Training of local health workers to meet public health needs

2015 ◽  
pp. 1585-1593 ◽  
Author(s):  
Piya Hanvoravongchai ◽  
Suwit Wibulpolprasert
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Local Health

scholarly journals Accountable Care Organizations and Clinical Commissioning Groups face an uncertain challenge for improving public health

2012 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 16
Author(s):  
Douglas J. Noble
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Population Health ◽  
The United States ◽  
Accountable Care Organizations ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Accountable Care ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The Uk

<p>Accountable Care Organizations (ACO) in the United States of America (USA) and Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCG) in the United Kingdom (UK) are new proposed organizations in health services both tasked with a role which includes improving public health.  Although there are very significant differences between the UK and USA health systems there appears to be a similar confusion as to how ACO and CCG will regard and address public or population health.  The role of ACO in improving population health and evaluating the health needs of their registered and insured patients remains ill-defined and poorly explored.  Likewise, in the current UK National Health Service (NHS) reorganisation, control and commissioning of appropriate local health services are passing from Primary Care Trusts (PCT) to new cross-organizational structures (CCG).  CCG groups aim to be, like ACO, physician led.  They will also assume a role for public or population health, but this role, like that of the newly-forming ACO, is currently unclear.  Lessons learned from the USA and UK experience of new organizations tasked with a role in improving public health may inform mechanisms for physician led organizations in the UK and the USA to assess health needs, monitor population health information and improve population health outcomes.</p>

scholarly journals Asylum seekers’ healthcare in Italy: policies and practices among different regions

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
C Milani ◽  
J Bianchi ◽  
P Bordin ◽  
S Bortoluzzi ◽  
V Gianfredi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Continuity Of Care ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Refugee Status ◽  
The Real ◽  
Italian Law ◽  
Computerized System ◽  
Policies And Practices

Abstract Background The Italian law provides for international protection and universal health-care coverage for asylum seekers (AS). Indeed, they are entitled to be regularly registered at the National Healthcare Service. Before submitting the application for refugee status, medical assistance to migrants is up to local administration. Our aim was to describe and compare policies and protocols regulating AS healthcare from their arrival to their application for refugee status, at national and regional level. Moreover, we investigated the daily healthcare practice addressing potential gaps between policies and practice. Methods The research team is a subgroup of the Inequality working group of the Italian hygiene society and it is composed of public health residents. The research involved also local health workers and other professionals belonging to regional groups of Italian migrant medicine society (SIMM). We collected national, regional and local policies and protocols and we compared them using a specific framework. Furthermore, we achieved a mapping of daily practice implementation at local health organization (LHO) level using a checklist. Results The most relevant findings were that regional policies themselves vary notably from each other and, as regard practices, LHO implement differently the same regional legislation. Furthermore, we found some critical issues: the delayed inclusion in primary care assistance and lack of continuity of care and of a computerized system of recording information. Conclusions The lack of uniformity concerning policies and practices of AS healthcare might also result in unawareness and uncertainty about how to access to healthcare services by migrants. An enhanced cooperation between groups dealing with migrants’ issues may lead to avoid variability at the implementation. Finally, a computerized system for data collection might facilitate the continuity of care and the assessment of the real health needs of the AS population. Key messages It is a priority challenge for health systems to strengthen the interventions aimed at overcoming the linguistic, economic, cultural and administrative barriers to the health services access. It is crucial to improve the recording information system to detect the real health needs of AS, their change and the inequalities in access and to improve collaboration between groups and university.

scholarly journals Using Geographic Information Systems to Match Local Health Needs With Public Health Services and Programs

2011 ◽  
Vol 101 (9) ◽  
pp. 1664-1665 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamara Dubowitz ◽  
Malcolm Williams ◽  
Elizabeth D. Steiner ◽  
Margaret M. Weden ◽  
Lisa Miyashiro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Geographic Information Systems ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Geographic Information ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Public Health Services

Examining Public Health Workers’ Perceptions Toward Participating in Disaster Recovery After Hurricane Sandy: A Quantitative Assessment

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 371-377
Author(s):  
Nicole A. Errett ◽  
Carol B. Thompson ◽  
Lainie Rutkow ◽  
Stephanie Garrity ◽  
Kandra Stauss-Riggs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
New Jersey ◽  
Disaster Recovery ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Hurricane Sandy ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Willingness To Participate ◽  
Local Public Health ◽  
Public Health Workers

AbstractObjectiveWe aimed to quantitatively gauge local public health workers’ perceptions toward disaster recovery role expectations among jurisdictions in New Jersey and Maryland affected by Hurricane Sandy.MethodsAn online survey was made available in 2014 to all employees in 8 Maryland and New Jersey local health departments whose jurisdictions had been impacted by Hurricane Sandy in October 2012. The survey included perceptions of their actual disaster recovery involvement across 3 phases: days to weeks, weeks to months, and months to years. The survey also queried about their perceptions about future involvement and future available support.ResultsSixty-four percent of the 1047 potential staff responded to the survey (n=669). Across the 3 phases, 72% to 74% of the pre-Hurricane Sandy hires knew their roles in disaster recovery, 73% to 75% indicated confidence in their assigned roles (self-efficacy), and 58% to 63% indicated that their participation made a difference (response efficacy). Of the respondents who did not think it likely that they would be asked to participate in future disaster recovery efforts (n=70), 39% indicated a willingness to participate.ConclusionThe marked gaps identified in local public health workers’ awareness of, sense of efficacy toward, and willingness to participate in disaster recovery efforts after Hurricane Sandy represent a significant infrastructural concern of policy and programmatic relevance. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:371–377)

scholarly journals COVID-19 Preparedness and Response: Validation of a Rapid Assessment Tool to Evaluate Priorities of Health Workers at the Grassroots Level

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bach Xuan Tran ◽  
Chi Linh Hoang ◽  
Nguyen Thao Thi Nguyen ◽  
Huong Thi Le ◽  
Hai Quang Pham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Disease Control ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Rapid Assessment ◽  
Internal Validity ◽  
Health Priorities ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Cross Sectional

Since the initial phases of the COVID-19 outbreak, international recommendations for disease control have been readily available. However, blind implementation of these recommendations without grassroot-level support could result in public distrust and low adherence. This study evaluated the use of a public health priorities survey to rapidly assess perceptions of local health workers. A cross-sectional study using a web-based survey was conducted among 5,847 health workers and medical students from January to February 2020 to evaluate the level of prioritization of various public health measures. Measures with the highest levels of prioritization were “Early prevention, environmental sanitation, and improvement of population health” and “Mobilization of community participation in disease control,” which were concordant with policies implemented by the Vietnamese government. This study also demonstrated a high level of internal validity among survey items and shared ranking of priorities among all occupational groups. The use of this public health priorities survey was found to be effective in identifying priorities as identified by grassroots health workers to provide real-time feedback to the national government. However, future iterations of this survey should consider limiting the use of each prioritization score to ensure that responses represent the reality of source limitations and consider focusing on medical professionals and community workers due medical students' limited experience with Vietnam's healthcare infrastructure.

Health needs, community and network in primary care: an action research program

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
C Milani ◽  
G Occhini ◽  
C Francini ◽  
G Orsini ◽  
L Baggiani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Health Networks ◽  
Comprehensive Primary Health Care ◽  
Health Related

Abstract Issue According to the Alma Ata Declaration, Comprehensive Primary Health Care (C-PHC) addresses the main health problems in the community, promotes participation and involves all health related sectors. In Italy the so called Case della Salute model aims at realizing these principles. The purpose of the project is to understand how this model should be implemented in order to better answer the community needs. In the outskirts of Florence there is an area mostly made of public housing, devoted to people with housing and economic problems. There it is Casa della Salute (a health center where a PHC multidisciplinary team works), which could represent the key to cope with health inequalities and to create a network with the multiple associations rooted in the community. The implementation of an experimental model of C-PHC needs to involve local population, community actors, health professionals and researchers in a process of action-research. Results • An epidemiological study described a heavily deprived population compared with the rest of the city, with a burden of mortality especially affecting those most deprived and women. Mental health and addictions showed a deep need of care. A map of the neighbourhood was created in order to analyse formal and informal resources.The health needs of the community were deepened using social and ethnographic methodologies (semi-structured interviews, participant observation and focus groups with health workers, associations' representatives and individuals).Standing multi professional briefings were launched in order to facilitate the process of taking care of complex situations as a team. Lessons Preliminary results show the need for stronger collaborations with the actors in the community; further exploration of health related topics; community participation in the process of informing and transforming health practices; involvement of health workers in interprofessional practices to create a shared knowledge. Key messages Local health networks need a methodology to expand knowledge of peoples’ needs. Complexity in health and inequalities require a paradigm based on social determinants of health such as PHC.

Public health-specific personal disaster preparedness training: An academic-practice collaboration

2014 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sivan Kohn, MPH ◽  
Natalie Semon, MSEd ◽  
Haley K. Hedlin, PhD ◽  
Carol B. Thompson, MS, MBA ◽  
Felicity Marum, MHS ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Process Model ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Health Department ◽  
Baseline Survey ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Threat Categories

Objectives: To measure the following three relevant outcomes of a personal preparedness curriculum for public health workers: 1) the extent of change (increase) in knowledge about personal preparedness activities and knowledge about tools for conducting personal preparedness activities; 2) the extent of change (increase) in preparedness activities performed post-training and/or confidence in conducting these tasks; and 3) an understanding of how to improve levels of personal preparedness using the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM) framework. Design: Cross-sectional preinterventional and postinterventional survey using a convenience sample. Setting: During 2010, three face-to-face workshops were conducted in three locations in West Virginia.Participants: One hundred thirty-one participants (baseline survey); 69 participants (1-year resurvey)—representing West Virginia local health department (LHD) and State Health Department employees.Interventions: A 3-hour interactive, public health-specific, face-to-face workshop on personal disaster preparedness.Main outcome measure(s): Change in 1) knowledge about, and tools for, personal preparedness activities; 2) preparedness activities performed post-training and/or confidence in conducting these activities; and 3) the relationship of EPPM categories to personal preparedness activities.Results: One year postworkshop, 77 percent of respondents reported having personal emergency kits (40 percent at baseline) and 67 percent reported having preparedness plans (38 percent at baseline) suggesting some participants assembled supply kits and plans postworkshop. Within the context of EPPM, respondents in high-threat categories agreed more often than respondents in low-threat categories that severe personal impacts were likely to result from a moderate flood. Compared to respondents categorized as low efficacy, respondents in high-efficacy categories perceived confidence in their knowledge and an impact of their response on their job success at higher rates.Conclusions: Personal disaster preparedness trainings for the LHD workforce can yield gains in relevant preparedness behaviors and attitudes but may require longitudinal reinforcement. The EPPM can offer a useful threat and efficacy-based lens to understand relevant perceptions surrounding personal disaster preparedness behaviors among LHD employees.

Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response following Hurricane Ike—Texas, 25-30 September 2008

2010 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 503-510 ◽  
Author(s):  
David F. Zane ◽  
Tesfaye M. Bayleyegn ◽  
Tracy L. Haywood ◽  
Dana Wiltz-Beckham ◽  
Harlan “Mark” Guidry ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Structural Damage ◽  
Garbage Collection ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Hurricane Ike ◽  
Running Water ◽  
Household Level ◽  
Access To Food

AbstractIntroduction:On 13 September 2008, Hurricane Ike made landfall near Galveston, Texas, resulting in an estimated 74 deaths statewide and extensive damage in many counties. The Texas Department of State Health Services, US Public Health Service, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted assessments beginning 12 days following hurricane landfall to identify the public health needs of three affected communities. The results of the assessment are presented, and an example of a type of public health epidemiological response to a disaster due to a natural hazard is provided.Methods:A one-page questionnaire that focused on household public health characteristics was developed. Using a two-stage cluster sampling methodology, 30 census blocks were selected randomly in three communities (Galveston, Liberty, and Manvel, Texas). Seven households were selected randomly from each block to interview.Results:The assessments were conducted on 25, 26, and 30 September 2008. At the time of the interview, 45% percent of the households in Galveston had no electricity, and 26% had no regular garbage collection. Forty-six percent reported feeling that their residence was unsafe to inhabit due to mold, roof, and/or structural damage, and lack of electricity. Sixteen percent of households reported at least one member of the household had an injury since the hurricane. In Liberty, only 7% of the household members interviewed had no access to food, 4% had no working toilet, 2% had no running water, and 2% had no electricity. In Manvel, only 5% of the households did not have access to food, 3% had no running water, 2% had no regular garbage collection, and 3% had no electricity.Conclusions:Post-Ike household-level surveys conducted identified the immediate needs and associated risks of the affected communities. Despite the response efforts, a high proportion of households in Galveston still were reportedly lacking electricity and regular garbage pickup 17 days post-storm. The proportion of households with self-reported injury in Galveston suggested the need to enhance public education on how to prevent injuries during hurricane cleanup. Galveston public health officials used the assessment to educate local emergency and elected officials of the health hazards related to lack of basic utilities and medical care in the community. This resulted in the provision of an extensive public health outreach education program throughout the island. The Liberty and Manvel assessment findings suggest that most households in both communities were receiving the basic utilities and that the residents felt “safe”. The assessments reassured local health officials that there were no substantial acute public health needs and provided objective information that services were being restored.

Transformative learning for health professional in the twenty-first century for the future health workforce

2021 ◽  
pp. 709-718
Author(s):  
Wanicha Chuenkongkaew ◽  
Suwit Wibulpolprasert
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Transformative Learning ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Leadership Skills ◽  
Health Service Delivery ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Future Health ◽  
Service Training

Health systems globally are facing many challenges, including major constraints in their workforces: from staff shortages, inappropriate distribution, as well as poor workforce performance and management. One strategy that has been used is ‘task shifting’ to lower cadre professionals or local health workers. Involving local and community health workers (L/CHWs) has been shown to be effective in many countries. This chapter covers the issue of L/CHW training to meet public health needs. As L/CHWs are usually recruited locally with varying background, effective training is therefore very important to ensure that L/CHWs have adequate competency to carry out basic tasks and specific functions to support health professionals in health service delivery. The training programme may cover core public health knowledge and disciplines plus general work competency such as communication and leadership skills. In addition to pre-service training, there should be regular in-service activities to update knowledge and skills and post-training support must be available.

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