How can we realise the full potential of animal health systems for delivering development and health outcomes?

Abstract Background Economic sanctions, understood as measures taken by one state or a group of states to coerce another into a desired conduct (eg by restricting trade and financial flows) do not primarily seek to adversely affect the health or health system of the target country's population. Yet, there may be indirect or unintended health and health system consequences that ought to be borne in mind when assessing the full set of effects of sanctions. We take stock of the evidence to date in terms of whether - and if so, how - economic sanctions impact health and health systems in LMICs. Methods We undertook a structured literature review (using MEDLINE and Google Scholar), covering the peer-reviewed and grey literature published from 1970-2019, with a specific focus on quantitative assessments. Results Most studies (23/27) that met our inclusion criteria focus on the relationship between sanctions and health outcomes, ranging from infant or child mortality as the most frequent case over viral hepatitis to diabetes and HIV, among others. Fewer studies (9/27) examined health system related indicators, either as a sole focus or jointly with health outcomes. A minority of studies explicitly addressed some of the methodological challenges, incl. control for relevant confounders and the endogeneity of sanctions. Taking the results at face value, the evidence is almost unanimous in highlighting the adverse health and health system effects of economic sanctions. Conclusions Quantitatively assessing the impact of economic sanctions on health or health systems is a challenging task, not least as it is persistently difficult to disentangle the effect of sanctions from many other, potentially major factors at work that matter for health (as, for instance, war). In addition, in times of severe economic and political crisis (which often coincide with sanctions), the collection of accurate and comprehensive data that could allow appropriate measurement is typically not a priority. Key messages The existing evidence is almost unanimous in highlighting the adverse health and health system effects of economic sanctions. There is preciously little good quality evidence on the health (system) impact of economic sanctions.

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Health System Strategies and Adolescent Sexual Health: A Systematic Review of the Literature using Rodgers Concept Analysis Framework

The Open Public Health Journal ◽

10.2174/1874944502114010526 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

pp. 526-536

Author(s):

Wilfred Njabulo Nunu ◽

Lufuno Makhado ◽

Jabu Tsakani Mabunda ◽

Rachel Tsakani Lebese

Keyword(s):

Sexual Health ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Health System ◽

Conceptual Framework ◽

Health Systems ◽

Concept Analysis ◽

Sexual Practices ◽

Analysis Framework ◽

Adolescent Sexual Health ◽

Antecedents And Consequences

Background: Health Systems Strategies play a key role in determining Adolescent Sexual Health outcomes. This study aims to review the literature on the relationship between Health Systems Strategies and Adolescent Sexual Health issues guided by Rodger's evolutionary concept analysis framework. The study further develops a Conceptual Framework that would guide a study that seeks to “Develop strategies to facilitate safe sexual practices in adolescents through Integrated Health Systems in selected Districts in Zimbabwe.” Methods: Adolescents, Health Systems, Sexual Health, and Strategies were used to search for published literature (in English) on Google Scholar, PUBMED, EBSCO, Cochran Library, and Science Direct. A total of 142 Articles and 11 reports were obtained, and the content was screened for relevance. This led to 42 articles and 03 reports being found suitable and relevant, and thus, the content was reviewed. Thematic analysis was done to identify attributes, antecedents, and consequences of Health Systems Strategies on Adolescent Sexual Health. These findings were then used to inform the development of the Conceptual Framework. Results: Key attributes, antecedents and consequences of Health System Strategies on Adolescent Sexual Health were identified. Strategies to Improve Adolescent Sexual Health outcomes were also identified. Conclusions: Different contextual factors influence policy changes and the consequences are mixed, with both positive and negative outcomes.

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Using Bayesian networks to model surveillance in complex plant and animal health systems.

Biosecurity surveillance: quantitative approaches ◽

10.1079/9781780643595.0278 ◽

2015 ◽

pp. 278-295

Author(s):

S. Johnson ◽

K. Mengersen ◽

M. Ormsby ◽

P. Whittle

Keyword(s):

Bayesian Networks ◽

Health Systems ◽

Animal Health

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Body

The Rhetoric of Medicine ◽

10.1093/med/9780190457488.003.0002 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 23-52

Author(s):

Nigel Nicholson ◽

Nathan R. Selden

Keyword(s):

Health Outcomes ◽

Human Body ◽

The Body ◽

Full Potential ◽

Healthcare Organizations ◽

Ancient Greek ◽

Positive Health ◽

Patient Health ◽

Positive Health Outcomes

Chapter 1 explores different conceptions of the human body and their effect on medical care and patient health. Ancient Greek texts offer opposed conceptions of the body, with athletic sources presenting the body as immune to injury and always operating at its full potential and the Hippocratic texts presenting it as weak and highly vulnerable. Similarly divergent narratives also affect modern evaluations of the body by both patients and physicians, interfering with positive health outcomes. Physicians must recognize the operation of these narratives, challenge them with data, and promote a more realistic vision of health and success for patients and healthcare organizations.

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Focus on Chronic Variable Immunodeficiency for Primary Care Practitioners, the Gatekeepers to Optimal Health Outcomes for Primary Immunodeficiency Syndromes

Current Pediatrics Reports ◽

10.1007/s40124-019-00202-8 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (4) ◽

pp. 130-144

Author(s):

William A. Gerber

Keyword(s):

Primary Care ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Primary Immunodeficiency ◽

Full Potential ◽

Healthcare Outcomes ◽

Treatment Protocols ◽

Awareness Campaigns ◽

Symptom Recognition ◽

Optimal Health ◽

Primary Care Practitioners

Abstract Purpose of Review This review sought to assess the extent and causes of suboptimal healthcare outcomes for chronic variable immunodeficiency (CVID). Recent Findings Significant improvements in diagnostic technology and treatment protocols over time were found, leading to reduced morbidity and mortality for those accessing therapies. Treatments continue to be largely non-curative with financing (mainly insurance coverage) an obstacle. Symptom recognition by primary care practitioners (PCP) remains a gating factor to treatment and a widespread and persistent barrier to optimal health outcomes. Summary CVID is a subtype of primary immunodeficiency (PIDD) associated with under-diagnosis. It has emerged as a health issue more prevalent than historically known. No symptom-recognition framework for early detection of CVID has been generally accepted; those proposed for primary immunodeficiencies have shown low sensitivity, low specificity or both. Positive trends in cases diagnosed have been aided by awareness campaigns and international collaborations. However, treatments for CVID will not realize full potential without effective, accepted frameworks for timely identification in the clinic.

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Community Involvement in Health Systems Strengthening to Improve Global Health Outcomes: A Review of Guidelines and Potential Roles

International Quarterly of Community Health Education ◽

10.1177/0272684x17738089 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 37 (3-4) ◽

pp. 139-149 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Emma Sacks ◽

Robert C. Swanson ◽

Jean J. Schensul ◽

Anna Gleave ◽

Katharine D. Shelley ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Global Health ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Health Systems ◽

Community Involvement ◽

Health Systems Strengthening

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Artificial intelligence (AI) and global health: how can AI contribute to health in resource-poor settings?

BMJ Global Health ◽

10.1136/bmjgh-2018-000798 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 3 (4) ◽

pp. e000798 ◽

Cited By ~ 62

Author(s):

Brian Wahl ◽

Aline Cossy-Gantner ◽

Stefan Germann ◽

Nina R Schwalbe

Keyword(s):

Artificial Intelligence ◽

Patient Safety ◽

Global Health ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Health System ◽

Healthcare Services ◽

Full Potential ◽

High Profile ◽

Resource Poor ◽

Improve Health

The field of artificial intelligence (AI) has evolved considerably in the last 60 years. While there are now many AI applications that have been deployed in high-income country contexts, use in resource-poor settings remains relatively nascent. With a few notable exceptions, there are limited examples of AI being used in such settings. However, there are signs that this is changing. Several high-profile meetings have been convened in recent years to discuss the development and deployment of AI applications to reduce poverty and deliver a broad range of critical public services. We provide a general overview of AI and how it can be used to improve health outcomes in resource-poor settings. We also describe some of the current ethical debates around patient safety and privacy. Despite current challenges, AI holds tremendous promise for transforming the provision of healthcare services in resource-poor settings. Many health system hurdles in such settings could be overcome with the use of AI and other complementary emerging technologies. Further research and investments in the development of AI tools tailored to resource-poor settings will accelerate realising of the full potential of AI for improving global health.

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Innovative Use of mHealth and Clinical Technology for Oncology Clinical Trials in Africa

JCO Global Oncology ◽

10.1200/jgo.19.00191 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 948-953

Author(s):

Miriam Mutebi ◽

Rohini Bhatia ◽

Omolola Salako ◽

Fidel Rubagumya ◽

Surbhi Grover ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trials ◽

Health Systems ◽

Middle Income Country ◽

Disruptive Technology ◽

Full Potential ◽

Middle Income ◽

Oncology Clinical Trials ◽

Health Related ◽

African Context

Utilization of clinical technology and mobile health (mHealth) is expanding globally. It is important to reflect on how their usage and application could translate in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) settings. With the exponential growth and advancements of mobile and wireless technologies, LMICs are prime to adapt such technologies to potentially democratize and create solutions to health-related challenges. The role of these technologies in oncology clinical trials continues to expand. The lure of mHealth promises disruptive technology that may change the way clinical trials are designed and conducted in many settings. Its applicability in the African context is currently under consideration. Although potentially of expanding benefit, the role of these technologies requires careful and nuanced evaluation of the context in which they might be applied to harness their full potential, while mitigating possible harms or preventing further deepening of disparities within populations. Moreover, technology and digital innovations are no substitute for poor referral pathways and dysfunctional health systems and can only complement or enhance definite strategies aimed at strengthening these health systems.

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