. The article examines the features of the formation of regional budgets, using the example of the budget of the Republic of Dagestan. The analysis of incomes to the budget is carried out. The role of regional taxes in the formation of budget revenues of the Republic of Dagestan is revealed. According to the results of the study, it can be concluded that the budgetary policy of the regions at the present stage of development of the Russian economies does not contribute to a further increase in the rates of economic growth. The article offers recommendations for improving the regional budgetary policy of the Russian Federation and increasing the responsibility of regional authorities.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 860-865
Author(s):  
Sedigheh Tavakoli-Dastjerdi ◽  
Mandana Tavakkoli-Kakhki ◽  
Ali R. Derakhshan ◽  
Azam Teimouri ◽  
Malihe Motavasselian

Background: Anal fissure (AF) is a common disease associated with severe pain and reduced quality of life. Factors related to lifestyle, including diet and bowel habits, play a pivotal role in its pathogenesis. Most of the chronic fissures are not responsive to drugs and more likely to recur. Given the significance of diet in Persian medicine (PM), investigation on physiopathology and appropriate foods can be useful for decreases in AF symptoms and consequences. Objective: This study was intended to evaluate the role of diet in the formation and progression of AF from the perspective of PM. Methods: In this study, the most important resources of PM dating back to thousands of years were reviewed. All these textbooks contained a section on AF, its causes, and treatment. Further analysis was performed on these resources in comparison with databank and resources of modern medicine to develop a food-based strategy for AF management. Results: From the view of PM, the warmth and dryness of anus temperament accounted for AF. Both Persian and modern medicine identified constipation as another cause for AF. Therefore, avoidance from some foods and commercial baked goods was recommended. Both Persian and modern medicine forbad the following foods: potato, cabbage, cauliflower, pasta, beef, fish, and so forth. High fiber and oligo-antigen diets with some limitations have garnered more attention. Conclusion: An integrative approach is recommended employing both Persian and modern medicine for AF. There have been some evidence in this regard, however standardized clinical trials are required for future research.


2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristen Meagher ◽  
Bothaina Attal ◽  
Preeti Patel

Abstract Background The ripple effects of protracted armed conflicts include: significant gender-specific barriers to accessing essential services such as health, education, water and sanitation and broader macroeconomic challenges such as increased poverty rates, higher debt burdens, and deteriorating employment prospects. These factors influence the wider social and political determinants of health for women and a gendered analysis of the political economy of health in conflict may support strengthening health systems during conflict. This will in turn lead to equality and equity across not only health, but broader sectors and systems, that contribute to sustainable peace building. Methods The methodology employed is a multidisciplinary narrative review of the published and grey literature on women and gender in the political economy of health in conflict. Results The existing literature that contributes to the emerging area on the political economy of health in conflict has overlooked gender and specifically the role of women as a critical component. Gender analysis is incorporated into existing post-conflict health systems research, but this does not extend to countries actively affected by armed conflict and humanitarian crises. The analysis also tends to ignore the socially constructed patriarchal systems, power relations and gender norms that often lead to vastly different health system needs, experiences and health outcomes. Conclusions Detailed case studies on the gendered political economy of health in countries impacted by complex protracted conflict will support efforts to improve health equity and understanding of gender relations that support health systems strengthening.


Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 874
Author(s):  
Karen Power ◽  
Manuela Martano ◽  
Gennaro Altamura ◽  
Nadia Piscopo ◽  
Paola Maiolino

Deformed wing virus (DWV) is capable of infecting honeybees at every stage of development causing symptomatic and asymptomatic infections. To date, very little is known about the histopathological lesions caused by the virus. Therefore, 40 honeybee samples were randomly collected from a naturally DWV infected hive and subjected to anatomopathological examination to discriminate between symptomatic (29) and asymptomatic (11) honeybees. Subsequently, 15 honeybee samples were frozen at −80° and analyzed by PCR and RTqPCR to determinate the presence/absence of the virus and the relative viral load, while 25 honeybee samples were analyzed by histopathological techniques. Biomolecular results showed a fragment of the expected size (69bp) of DWV in all samples and the viral load was higher in symptomatic honeybees compared to the asymptomatic group. Histopathological results showed degenerative alterations of the hypopharyngeal glands (19/25) and flight muscles (6/25) in symptomatic samples while 4/25 asymptomatic samples showed an inflammatory response in the midgut and the hemocele. Results suggest a possible pathogenic action of DWV in both symptomatic and asymptomatic honeybees, and a role of the immune response in keeping under control the virus in asymptomatic individuals.


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