scholarly journals Legal Epidemiology: The Science of Law

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (S1) ◽  
pp. 69-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tara Ramanathan ◽  
Rachel Hulkower ◽  
Joseph Holbrook ◽  
Matthew Penn
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Central Component ◽  
Skill Sets ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
National Priority ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Authorization Policies

The importance of legal epidemiology in public health law research has undoubtedly grown over the last five years. Scholars and practitioners together have developed guidance on best practices for the field, including: placing emphasis on transdisciplinary collaborations; creating valid, reliable, and repeatable research; and publishing timely products for use in decision-making and change. Despite the energy and expertise researchers have brought to this important work, they name significant challenges in marshalling the diverse skill sets, quality controls, and funding to implement legal epidemiology activities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has worked to develop cross-cutting research and translation on issues of national priority in legal epidemiology, and has explored ways to overcome some of these challenges. As such, this article describes a case study of the use of law to characterize states' prior authorization policies regarding medication used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a central component of a broader effort to improve behavior therapy options for young children with ADHD. This article highlights the types of legal epidemiology work we have undertaken, the application of this work to an emerging public health problem, and the lessons learned in creating impactful research for the field.

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.

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.

Promoting Alcohol-Free Pregnancy in Minnesota: A Case Study in Social Marketing

1995 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 6-9
Author(s):  
Kim Miner ◽  
Lee Kingsbury ◽  
Gail Gentling ◽  
Don Bishop
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Social Marketing ◽  
Planning Process ◽  
Prenatal Alcohol Exposure ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Alcohol Exposure ◽  
The United States ◽  
Growth Delay ◽  
Health Staff

Alcohol use during pregnancy is a pressing public health problem in Minnesota as in the United States. Prenatal alcohol exposure can result in intellectual impairment, growth delay, facial malformations, and numerous emotional and social disabilities. Social marketing has emerged as an effective framework to plan and promote health-enhancing practices and polices. Several strategies characteristic of social marketing guided this campaign in Minnesota to promote alcohol-free pregnancy, including (1) an extensive, interdisciplinary planning process involving public health staff, a voluntary health organization, a statewide coalition, and a private agency specializing in advertising and market research, (2) research-based message development, (3) affirming messages designed to reinforce desired behavior, (4) coordinated radio and TV broadcast, and (5) linkages to community-based efforts. The following article presents this campaign as a case study in social marketing.

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.

scholarly journals How Local Governments Are Caring for the Homeless During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (6-7) ◽  
pp. 650-657 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abraham David Benavides ◽  
Julius A. Nukpezah
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Care Program ◽  
Public Administrators ◽  
Public Health Emergencies ◽  
Federal Department ◽  
Subsidiarity Principle ◽  
Control And Prevention

This article discusses the plight of the homeless during public health emergencies and the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. It reviews the role of public administrators that grounds their efforts by examining their foundational purpose to serve the most vulnerable in our society. Using subsidiarity principle as the context, it discusses homelessness in America and the role of the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development and their Continuum of Care program. It also highlights the role of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during public health emergencies and their interim guidelines for local governments in providing for the homeless during emergencies. Finally, through a case study on the city of Dallas, Texas, the article examines how local governments have responded to address the needs of the homeless during the COVID-19 pandemic. It concludes that it is imperative that public administrators at all levels of government explore areas of shared competence, cooperation, and allocate responsibility where it would yield the most efficient result.

Developing Interventions

2019 ◽  
pp. 229-242
Author(s):  
James L. Hadler ◽  
Jay K. Varma ◽  
Duc J. Vugia ◽  
Richard A. Goodman
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Field Investigation ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Causal Association ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Field Investigations ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Public Health Officials ◽  
Progressive Stage

Interventions are control and prevention measures that public health officials select and implement at one or more points in time after initiating a field investigation in response to an acute public health problem. Regardless of the nature of the problem, an immediate need exists to understand what is happening and to recommend and implement control and prevention measures that are scientifically justified and acceptable to the community. Public health officials must recommend these actions often without incontrovertible epidemiologic proof of a causal association between the putative source or cause of the problem and occurrence of exposure and disease or injury. Under such circumstances, the key question for the field epidemiologist and decision-makers is: “How much epidemiologic certainty is required before initiating action?” This chapter discusses the decision-making process regarding interventions during the course of epidemiologic field investigations and concludes with a summary of actions relating to interventions that should be considered at each progressive stage of the field investigation.

scholarly journals (A169) Strategic National Stockpile: American Preparedness to a Domestic Biological Attack

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S1) ◽  
pp. s59-s59
Author(s):  
A.E. Piombino
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Technical Assistance ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Department Of Health ◽  
The Us ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Public Health Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Strategic National Stockpile

This session offers an overview of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) and the Cities Readiness Initiative (CRI), including CHEM PACK. Managed by the US Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “push-packs” of this critical federal cache of pharmaceuticals and medical materiel are at sites located throughout the country. The CDC's CRI is a federally funded program designed to compliment the SNS and enhance preparedness in the nation's largest cities and Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA) where more than 50% of the US population resides. Through CRI, state and large metropolitan public health departments continue refining plans to respond to a large-scale bioterrorism attack by dispensing antibiotics to the entire population of an identified MSA with 48 hours. The SNS Technical Assistance Review (TAR) will be reviewed, as well as best practices and lessons learned from successful public health emergency preparedness and response programs throughout the US.

scholarly journals Alcohol effects on family relations: a case study

2008 ◽  
Vol 16 (spe) ◽  
pp. 529-534 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Márcia dos Santos Reinaldo ◽  
Sandra Cristina Pillon
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Alcohol Abuse ◽  
Family Relations ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
The Social ◽  
Alcohol Effects ◽  
Legal Difficulties ◽  
Work Family ◽  
Clinical Problems

Problems related to alcohol abuse have been associated to different factors, regardless of the causes attributed to this phenomenon. Alcohol consumption and dependence is considered a public health problem and deserve attention because of the social, work, family, physical, legal and violence-related risks it represents. This study aimed to identify the effects of alcoholism on family relations and, by means of case management, to encourage the recovery of these relationships. The results show that the problems caused by alcohol abuse impose profound suffering to family members, which contributes to high levels of interpersonal conflict, domestic violence, parental inadequacy, child abuse and negligence, financial and legal difficulties, in addition to clinical problems associated to it.

“Operation Helping Hands”: Massachusetts' Health and Medical Response to Hurricane Katrina

2010 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 80-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzanne Condon ◽  
Elena Savoia ◽  
Rebecca Orfaly Cadigan ◽  
Marya Getchell ◽  
Jonathan L. Burstein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Hurricane Katrina ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Medical Response ◽  
Health Goal ◽  
Public Health Goal ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Massachusetts History

AbstractIntroduction:As Hurricane Katrina bore down on New Orleans in August 2005, the city's mandatory evacuation prompted the exodus of an estimated 80% of its 485,000 residents. According to estimates from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 18 states subsequently hosted >200,000 evacuees.Hypothesis/Problem:In this case study, “Operation Helping Hands” (OHH), the Massachusetts health and medical response in assisting Hurricane Katrina evacuees is described. Operation Helping Hands represents the largest medical response to evacuees in recent Massachusetts history.Methods:The data describing OHH were derived from a series of structured interviews conducted with two leading public health officials directing planning efforts, and a sample of first responders with oversight ofoperations at the evacuation site. Also, a literature review was conducted to identify similar experiences, common challenges, and lessons learned.Results:Activities and services were provided in the following areas: (1) administration and management;(2) medical and mental health; (3) public health; and (4) social support. This study adds to the knowledge base for future evacuation and shelter planning, and presents a conceptual framework that could be used by other researchers and practitioners to describe the process and out comes of similar operations.Conclusions:This study provides a description of the planning and implementation efforts of the largest medical evacuee experience in recent Massachusetts history, an effort that involved multiple agencies and partners. The conceptual framework can inform future evacuation and shelter initiatives at the state and national levels, and promotes the overarching public health goal of the highest attainable standard of health for all.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document