scholarly journals A more comprehensive approach offering instruments in one portal to facilitate higher uptake

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
C Rossmann ◽  
F De Bock

Abstract The good practice portal of the Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA) consists of a nationwide collection of projects and interventions to promote the health of socially disadvantaged groups at community/setting level. An exchange platform (inforo) is also offered via the operating agency, although its use is still limited. The results of the evaluation of the platform suggest that the provision of practical projects and exchange of knowledge alone is not sufficient to support policy makers and practitioners who want to promote health in the community/setting. There is a need for advice on needs assessment, selection and appropriate implementation of health promotion measures. A comprehensive approach currently being tested in the field of activity promotion for older people is the provision of a web-based “toolbox” comprising the following tools: assessment instruments for analysing the need for health promotion measures, a user-friendly intervention/project database and broader evidence synthesis documents, as well as information on project management (organisational, legal, financial). Following the example of other best practice portals, a ranking methodology was developed to make the level of effectiveness of interventions visible and the evaluation requirements transparent. Evidence synthesis documents provide an entry point to learn more generally what works in a particular area of health promotion. In order to make the “toolbox” accessible to policy-makers and practitioners, information from previous studies was used in the development with regard to content and graphical presentation. BZgA is currently working on integrating evidence into the good practice portal. The evaluation of the toolbox in a small area of health promotion will provide initial insights into the inclusion of evidence and its added value. This presentation will conclude with a discussion of possibilities for improvement, challenges and limitations of this approach.

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  

Abstract Background Several countries have a health promotion and disease prevention programme register (also known as good/best practice portal), designed with the aim of supporting policy and practice with evidence-based information. While some of the programme registers have been in use for many years (USA, the Netherlands, Germany, etc.), others have been established recently (France) or are even under development (Slovenia). Though there are differences in terms of categorising good/best practice, all prevention programme registers have many things in common, for instance submission and review processes. Another similarity lies in the common challenges by all programme registers, which relate to the question: “How to improve the uptake of good/best practices?”. Finding answers to this question might contribute to one of the major Public health challenges of today: The translation of evidence into practice. Objective The organisers of the workshop will present different strategies and approaches to improve the uptake of the prevention programme registers, and discuss the successes and challenges of different strategies with workshop participants, as experience shows that more is needed than just offering the prevention programme registers. Today we know that a range of framework conditions must be in place to ensure a supportive environment for the use of the portals. This starts with needs analysis, support in the selection of the most appropriate good/best practices and their transferability and goes as far as capacity building, incentivisation and fostering feedback on adaptations. In detail, the presentations will address: How to build capacity to best use good/best practice (by Netherlands); Whether and how a more comprehensive approach offering instruments for needs assessment, general information and good/best practice in one portal might facilitate uptake (by Germany); and Dissemination strategies: experience and lessons learned (by France) and the added value of European collaboration to improve the uptake of best practices and create a “centre of excellence” for health promotion portals in Europe with the objective to: discuss which framework conditions are most relevant to improve uptake of good/best practicesdiscuss successes and challenges of different strategies. Key messages This workshop will give participants insight into most relevant approaches and infrastructures to improve uptake of good/best practices. It will discuss which different strategies followed by several countries might be successful.


2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 100-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucy Marks

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe some of the barriers and solutions to implementing good practice in perinatal mental health promotion in universal services, and propose some ways forward. Design/methodology/approach This paper describes the rationale and evidence base for proactive management of perinatal mental health in primary care and community services and good practice recommendations. There is considerable evidence that these recommendations have not been implemented nationally in the UK. A range of solutions and proposed ways forward to manage barriers to implementation are set out. Findings It is proposed that a number of factors need to be in place in order to deliver best practice in perinatal mental health. Originality/value The value of this paper is to set out what needs to be in place in order for services to promote good perinatal mental health and secure attachment and change the life chances of children and their parents, by intervening early. This will also ultimately save financial resources for public services, because the quality of early relationships is linked to health and mental health.


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
D Van Dale ◽  
K Leenaars

Abstract The Netherlands’ best practice portal for health promotion interventions includes approximately 350 interventions. The aim of the portal is to support policy and practice with evidence based information. There are five different levels to indicate the strength of their evidence base. In 2014, a study on the implementation of the best practices included in the portal showed that health promotion practitioners often do not implement them. One of the arguments given to opt for other interventions than those listed in the portal was the assumption that the ‘standard interventions’ will not fit their particular local context, and that adjusting a best practice is not possible. We will present the criteria and procedure of the assessment of the quality, effectiveness and the feasibility of health promotion interventions. There after we present two strategies to increase and improve the take up of best practice implementation. The first strategy is to describe and present the core elements of the interventions. This strategy facilitates the possibility for the sound adjustments of a best practice. The second strategy is to identify the common effective elements of a group of interventions, and present that information in an accessible way to policy-makers and practitioners. Effective elements were identified through systematic reviews in combination with focus group interviews with health promotion practitioners. The result is a What works document (What works, What probably works, What doesn’t work and What’s unclear). An example of the second strategy is a synthesis of the effective elements of fall prevention interventions. These elements were translated into a practical user’s guide, and illustrated with best practice interventions from the portal. Policy-makers and health promotion practitioners appreciated the new way of presenting the best practices.


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  

Abstract Background To support policy and practice with evidence-based information, several countries have best practice portals for public health interventions. Some of the portals were started recently (France) and other portals exist already for several years now (Netherlands). All the countries face the same challenges, which relate to how to identify the relevant practices, the assessment of the practices (how to achieve an inclusive portal while maintaining high quality), and the implementation and the use of the practices by professionals and policymakers (integrity vs. adaptation of the best practices). In addition to best practice portals the organisations are also working on the development of What works approaches. Objective The organisers will share their experiences with the development and implementation of best practice portals, and discuss the successes and challenges with the workshop participants. Three countries (the Netherlands, France and Germany) will present the successes and challenges of their best practice portal, and, as an example of a joint European approach, EuroHealthNet will discuss both joint and independent approaches from a European perspective. At the end of the workshop we will discuss the challenges and invite other countries to share their experiences and successes with best practice portals and providing evidence for policy and practice. With the objective to: Present the procedure and the assessment criteria of evaluating practices for inclusion in the portalsPresent the implementation and the use of best practices as well as the acceptance of the portalsDiscuss the issues of integrity and adaptation and how to assess the core elements of effective interventionsDiscuss the development of what works approaches (description of evidence in a short and accessible way) and their added value to best practice portalsDiscuss the value added of best practice portals, including promotion of their use by professionals and policymakers Key messages This workshop will give participants insight into best practice portals developed across Europe. It will discuss how countries identify and select good practice and evidence-based preventive interventions as well as the successes and challenges of such portals.


2013 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 205-215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Jones ◽  
Amanda Jones ◽  
Heather Skinner ◽  
Gary Packham

This study profiles, through a case study of an undergraduate business programme, how a business school has embedded the theme of enterprise in its core undergraduate programme. Key participants in the development of the strategy and programme tutors and students were interviewed, to provide information for an analysis of the principle objectives and the impact of the course. The findings confirm the need to adopt a top-down strategy to identify underpinning themes that support all programme activities: the programme curriculum should focus on key themes and use innovative assessment and teaching and learning strategies, as well as added-value activities that enhance its effectiveness. The authors offer recommendations for best practice, including specific modules of study, use of guest speakers, added-value activities for developing student skills and innovative assessment strategies. It is argued that the paper will help university policy makers to construct valid programmes in which themes of enterprise and self-employment are integrated in order to enhance experiential and added-value activities.


Author(s):  
Angela Ryall ◽  
Lorienne M. Jenstad ◽  
John Pumford ◽  
Tami Howe ◽  
Garnet Grosjean

Abstract Background When dispensing hearing aids, audiologists must follow validated fitting and verification procedures to ensure that the hearing aids are properly fitted to the client's hearing. Real ear measurements (REMs) are best practice for verifying hearing aids. Prior literature regarding REMs has mainly focused on the clinicians' perspective. Purpose This study investigated informational counseling throughout REMs by gathering perspectives of first-time hearing aid users regarding the content and format of counseling. Research Design The study used an interpretive description approach with focus groups. Study Sample There were 16 adult participants (4 males, 12 females) who were first-time hearing aid users and who all had memory of REMs occurring during their own hearing aid verification. Intervention We investigated the addition of informational counseling during REM verification. Data Collection and Analysis Four focus groups were conducted to elicit feedback on a demonstration of informational counseling during REM hearing aid verification. The data from the focus groups were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results Analysis revealed positive aspects, negative aspects, and suggested changes in relation to the verbal and visual information presented during the REM verification demonstration. These data fell into two broad categories: the interaction and transaction of informational counseling. Conclusion Most clients were interested in learning more about REMs if the information was accessible. Results provide recommendations for clinical audiologists and REM system manufacturers to make the information presented during informational counseling more client-friendly and individualized for client-centered care. To continue exploring this new inquiry, further experimental research is required to determine if there is any added value of incorporating informational counseling during REMs.


Author(s):  
Nishesh Jain ◽  
Esfand Burman ◽  
Dejan Mumovic ◽  
Mike Davies

To manage the concerns regarding the energy performance gap in buildings, a structured and longitudinal performance assessment of buildings, covering design through to operation, is necessary. Modelling can form an integral part of this process by ensuring that a good practice design stage modelling is followed by an ongoing evaluation of operational stage performance using a robust calibration protocol. In this paper, we demonstrate, via a case study of an office building, how a good practice design stage model can be fine-tuned for operational stage using a new framework that helps validate the causes for deviations of actual performance from design intents. This paper maps the modelling based process of tracking building performance from design to operation, identifying the various types of performance gaps. Further, during the operational stage, the framework provides a systematic way to separate the effect of (i) operating conditions that are driven by the building’s actual function and occupancy as compared with the design assumptions, and (ii) the effect of potential technical issues that cause underperformance. As the identification of issues is based on energy modelling, the process requires use of advanced and well-documented simulation tools. The paper concludes with providing an outline of the software platform requirements needed to generate robust design models and their calibration for operational performance assessments. Practical application The paper’s findings are a useful guide for building industry professionals to manage the performance gap with appropriate accuracy through a robust methodology in an easy to use workflow. The methodological framework to analyse building energy performance in-use links best practice design stage modelling guidance with a robust operational stage investigation. It helps designers, contractors, building managers and other stakeholders with an understanding of procedures to follow to undertake an effective measurement and verification exercise.


Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 305
Author(s):  
Kathryn Nankervis ◽  
Carolyne Tranquille ◽  
Persephone McCrae ◽  
Jessica York ◽  
Morgan Lashley ◽  
...  

Water treadmill exercise has become popular in recent years for the training and rehabilitation of equine athletes. In 2019, an equine hydrotherapy working group was formed to establish what was commonly considered to be best practice in the use of the modality. This article describes the process by which general guidelines for the application of water treadmill exercise in training and rehabilitation programmes were produced by the working group. The guidelines describe the consensus reached to date on (1) the potential benefits of water treadmill exercise, (2) general good practice in water treadmill exercise, (3) introduction of horses to the exercise, (4) factors influencing selection of belt speed, water depth and duration of exercise, and (5) monitoring movement on the water treadmill. The long-term goal is to reach a consensus on the optimal use of the modality within a training or rehabilitation programme. Collaboration between clinicians, researchers and experienced users is needed to develop research programmes and further guidelines regarding the most appropriate application of the modality for specific veterinary conditions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Gelius ◽  
◽  
Sven Messing ◽  
Sarah Forberger ◽  
Jeroen Lakerveld ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Public policy is increasingly recognized as an important component of physical activity promotion. This paper reports on the current status of physical activity policy development and implementation in four European countries based on the Health-Enhancing Physical Activity Policy Audit Tool (HEPA PAT) developed by WHO. It compares the findings to previous studies and discusses the general utility of this tool and its unique features in relation to other instruments. Methods The study was conducted as part of the Policy Evaluation Network (www.jpi-pen.eu) in Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands and Poland. Data collection built upon information obtained via the EU Physical Activity Monitoring Framework survey, additional desk research and expert opinion. Data analysis employed Howlett’s policy cycle framework to map and compare national physical activity policies in the four countries. Results In all countries under study, policy agenda-setting is influenced by prevalence data from national health monitoring systems, and the sport and/or health sector takes the lead in policy formulation. Key policy documents were located mainly in the health sector but also in sport, urban design and transport. Physical activity programmes implemented to meet policy objectives usually cover a broad range of target groups, but currently only a small selection of major policies are evaluated for effectiveness. National experts made several suggestions to other countries wishing to establish physical activity policies, e.g. regarding cross-sectoral support and coordination, comprehensive national action plans, and monitoring/surveillance. Conclusions This study provides a detailed overview of physical activity policies in the four countries. Results show that national governments are already very active in the field but that there is room for improvement in a number of areas, e.g. regarding the contribution of sectors beyond sport and health. Using the HEPA PAT simultaneously in four countries also showed that procedures and timelines have to be adapted to national contexts. Overall, the instrument can make an important contribution to understanding and informing physical activity policy, especially when used as an add-on to regular monitoring tools like the EU HEPA Monitoring Framework.


Author(s):  
Armando Rocha Trinidade ◽  
Hermano Carmo ◽  
José Bidarra

Through the many documents regularly emitted by those dedicated to this activity, it is comparatively easy to describe factual developments in the field of open and distance education in different places in the world. However, it is much more difficult to produce judgements of value about their quality. Quality is a subjective rather than an absolute concept and may be examined from different analytical perspectives: consumers' satisfaction level, intrinsic value of scientific and technical content of learning materials, soundness of learning strategies, efficiency of organisation and procedures, adequate use of advanced technologies, reliability of student support mechanisms, etc. These parameters should be put into the context of specific objectives, nature of target populations and availability of different kinds of resources. In a specific geographic, social, economic and cultural situation a given set of solutions might be judged as adequate and deserving the qualification of "good practice", while in a different context it could be considered of rather poor quality. The selection of examples in this article is the sole responsibility of the authors: neither should the chosen cases be considered as clearly better than any other one, nor missing cases be interpreted as lack of appreciation or a negative judgement. Finally, the authors are aware of the risks of interpreting trends and trying to extrapolate them into the near future: readers should use their own judgement in accepting (or forcefully rejecting) these projections.


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