scholarly journals The evolution of an asset-based community led alcohol harm intervention in the North West England

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
P A Cook ◽  
C Ure ◽  
S C Hargreaves ◽  
E Burns ◽  
M Coffey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Community Development ◽  
Social Deprivation ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
North West ◽  
Asset Based Community Development

Abstract Background Communities in Charge of Alcohol (CICA) is an Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) place-based approach to reducing alcohol harm. Local volunteers, from areas with multiple indicators of deprivation, train to become accredited 'Alcohol Health Champions' (AHCs). AHCs, supported by a local co-ordinator, provide brief opportunistic advice at an individual level and mobilise action on alcohol availability through influencing licensing decisions at a community level. CICA is the first programme we are aware of globally that has attempted to build local AHC capacity. Here we explore lessons learned from four case study areas (of the original ten) that persisted with the intervention for more than 12 months. Methods A case study approach to investigate the context, acceptability, facilitators and barriers to maintaining CICA. Descriptive analysis of ongoing recruitment of champions, numbers of training events and activity of champions (as reported by area coordinators). Framework analysis of interviews with AHCs and stakeholders. Results CICA has increased public health capacity by training 123 AHCs in its first year. The four areas that continued with CICA have trained a further 34. The different approaches in the four areas include: embedding champions in wider health champion/volunteering projects; innovative use of new technology (portable fibroscan); expansion into different geographical areas. AHCs and coordinators report significant social value from participation in CICA. Conclusions The likelihood of embedding CICA into a local area's activities appeared to be dependent on the energy and enthusiasm of the local area's co-ordinator, and may be dependent on that individual remaining in post. ABCD programmes may be more likely to be sustainable if capacity building is supported. CICA might be more sustainable if it was embedded in a wider programme of ABCD, since health issues are interrelated and AHCs often wish to broaden their portfolio. Key messages A volunteer alcohol health champions programme increased public health capacity in areas of social deprivation by utilising the assets (skills) of local people. Embedding a community alcohol health champions programme in a wider programme of asset based community development is more sustainable and allows champions to broaden their volunteering portfolio.

Methodology for assessment of public health preparedness and response synergies between institutional authorities and the community

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel H. de Vries ◽  
John Kinsman ◽  
Judit Takacs ◽  
Svetla Tsolova ◽  
Massimo Ciotti
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Field Work ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Outbreak Response ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Rich Data

Abstract Background: This paper describes a participatory methodology that supports investigation of the collaboration between communities affected by infectious disease outbreak events and relevant official institutions. The core principle underlying the methodology is the recognition that synergistic relationships, characterised by mutual trust and respect, between affected communities and official institutions provide the most effective means of addressing outbreak situations. Methods: The methodological approach and lessons learned were derived from four qualitative case studies including (i) two tick-borne disease events: Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in Spain, and tick-borne encephalitis in the Netherlands (2016); and (ii) two outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis (norovirus in Iceland, 2017, and verocytotoxin-producingEscherichia coli [VTEC] in Ireland, 2018). These studies were conducted in collaboration with the respective national public health authorities in the affected countries by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Results: An after-event qualitative case study approach was taken using mixed methods. Lessons highlight the critical importance of collaborating with national focal points during preparation and planning, and interviewer reflexivity during fieldwork. Field work for each case study was conducted over one working week, which although limiting the number of individuals and institutions involved, still allowed for rich data collection due to the close collaboration with local authorities. The analysis focused on the specific actions undertaken by the participating countries’ public health and other authorities in relation to community engagement, as well as the view from the perspective of the community. Conclusions: The overall objective of the assessment to identify synergies between institutional decision-making bodies and community actors and networks before, during and after an outbreak response to a given public health emergency. The methodology is generic and could be applied to a range of public health emergencies, zoonotic or otherwise. The methodology emphasises reflexivity among fieldworkers, a relatively short time needed for data collection, potential generalisability of findings, insider-outsider perspectives, politically sensitive findings, and how to deal with ethical and language issues.

Case Study

2019 ◽  
pp. 339-368
Author(s):  
Niamh Darcy ◽  
Sriyanjit Perera ◽  
Grades Stanley ◽  
Susan Rumisha ◽  
Kelvin Assenga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Community Development ◽  
Health Facility ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Public Access ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Positioning Systems ◽  
Health Community ◽  
Integrated Or

In 2009, the Tanzanian Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children (MoHCDGEC) counted over 10 different health facility lists managed by donors, government ministries, agencies and implementing partners. These function-specific lists were not integrated or linked. The ministry's Health Sector Strategic Plan included the development of an authoritative source for all health facility information, called the Master Facility List (MFL). During development, the ministry adopted the term Health Facility Registry (HFR), an online tool providing public access to a database about all officially recognized health facilities (public and private). The MFL, which includes the health facility list at any specific point in time can be exported from the HFR. This chapter presents the Tanzanian case study describing the work and lessons learned in building the HFR—focusing on software development, introducing geographic positioning systems and harmonizing MFL data. MoHCDGEC launched the HFR public portal in September 2015.

scholarly journals Lessons Learned From an Intensive Writing Training Course for Applied Epidemiologists

2020 ◽  
Vol 135 (4) ◽  
pp. 428-434
Author(s):  
Jessica Arrazola ◽  
Malorie Polster ◽  
Paul Etkind ◽  
John S. Moran ◽  
Richard L. Vogt
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Publishing Process ◽  
Writing Courses ◽  
Training Course ◽  
Public Health Professionals ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Council Of State

Although writing is a valued public health competency, authors face a multitude of barriers (eg, lack of time, lack of mentorship, lack of appropriate instruction) to publication. Few writing courses for applied public health professionals have been documented. In 2017 and 2018, the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention partnered to implement a Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report Intensive Writing Training course to improve the quality of submissions from applied epidemiologists working at health departments. The course included 3 webinars, expert mentorship from experienced authors, and a 2-day in-person session. As of April 2020, 39 epidemiologists had participated in the course. Twenty-four (62%) of the 39 epidemiologists had submitted manuscripts, 17 (71%) of which were published. The program’s evaluation demonstrates the value of mentorship and peer feedback during the publishing process, the importance of case study exercises, and the need to address structural challenges (eg, competing work responsibilities or supervisor support) in the work environment.

Factors Influencing Adoption of Information Technologies for Public Transportation Project Inspection: A WSDOT Case Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 2673 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Julian Yamaura ◽  
Stephen T. Muench ◽  
Kim Willoughby
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Change ◽  
Change Management ◽  
Public Transportation ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
User Study ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Management Program ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Structured Interviews

This paper presents a case study of the organizational change process associated with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) year-long research program that implemented a cloud-based mobile project inspection application to 18 project engineering offices (PEO) across the state. Ultimately, four out of the 18 PEOs decided to adopt the new technology. Data from semi-structured interviews and a user study conducted two months after implementation are used to identify organizational change strategies used by WSDOT, and how those relate to ideas from the general literature on change management. The loss of upper management program leaders, inadequate communication and training to prepare personnel for the change, and policy and procedural uncertainties in integrating the change with other systems and operations were found to be factors that may have influenced the outcome of the program. While this paper focuses on one DOT’s efforts, other DOTs may have similar organizational structures and implementation efforts, and the findings and lessons learned could serve as a representative model for how such implementation might best be accomplished in a DOT and how that might differ from traditional change management guidance.

Major Incident Experience and Preparedness in a Developing Country

2013 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 313-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hesam Seyedin ◽  
Rouhollah Zaboli ◽  
Hamid Ravaghi
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Major Incident ◽  
Incident Management ◽  
Semistructured Interview ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
Health Organizations ◽  
Research Software ◽  
Major Incidents

AbstractBackgroundResearch shows that having previous experience of major incidents has a positive impact on awareness and preparedness of organizations. We investigated the effects of major incident experience on preparedness of health organizations on future disasters in Iran.MethodsA qualitative study using a semistructured interview technique was conducted with 65 public health and therapeutic affairs managers. Analysis of the data was performed used the framework analysis technique, which was supported by qualitative research software.ResultsThe study found that prior experience of major incidents results in better performance, coordination, and cooperation in response to future events. There was a positive effect on policy making and resource distribution and an increase in (1) preparedness activities, (2) raising population awareness, and (3) improving knowledge. However, the preparedness actions were predominantly individual-dependent.ConclusionsOur findings showed that to increase system efficiency and effectiveness within health organizations, an appropriate major incident management system is needed. The new system can use lessons learned from previous major incidents to better equip health organizations to cope with similar events in the future. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2013;7:313-318)

Community Development and Faith-Based Organizations

2015 ◽  
pp. 172-207
Author(s):  
Stephanie Wrightman
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Community Development ◽  
Catholic Church ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Faith Based ◽  
Leading Role ◽  
Timor Leste ◽  
State Actors

This chapter is a reflection of analyses, experiences and research on the opportunities and challenges of working with faith-based organisations (FBO's) in the context of global health. The purpose of this chapter is to demonstrate the important role that FBO's have with state and non-state actors in the development of communities in complex contexts. The role of FBO's in development are demonstrated in reference to the Author's work experience with FBO's, which form case studies in East Africa, and Timor Leste. Further analyses through literature build on these experiences to demonstrate the leading role FBO's can have with state and non-state actors, and the effects on public health. In the case study of Timor Leste, suggestions are proposed to overcome challenges and build on the opportunities of state and non-state actors incorporating the Catholic Church into health programs.

scholarly journals Development and operalisation of a support programme for nursing service managers: Part 2

Curationis ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Poggenpoel ◽  
A. Gmeiner
Keyword(s):  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Nursing Service ◽  
North West ◽  
Case Study Design ◽  
Support Programme ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Field Notes ◽  
English Speaking ◽  
Service Managers

This paper describes research conducted to develop and implement a support programme for nursing service managers suffering from fatigue. The support programme was developed on the basis of results obtained from a survey that ascertained nursing service managers' views about the problems they were experiencing in their everyday lives. A multiple case-study design was utilised to describe the operationalisation of the support programme. The sample consisted of forty-eight English speaking and fifty-two Afrikaans speaking nursing service managers from the old Transvaal region (Gauteng, North West and Eastern Transvaal The support programme was implemented during two one-day workshops, one with the Afrikaans speaking group and one with the English speaking group of nursing service managers. Data were gathered about operationalisation of the support programme through multiple methods: observation, audiotape recordings, written documents and field notes. The data were analysed by utilising the methods of descriptive analysis.

scholarly journals Public Health Preparedness and Response Synergies between Institutional Authorities and the Community: A Qualitative Case Study of Emerging Tick-borne Diseases in Spain and the Netherlands

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel de Vries ◽  
John Kinsman ◽  
Anne Cremers ◽  
John Angrén ◽  
Svetla Tsolova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Community Engagement ◽  
Information Dissemination ◽  
Qualitative Case Study ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Health Official ◽  
Preparedness Planning

Abstract BackgroundCommunities affected by infectious disease outbreaks are increasingly recognised as partners with a significant role to play during public health emergencies. This paper reports on a qualitative case study of the interactions between affected communities and public health institutions prior to, during, and after two emerging tick-borne disease events in 2016: Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever in Spain, and Tick-Borne Encephalitis in the Netherlands. The aim of the paper is to identify pre-existing and emergent synergies between communities and authorities, and to highlight areas where synergies could be facilitated and enhanced in future outbreaks.MethodsDocumentary material provided background for a set of semi-structured interviews with experts working in both health and relevant non-health official institutions (13 and 21 individuals respectively in Spain and the Netherlands), and focus group discussions with representatives of affected communities (15 and 10 individuals respectively). Data from all sources were combined and analysed thematically, initially independently for each country and then for both countries together.ResultsStrong synergies were identified in tick surveillance activities in both countries, and the value of pre-existing networks of interest groups for preparedness and response activities was recognised. However, authorities also noted that there were hard-to-reach and potentially vulnerable groups, such as hikers, foreign tourists, and volunteers working in green areas. While the general population received preventive information about the two events, risk communication or other community engagement efforts were not seen as necessary specifically for these sub-groups. Post-event evaluations of community engagement activities during the two events were limited, so lessons learned were not well documented.ConclusionsA set of good practices emerged from this study, that could be applied in these and other settings. They included the potential value of conducting stakeholder analyses of community actors with a stake in tick-borne or other zoonotic diseases; of utilising pre-existing stakeholder networks for information dissemination; and of monitoring community perceptions of any public health incident, including through social media. Efforts in the two countries to build on the community engagement activities that are already in place could contribute to better preparedness planning and more efficient and timely responses in future outbreaks.

Are We Forgetting the Lessons From the Accident at Three Mile Island Unit 2, March 1979: A Case Study

2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bob Christie ◽  
David H. Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Risk ◽  
Reactor Core ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Operator Training ◽  
The Public ◽  
Emergency Procedures ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Abnormal Events

The accident at Three Mile Island Unit 2 in March 1979 resulted in major changes to the way emergency procedures were written and operators were trained at nuclear commercial electric generating units. These changes had a major impact on the public health risk of nuclear electric generating units. The record over the last 20 years has been excellent. For approximately 2000 reactor years of operation since 1979, there have been no accidents equivalent to TMI Unit 2 in the USA. Other factors have had an influence on this excellent record but it is clear that more efficient emergency procedures and better operator training had a significant impact on the excellent record achieved over the last 20 plus years. Abnormal events still occur at the nuclear commercial electric generating units in the USA and these events have the potential for causing damage to the reactor core. In some cases, the emergency procedures used in abnormal events and the training received by the operators of the nuclear units have not been based on the lessons learned from the accident at Three Mile Island. The following paper describes one such case. It is clear to the authors of this paper that further changes should be made to make sure that the lessons learned from the accident at Three Mile Island Unit 2 in 1979 are implemented and not forgotten.

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