UK resilience to a chemical incident

2019 ◽  
Vol 166 (2) ◽  
pp. 95-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Alexander Clarke ◽  
A G A Weir
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Local Population ◽  
National Level ◽  
Economic Consequences ◽  
Law And Order ◽  
Healthcare Provision ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Chemical Incidents

Following the deliberate chemical attacks in Salisbury last year, a review of UK resilience to chemical incidence was undertaken. The scope was not limited to deliberate attacks, related to terrorism, but was to include non-deliberate and accidental events. Chemical incidents have wide-reaching consequences irrespective of whether they are deliberate or not. The effects of these incidents manifest themselves in terms of immediate health consequences and will also include economic, political and public health effects that may have a much longer impact than the initial disruption. The economic consequences of the Novichok attack were devastating to the local population and businesses in both the short term and the long term, being felt over a year later. This review discusses the effects of these incidents on infrastructure, healthcare provision, law and order, economics and government at a local, regional and national level. The NHS Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Response Framework was reviewed, and this provides a basic outline of advice for local government to follow in the case of chemical incidents. However, the wider issues of interdepartmental co-operation and how to maintain a response in the long term require further thought. Moreover, the methods by which interagency and regional resilience is maintained in preparing for such an event require a clearer guideline.

scholarly journals Precision Medicine and Public Health: New Challenges for Effective and Sustainable Health

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 135
Author(s):  
Deborah Traversi ◽  
Alessandra Pulliero ◽  
Alberto Izzotti ◽  
Elena Franchitti ◽  
Licia Iacoviello ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Human Genetics ◽  
National Level ◽  
Health Gain ◽  
Noncommunicable Diseases ◽  
Effective Population ◽  
Polygenic Scores ◽  
Epigenetic Modulation ◽  
Sustainable Health

The development of high-throughput omics technologies represents an unmissable opportunity for evidence-based prevention of adverse effects on human health. However, the applicability and access to multi-omics tests are limited. In Italy, this is due to the rapid increase of knowledge and the high levels of skill and economic investment initially necessary. The fields of human genetics and public health have highlighted the relevance of an implementation strategy at a national level in Italy, including integration in sanitary regulations and governance instruments. In this review, the emerging field of public health genomics is discussed, including the polygenic scores approach, epigenetic modulation, nutrigenomics, and microbiomes implications. Moreover, the Italian state of implementation is presented. The omics sciences have important implications for the prevention of both communicable and noncommunicable diseases, especially because they can be used to assess the health status during the whole course of life. An effective population health gain is possible if omics tools are implemented for each person after a preliminary assessment of effectiveness in the medium to long term.

Long-Term Capacity-Building in Public Health Emergency Preparedness in Thailand – Short Report

2007 ◽  
Vol 19 (1_suppl) ◽  
pp. 13-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
K Limpakarnjanarat ◽  
Rw Linkins ◽  
E Emerson ◽  
WL Aldis ◽  
C Jiraphongsa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Capacity Building ◽  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Public Health Emergency ◽  
Short Report ◽  
Public Health Emergency Preparedness

scholarly journals The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Antibiotic Prescribing Trends in Outpatient Care: A Nationwide, Quasi-Experimental Approach

Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1040
Author(s):  
Tânia Magalhães Silva ◽  
Marta Estrela ◽  
Eva Rebelo Gomes ◽  
Maria Piñeiro-Lamas ◽  
Adolfo Figueiras ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Outpatient Care ◽  
Experimental Approach ◽  
National Level ◽  
Series Data ◽  
Antibiotic Prescribing ◽  
Prescribing Trends ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
The Impact

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread globally and is currently having a damaging impact on nearly all countries in the world. The implementation of stringent measures to stop COVID-19 dissemination had an influence on healthcare services and associated procedures, possibly causing antibiotic consumption fluctuations. This paper aims to evaluate the immediate and long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on antibiotic prescribing trends in outpatient care of the Portuguese public health sector, including in primary healthcare centers and hospitals, as well as on specific antibiotic groups known to be closely associated with increased resistance. Segmented regression analysis with interrupted time series data was used to analyze whether the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact in antibiotic prescribing tendencies at a national level. The outcomes from this quasi-experimental approach demonstrate that, at the beginning of the pandemic, a significant, immediate decrease in the overall antibiotic prescribing trends was noticed in the context of outpatient care in Portugal, followed by a statistically non-significant fall over the long term. The data also showed a significant reduction in the prescription of particular antibiotic classes (antibiotics from the Watch group, 3rd-generation cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, and clarithromycin) upon COVID-19 emergence. These findings revealed an important disruption in antibiotics prescribing caused by the current public health emergency.

Fire and fear: Immediate and long-term health aspects

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Mitchem ◽  
Henrietta Harrison ◽  
Alex G. Stewart
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Incident Response ◽  
Smoke Plume ◽  
Health Concerns ◽  
The Public ◽  
Key Points ◽  
Perceived Involvement ◽  
Significant Health

Fires can cause significant health concerns within local communities impacted by any associated smoke plume. This chapter discusses the potential public health concerns associated with fires, in particular fires at waste-processing installations. Using an example scenario, actions to be undertaken throughout the incident response, from initial acute phase to recovery, are considered, along with health concerns and fears, real or perceived, involvement of asbestos-contaminant material, multi-agency communication mechanisms, and potential issues associated with long-running fires. The multi-agency mechanisms for response are detailed, including the various coordinating groups (strategic, tactical, recovery coordinating groups (SCG, TCG, RCG, respectively), and expert cells (scientific and technical advisor cell, air quality cell (AQC)). Key points to note in the incident response include concerns raised by the local population, typical health effects associated with exposure to a smoke plume, and tools that support the response to the incident and the public health risk assessment.

scholarly journals Extending the Reach of Pediatric Emergency Preparedness: A Virtual Tabletop Exercise Targeting Children’s Needs

2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (4) ◽  
pp. 344-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marvin So ◽  
Eric J. Dziuban ◽  
Jessica L. Franks ◽  
Karen Cobham-Owens ◽  
David J. Schonfeld ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Interprofessional Collaboration ◽  
Pediatric Emergency ◽  
Health Practitioners ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Planning Capacity ◽  
Public Health Practitioners

Objectives: Virtual tabletop exercises (VTTXs) simulate disaster scenarios to help participants improve their emergency-planning capacity. The objectives of our study were to (1) evaluate the effectiveness of a VTTX in improving preparedness capabilities specific to children’s needs among pediatricians and public health practitioners, (2) document follow-up actions, and (3) identify exercise strengths and weaknesses. Methods: In February 2017, we conducted and evaluated a VTTX facilitated via videoconferencing among 26 pediatricians and public health practitioners from 4 states. Using a mixed-methods design, we assessed participants’ knowledge and confidence to fulfill targeted federal preparedness capabilities immediately before and after the exercise. We also evaluated the degree to which participants made progress on actions through surveys 1 month (n = 14) and 6 months (n = 14) after the exercise. Results: Participants reported a greater ability to identify their state’s pediatric emergency preparedness strengths and weaknesses after the exercise (16 of 18) compared with before the exercise (10 of 18). We also observed increases in (1) knowledge of and confidence in performing most pediatric emergency preparedness capabilities and (2) most dimensions of interprofessional collaboration. From 1 month to 6 months after the exercise, participants (n = 14) self-reported making progress in increasing awareness for potential preparedness partners and in conducting similar pediatric exercises (from 4-7 for both). Conclusions: Participants viewed the VTTX positively and indicated increased pediatric emergency preparedness knowledge and confidence. Addressing barriers to improving local pediatric emergency preparedness—particularly long term—is an important target for future tabletop exercises.

scholarly journals Kenyan Universities: On the Brink of Financial Insolvency

2019 ◽  
pp. 25-27
Author(s):  
Ishmael Munene
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Financial Crisis ◽  
National Level ◽  
Entire System ◽  
Policy Changes ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Institutional Level ◽  
Financial Governance

The financial crisis engulfing Kenyan universities has impacted operations and raised doubts about long-term sustainability. This crisis has a double impetus: at the national level, policy changes impacting the entire system, and at the institutional level, challenges in terms of financial governance. A short-term solution requires an immediate infusion of cash, but a long-term strategy entails a multipronged reform in the financing of higher education at national and institutional levels.

scholarly journals The Effects of Air Pollution on COVID-19 Infection and Mortality—A Review on Recent Evidence

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nurshad Ali ◽  
Farjana Islam
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Air Pollution ◽  
Nitrogen Dioxide ◽  
Air Pollutants ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Public Health Concern ◽  
Short Term ◽  
The World ◽  
Harmful Effects

The outbreak of COVID-19 has created a serious public health concern worldwide. Although, most of the regions around the globe have been affected by COVID-19 infections; some regions are more badly affected in terms of infections and fatality rates than others. The exact reasons for such variations are not clear yet. This review discussed the possible effects of air pollution on COVID-19 infections and mortality based on some recent evidence. The findings of most studies reviewed here demonstrate that both short-term and long-term exposure to air pollution especially PM2.5 and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) may contribute significantly to higher rates of COVID-19 infections and mortalities with a lesser extent also PM10. A significant correlation has been found between air pollution and COVID-19 infections and mortality in some countries in the world. The available data also indicate that exposure to air pollution may influence COVID-19 transmission. Moreover, exposure to air pollution may increase vulnerability and have harmful effects on the prognosis of patients affected by COVID-19 infections. Further research should be conducted considering some potential confounders such as age and pre-existing medical conditions along with exposure to NO2, PM2.5 and other air pollutants to confirm their detrimental effects on mortalities from COVID-19.

scholarly journals Using food insecurity in health prevention to promote consumer's embodied self-regulation

2017 ◽  
Vol 40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olivia Petit ◽  
Charles Spence
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Healthy Food ◽  
Health Prevention ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Obese People ◽  
Insurance Hypothesis ◽  
Embodied Self

AbstractHealth messages designed to address obesity are typically focused on the long-term benefits of eating healthy food. However, according to the insurance hypothesis, obese people are food insecure, and this causes them to be overly concerned about short-term consumption. As such, it is necessary to rethink public health messaging and consider how to reduce short-term insecurity by eating healthy food.

scholarly journals Long-term health-related and economic consequences of short-term outcomes in evaluation of perinatal interventions

2010 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Margreet J Teune ◽  
Aleid G van Wassenaer ◽  
Ben Willem J Mol ◽  
Brent C Opmeer
Keyword(s):  
Economic Consequences ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Health Related

scholarly journals Near-Real-Time Surveillance of Illnesses Related to Shellfish Consumption in British Columbia: Analysis of Poison Center Data (Preprint)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria Wan ◽  
Lorraine McIntyre ◽  
Debra Kent ◽  
Dennis Leong ◽  
Sarah B Henderson
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Public Health Surveillance ◽  
Data File ◽  
Health Surveillance ◽  
Poison Control ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Control Data

BACKGROUND Data from poison centers have the potential to be valuable for public health surveillance of long-term trends, short-term aberrations from those trends, and poisonings occurring in near-real-time. This information can enable long-term prevention via programs and policies and short-term control via immediate public health response. Over the past decade, there has been an increasing use of poison control data for surveillance in the United States, Europe, and New Zealand, but this resource still remains widely underused. OBJECTIVE The British Columbia (BC) Drug and Poison Information Centre (DPIC) is one of five such services in Canada, and it is the only one nested within a public health agency. This study aimed to demonstrate how DPIC data are used for routine public health surveillance in near-real-time using the case study of its alerting system for illness related to consumption of shellfish (ASIRCS). METHODS Every hour, a connection is opened between the WBM software Visual Dotlab Enterprise, which holds the DPIC database, and the R statistical computing environment. This platform is used to extract, clean, and merge all necessary raw data tables into a single data file. ASIRCS automatically and retrospectively scans a 24-hour window within the data file for new cases related to illnesses from shellfish consumption. Detected cases are queried using a list of attributes: the caller location, exposure type, reasons for the exposure, and a list of keywords searched in the clinical notes. The alert generates a report that is tailored to the needs of food safety specialists, who then assess and respond to detected cases. RESULTS The ASIRCS system alerted on 79 cases between January 2015 and December 2016, and retrospective analysis found 11 cases that were missed. All cases were reviewed by food safety specialists, and 58% (46/79) were referred to designated regional health authority contacts for follow-up. Of the 42% (33/79) cases that were not referred to health authorities, some were missing follow-up information, some were triggered by allergies to shellfish, and some were triggered by shellfish-related keywords appearing in the case notes for nonshellfish-related cases. Improvements were made between 2015 and 2016 to reduce the number of cases with missing follow-up information. CONCLUSIONS The surveillance capacity is evident within poison control data as shown from the novel use of DPIC data for identifying illnesses related to shellfish consumption in BC. The further development of surveillance programs could improve and enhance response to public health emergencies related to acute illnesses, chronic diseases, and environmental exposures.

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