scholarly journals Example C: Using online respondent-driven detection for communicable disease control

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Y B Helms ◽  
N Hamdiui ◽  
R Eilers ◽  
C J P A Hoebe ◽  
N Dukers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Time Pressure ◽  
Communicable Disease ◽  
Public Health Practice ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Personal Contact ◽  
Health Practice ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Online Questionnaire

Abstract Online respondent-driven detection (online-RDD) is a novel method of case-finding that may enhance contact tracing (CT). However, the opportunities and barriers of online-RDD for public health practice have not yet been investigated from the perspective of public health professionals (PHPs). Therefore, it is unclear what the potential strengths and limitations of online-RDD for CT are. We conducted a sequential exploratory mixed methods research. First, we conducted semi-structured interviews with Dutch PHPs involved in CT. Questions were derived from the diffusion of innovations theory. Second, we distributed an online-questionnaire to 260 Dutch PHPs to study the main findings in a larger population. We used hypothetical scenario’s (scabies, shigella, and mumps) to elicit PHPs’ perceptions of online-RDD. Twelve interviews were held. Response rate to the online-questionnaire was 31% (n = 70). Four themes related to characteristics of online-RDD that influenced PHPs’ intention to adopt online-RDD emerged: advantages over traditional CT, task conflicts and opportunity costs, public health risks, and situational compatibility. PHPs believed online-RDD may enhance CT through increased reach, low-key communication options, and saving time. Limitations were foreseen in the delivery of measures, supporting patients and contacts, missing information and contacts, and causing unrest. Online-RDD may be particularly applicable in situations with digitally skilled and literate target populations, low urgency, low time-pressure, and a simple perspective for action. A majority of PHPs (70%) had a positive adoption intention towards online-RDD. PHPs perceived online-RDD as beneficial to public health practice. Further development of online-RDD should focus on facilitating opportunities for personal contact between PHPs, patients and contacts. A comparative study of ‘traditional’ CT and online-RDD could yield further insights in the potential of online-RDD for public health practice.

scholarly journals Online respondent-driven detection for enhanced contact tracing of close-contact infectious diseases: benefits and barriers for public health practice

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yannick B. Helms ◽  
Nora Hamdiui ◽  
Renske Eilers ◽  
Christian Hoebe ◽  
Nicole Dukers-Muijrers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Public Health Practice ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Health Practice ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Index Cases

Abstract Background Online respondent-driven detection (RDD) is a novel method of case finding that can enhance contact tracing (CT). However, the advantages and challenges of RDD for CT have not yet been investigated from the perspective of public health professionals (PHPs). Therefore, it remains unclear if, and under what circumstances, PHPs are willing to apply RDD for CT. Methods Between March and April 2019, we conducted semi-structured interviews with Dutch PHPs responsible for CT in practice. Questions were derived from the ‘diffusion of innovations’ theory. Between May and June 2019, we distributed an online questionnaire among 260 Dutch PHPs to quantify the main qualitative findings. Using different hypothetical scenarios, we assessed anticipated advantages and challenges of RDD, and PHPs’ intention to apply RDD for CT. Results Twelve interviews were held, and 70 PHPs completed the online questionnaire. A majority of questionnaire respondents (71%) had a positive intention towards using RDD for CT. Anticipated advantages of RDD were ‘accommodating easy and autonomous participation in CT of index cases and contact persons’, and ‘reaching contact persons more efficiently’. Anticipated challenges were ‘limited opportunities for PHPs to support, motivate, and coordinate the execution of CT’, ‘not being able to adequately convey measures to index cases and contact persons’, and ‘anticipated unrest among index cases and contact persons’. Circumstances under which PHPs anticipated RDD applicable for CT included index cases and contact persons being reluctant to share information directly with PHPs, digitally skilled and literate persons being involved, and large scale CT. Circumstances under which PHPs anticipated RDD less applicable for CT included severe consequences of missing information or contact persons for individual or public health, involvement of complex or impactful measures for index cases and contact persons, and a disease being perceived as severe or sensitive by index cases and their contact persons. Conclusions PHPs generally perceived RDD as a potentially beneficial method for public health practice, that may help overcome challenges present in traditional CT, and could be used during outbreaks of infectious diseases that spread via close contact. The circumstances under which CT is performed, appear to strongly influence PHPs’ intention to use RDD for CT.

scholarly journals Online respondent-driven detection for enhanced contact tracing of close-contact infectious diseases: benefits and barriers for public health practice

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yannick B. Helms ◽  
Nora Hamdiui ◽  
Renske Eilers ◽  
Christian Hoebe ◽  
Nicole Dukers-Muijrers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Diffusion Of Innovations ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Public Health Practice ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Sensitive Information ◽  
Health Practice ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Online Questionnaire

AbstractBackgroundOnline respondent-driven detection (online-RDD) is a novel method of case-finding that can enhance contact tracing. However, the advantages and challenges of online-RDD for contact tracing (CT) have not yet been investigated from the perspective of public health professionals (PHPs). Therefore, it remains unclear if, and under what circumstances, PHPs are willing to apply online-RDD for contact tracing.MethodsFirst, between March and April 2019, we conducted semi-structured interviews with Dutch PHPs responsible for CT in practice. Questions were derived from the ‘diffusion of innovations’ theory. Second, between May and June 2019 we distributed an online questionnaire to 260 Dutch PHPs to quantify the main qualitative findings. Using hypothetical scenarios that involved close-contact pathogens (scabies, shigella, and mumps), we assessed anticipated advantages and challenges of online-RDD and PHPs’ intention to apply online-RDD for contact tracing.ResultsTwelve interviews were held and 70 PHPs filled in the online questionnaire. A majority of questionnaire respondents (71%) had a positive intention towards using online-RDD for contact tracing. Anticipated advantages of online-RDD were related to accommodating easy and autonomous participation in contact tracing of patients and contact persons, and reaching contact persons more efficiently. Anticipated challenges with online-RDD were related to limited opportunities for PHPs to support, motivate, and coordinate the execution of contact tracing, adequately conveying measures to patients and contact persons, and anticipated unrest among patients and contact persons. Online-RDD was considered more applicable when patients and their contact persons are reluctant to share sensitive information directly with PHPs, digitally skilled and literate persons are involved, and the scope of contact tracing is large. Online-RDD was considered less applicable when consequences of missing information or individuals are severe for individuals - or public health, when measures that patients and contact persons need to undertake are complex or impactful, and when a disease is perceived as particularly severe or sensitive by patients and their contact persons.ConclusionsPHPs generally perceived online-RDD as beneficial to public health practice. The method can help overcome challenges present in regular CT and could be used during outbreaks of infectious diseases that spread via close-contact, such as the SARS-CoV-2 virus. We propose a staggered implementation study to further investigate the application of online-RDD for enhanced CT during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals How can we support best practice? A situational assessment of injury prevention practice in public health.

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah A. Richmond ◽  
Sarah Carsley ◽  
Rachel Prowse ◽  
Heather Manson ◽  
Brent Moloughney
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Injury Prevention ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Resource Constraints ◽  
Public Health Practice ◽  
System Level ◽  
Health Practice ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Situational Assessment ◽  
Access To Data

Abstract Background : To effectively impact the significant population burden of injury, we completed a situational assessment of injury prevention practice within a provincial public health system to identify system-wide priorities for capacity-building to advance injury prevention in public health. Methods : Data was collected through semi-structured interviews (n=20) and focus groups (n=19). Participants included a cross-section of injury prevention practitioners and leadership from public health units reflecting different population sizes and geographic characteristics, in addition to public health researchers and experts from academia, public health and not-for-profit organizations. Thematic analysis was used to code all of the data by one reviewer, followed by a second independent reviewer who coded a random selection of interview notes. Major codes and sub codes were identified and final themes were decided through iterations of coding comparisons and categorization. Once data were analysed, we confirmed the findings with the field, in addition to participating in a prioritization exercise to surface the top three needs for support. Results : Major themes that emerged from the data included: current public health practice challenges; capacity and resource constraints, and; injury as a low priority area. Overall, injury prevention is a broad, complex topic that competes with other areas of public health. Best practices are challenged by system-wide factors related to resources, direction, coordination, collaboration, and emerging injury public health issues. Injury is a reportedly under prioritized and under resourced public health area of practice. Practitioners believe that increasing access to data and evidence, and improving collaboration and networking is required to promote best practice. Conclusions : The results of this study suggest that there are several system level needs to support best practice in public health injury prevention in Ontario including reducing research to practice gaps and supporting opportunities for collaboration. Our research contributes to the literature of the complexity of public health practice, and presents several mechanisms of support to increase capacity at a system level to improve injury prevention practice, and eventually lessen the population burden of injury.

scholarly journals “AI’s gonna have an impact on everything in society, so it has to have an impact on public health”: a fundamental qualitative descriptive study of the implications of artificial intelligence for public health

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason D. Morgenstern ◽  
Laura C. Rosella ◽  
Mark J. Daley ◽  
Vivek Goel ◽  
Holger J. Schünemann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
Public Health Practice ◽  
Descriptive Study ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Health Practice ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Qualitative Descriptive ◽  
Research And Education

Abstract Background Our objective was to determine the impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) on public health practice. Methods We used a fundamental qualitative descriptive study design, enrolling 15 experts in public health and AI from June 2018 until July 2019 who worked in North America and Asia. We conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews, iteratively coded the resulting transcripts, and analyzed the results thematically. Results We developed 137 codes, from which nine themes emerged. The themes included opportunities such as leveraging big data and improving interventions; barriers to adoption such as confusion regarding AI’s applicability, limited capacity, and poor data quality; and risks such as propagation of bias, exacerbation of inequity, hype, and poor regulation. Conclusions Experts are cautiously optimistic about AI’s impacts on public health practice, particularly for improving disease surveillance. However, they perceived substantial barriers, such as a lack of available expertise, and risks, including inadequate regulation. Therefore, investment and research into AI for public health practice would likely be beneficial. However, increased access to high-quality data, research and education regarding the limitations of AI, and development of rigorous regulation are necessary to realize these benefits.

Health Inequities, HIV, and Public Health Practice: Examining the Role of Qualitative Research

2012 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 167-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick O’Byrne
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Communicable Disease ◽  
Public Health Practice ◽  
Health Practice ◽  
Data Collection Strategy ◽  
Antonio Negri ◽  
And Control ◽  
Public Health Strategies

Although communicable disease public health practice has traditionally been based on numbers (e.g., incidence, prevalence), in the domain of HIV prevention and control qualitative research has recently become a more commonly employed data collection strategy. Of particular benefit, this approach can supplement the numbers which typically underpin public health strategies by generating in-depth understandings about how specific populations define, describe, and perceive their health and the factors that affect it. However, the use of qualitative research in public health must be explored; it cannot simply be accepted without reflection or analysis. To guide such an investigation, the work of Michel Foucault and Michael Hardt and Antonio Negri is used to examine two previous research projects that were undertaken by the author. The outcome of this analysis is the somewhat paradoxical conclusion that although qualitative research can enhance public health work, it may also be a strategy that generates the information that can be used for capturing and normalizing marginalized populations. Qualitative research, in other words, may be a technique that can be used to achieve biopolitical goals.

scholarly journals What are the elements of a whole system approach to community-centred public health? A qualitative study with public health leaders in England’s local authority areas

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. e036044 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jude Stansfield ◽  
Jane South ◽  
Tom Mapplethorpe
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Health Inequalities ◽  
System Approach ◽  
Public Health Practice ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Round Table Discussion ◽  
Health Practice ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Local Public Health

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to identify key elements of whole system approaches to building healthy communities and putting communities at the heart of public health with a focus on public health practice to reduce health inequalities.DesignA mixed-method qualitative study was undertaken. The primary method was semi-structured interviews with 17 public health leaders from 12 local areas. This was supplemented by a rapid review of literature, a survey of 342 members of the public via Public Health England’s (PHE) People’s Panel and a round-table discussion with 23 stakeholders.SettingLocal government in England.ResultsEleven elements of community-centred public health practice that constitute taking a whole system approach were identified. These were grouped into the headings of involving, strengthening, scaling and sustaining. The elements were underpinned by a set of values and principles.ConclusionLocal public health leaders are in a strong position to develop a whole system approach to reducing health inequalities that puts communities at its heart. The elements, values and principles summarise what a supportive infrastructure looks like and this could be further tested with other localities and communities as a framework for scaling community-centred public health.

scholarly journals How can we support best practice? A situational assessment of injury prevention practice in public health.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah A. Richmond ◽  
Sarah Carsley ◽  
Rachel Prowse ◽  
Heather Manson ◽  
Brent Moloughney
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Injury Prevention ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Resource Constraints ◽  
Public Health Practice ◽  
System Level ◽  
Health Practice ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Situational Assessment ◽  
Access To Data

Abstract Background: To effectively impact the significant population burden of injury, we completed a situational assessment of injury prevention practice within a provincial public health system to identify system-wide priorities for capacity-building to advance injury prevention in public health. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was used to collect data on the current practice, challenges and needs of support for injury prevention. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews (n=20) and focus groups (n=19). Participants included a cross-section of injury prevention practitioners and leadership from public health units reflecting different population sizes and geographic characteristics, in addition to public health researchers and experts from academia, public health and not-for-profit organizations. Thematic analysis was used to code all of the data by one reviewer, followed by a second independent reviewer who coded a random selection of interview notes. Major codes and sub codes were identified and final themes were decided through iterations of coding comparisons and categorization. Once data were analysed, we confirmed the findings with the field, in addition to participating in a prioritization exercise to surface the top three needs for support. Results: Major themes that were identified from the data included: current public health practice challenges; capacity and resource constraints, and; injury as a low priority area. Overall, injury prevention is a broad, complex topic that competes with other areas of public health. Best practices are challenged by system-wide factors related to resources, direction, coordination, collaboration, and emerging injury public health issues. Injury is a reportedly under prioritized and under resourced public health area of practice. Practitioners believe that increasing access to data and evidence, and improving collaboration and networking is required to promote best practice. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that there are several system level needs to support best practice in public health injury prevention in Ontario including reducing research to practice gaps and supporting opportunities for collaboration. Our research contributes to the literature of the complexity of public health practice, and presents several mechanisms of support to increase capacity at a system level to improve injury prevention practice, and eventually lessen the population burden of injury.

ETHICAL ANALYSIS IN PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE: A MULTI-SECTORAL MIXED-METHODS STUDY

2008 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 19
Author(s):  
Pakes B Upshur
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Public Health Practice ◽  
Health Practice ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Ethical Awareness ◽  
Public Health Decision ◽  
Health Practitioners ◽  
Value Judgements ◽  
Health Decision ◽  
Public Health Practitioners

Rationale: All decisions in public health practice involve implicit value judgements, and many involve explicit reference to ethical principles. Despite the increased awareness, interest and literature in Public Health Ethics in the past decade, there remains little understanding of what public health practitioners or trainees mean by ethics, what meta-ethical foundations shape their approach to ethical dilemmas, and what prior training in ethics they have had or wish to have. This study aims to answer some of these questions and will serve as the basis for the development of resources to aid public health decision-making. Method: Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from public health practitioners by means of paper and web-based surveys, as well as structured interviews. Data was coded and analysed using SPSS 15. Results: 16/20 trainees, 70/150 Canadian practitioners, and 508/2058 American practitioners responded to the survey; 10 interviews were conducted. There was remarkable heterogeneity of responses regarding prioritization of values and meta-ethical justification of ethical norms. Respondents reported little training in ethics and considerable in enhancing their skills. Conflict between ethical imperatives and the law were a prominent feature of American, but not Canadian respondents. Conclusions: Public Health practitioners hold a variety of disparate views regarding ethics in public health. These translate into different understandings of the goals and means of public health, with far reaching implications in all spheres of practice. A Public Health Ethical Reflection tool was developed to enhance ethical awareness in goal setting, planning and implementation of public health interventions.

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