Towards an Effective Collaboration Between South Western Sydney Local Health District and Local Councils: Insights from the Qualitative Study

Abstract Background Urban planning is of fundamental use in promoting a healthy urban environment, prompting increased collaboration between public health and local government planning authorities. A major challenge to the success of this co-operation, however, is the difficulty of ensuring that the views of the health sector are, ultimately, reflected in planning policy. To facilitate this, a qualitative study was designed by Population Health, South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) in 2016. Objective The aim of the study was to understand and help improving the effectiveness of collaboration between local governments and public health sector. Methods Qualitative data was collected from 14 in-depth interviews with staff representing five local councils: Bankstown, Camden, Liverpool, Campbelltown, and Fairfield. The data was thematically analysed using inductive and deductive reasoning by applying NVivo software. Results While councils recognise the potential value of consultation (and partnership) with SWSLHD, the fact is that the status quo is one of limited communication and the absence of any clearly defined process for collaboration. Councils perceive knowledge gaps in relation to basic issues such as who provides what services to whom and how to access services from health experts related to evidence based local government level data. Implications: The study demonstrated that a shift in provision of public health evidence that has local applicability in a timely manner on issues of mutual concern, and proactive and ongoing consultations between SWSLHD and councils would enable effective engagement, coordinated and sustained actions. As the concerns raised in this study about the need for practical information on effective interventions and impact of social determinants of health echo the findings from studies that were conducted in other local government settings of Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales, the study findings may be applied to other councils beyond the SWSLHD.

Download Full-text

Towards An Effective Collaboration Between South Western Sydney Local Health District and Local Councils: Insights From The Qualitative Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-600209/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Vilas Kovai ◽

Zeenat Mahjabeen ◽

Punitha Arjunan ◽

Bin Jalaludin

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Local Government ◽

Urban Planning ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Urban Environment ◽

Deductive Reasoning ◽

Health Sector ◽

Health District ◽

Local Health ◽

Government Planning

Abstract Background Urban planning is of fundamental use in promoting a healthy urban environment, prompting increased collaboration between public health and local government planning authorities. A major challenge to the success of this co-operation, however, is the difficulty of ensuring that the views of the health sector are, ultimately, reflected in planning policy. To facilitate this, a qualitative study was designed by Population Health, South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) in 2016. Objective The aim of the study was to investigate ways in which SWSLHD could be engaged with councils in the urban planning processes of local councils in south-western Sydney to promote a healthy urban environment. Methods Qualitative data was collected from 14 in-depth interviews with staff representing five local councils: Bankstown, Camden, Liverpool, Campbelltown, and Fairfield. The data was thematically analysed using inductive and deductive reasoning by applying NVivo software. Results While councils recognise the potential value of consultation (and partnership) with SWSLHD, the fact is that the status quo is one of limited communication and the absence of any clearly defined process for collaboration. Councils perceive knowledge gaps in relation to basic issues such as who provides what services to whom and how to access services from health experts related to evidence based local government level data. Implications: The study demonstrated that a shift in provision of public health evidence that has local applicability in a timely manner on issues of mutual concern, and proactive and ongoing consultations between SWSLHD and councils would enable effective engagement, coordinated and sustained actions.

Download Full-text

Corrupt Practices in the Public Health Sector: A Focus on Metropolitan Local Government Areas of Kano State, Nigeria

The Nigerian Journal of Sociology and Anthropology ◽

10.36108/njsa/0202/81(0290) ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 18 (2) ◽

pp. 149

Author(s):

Mohammed Mustapha Namadi

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Local Government ◽

Health Sector ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Healthcare Services ◽

Healthcare Sector ◽

Healthcare Provision ◽

The Public ◽

Public Health Sector ◽

The Government

Corruption is pervasive in Nigeria at all levels. Thus, despite recent gains in healthcare provision, the health sector faces numerous corruption related challenges. This study aims at examining areas of corruption in the health sector with specific focus on its types and nature. A sample size of 480 respondents aged 18 years and above was drawn from the eight Metropolitan Local Government Areas of Kano State, using the multistage sampling technique. The results revealed evidence of corrupt practices including those related to unnecessary-absenteeism, diversion of patients from the public health facilities to the private sector, diverting money meant for the purchase of equipment, fuel and diesel, bribery, stealing of medications, fraud, misappropriation of medications and unjustifiable reimbursement claims. In order to resolve the problem of corrupt practices in the healthcare sector, the study recommended the need for enforcement of appropriate code of ethics guiding the conduct of the health professionals, adoption of anti-corruption strategies, and strengthening the government monitoring system to check corruption in public health sector in order to ensure equitable access to healthcare services among the under-privileged people in the society.

Download Full-text

The influence of internal marketing and job satisfaction on quality service delivery in a public health sector: A case study of a local government organization in Uganda

AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BUSINESS MANAGEMENT ◽

10.5897/ajbm2019.8789 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 13 (9) ◽

pp. 309-317

Author(s):

Otieno Ong’unya Gordon ◽

Baptist Kowa John ◽

Wakibi Aziz ◽

Ssenyange Kassim

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Job Satisfaction ◽

Local Government ◽

Service Delivery ◽

Health Sector ◽

Internal Marketing ◽

Quality Service ◽

Government Organization ◽

Public Health Sector

Download Full-text

PERAN PEMERINTAH DAERAH PADA PENANGANAN COVID-19

Jurnal Politik Pemerintahan Dharma Praja ◽

10.33701/jppdp.v13i1.1005 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 52-68

Author(s):

Diyar Ginanjar Andiraharja

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Local Government ◽

Health Service ◽

Local Governments ◽

Central Government ◽

Regional Government ◽

Basic Health ◽

Public Health Emergencies ◽

Level Data ◽

The Law

This study aimed to assess the strategies that have been implemented by the central and regional governments in handling COVID-19. There are ten regulations related to the research objectives that have been reviewed. The method applied is normative legal research. Second level data is used in this study. The literature reviewed is used to solve researchers' questions. From this study it was revealed that the local government was obliged to decide on the policies that had to be taken in handling COVID-19 with normal basic health service conditions. In the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the appropriate regulations were enacted not the Law on Regional Government, but the Law on Health Quarantine. The conclusion of this study, in the condition of public health emergencies there is uncertainty at the local government level, because with the decentralization in the field of health causes basic health service standards vary according to the commitment and fiscal capacity of local governments. Strengthening the role of local government is a major factor in overcoming COVID-19. Health services in the regions must be ensured by the central government to conform to the COVID-19 handling standard. With the current state of public health emergencies, it is hoped that the division of roles of the center and the regions will be expected to ensure the safety of citizens.

Download Full-text

Local Government Response to COVID-19: Revitalizing Local Democracy in Bangladesh

International Journal of Sustainable Development and Planning ◽

10.18280/ijsdp.160410 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (4) ◽

pp. 701-712

Author(s):

A.N.M. Zakir Hossain

Keyword(s):

Local Government ◽

Public Engagement ◽

Local Governments ◽

Local Governance ◽

Local Level ◽

Health Sector ◽

Policy Formulation ◽

Survey Method ◽

Local Democracy ◽

Google Docs

The study aims to identify the role of local government and its transformation in response to the COVID-19. It also shows how local governments extended the scope of accountability and transparency to strengthen democracy. The study followed the social survey method and collected data online through Google Docs form. The data were analyzed through descriptive statistics to generate expected results and test the hypothesis by the Spearman correlation coefficient. The study found local governments were positive during COVID-19 to provide services and offered more public engagement in policy formulation, thus more democratic. The health sector has shown the highest priority, with food and environmental services. Inefficient management capacity of leaders and apathy in public engagement hamper resource mobilization at the local level. During COVID-19, ICT intervention and innovation for digital transformation in local governance increased accountability and transparency through easy and effective participation of mass people to strengthen local democracy to respond effectively against COVID-19.

Download Full-text

The impact of COVID-19 on local government stakeholders' perspectives on local food production

Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development ◽

10.5304/jafscd.2021.102.035 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-18

Author(s):

Catherine Campbell

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Local Government ◽

Local Governments ◽

Food Production ◽

Local Food ◽

Public Health Emergencies ◽

Adoption And Implementation ◽

Local Food Production ◽

The Impact

Local food production (LFP) can play an important role in ensuring access to food during supply chain disruptions. Because the drafting, adoption, and implementation of policies regulating LFP is under the purview of local governments in many U.S. states, researchers at University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension conducted a study to assess whether COVID-19 affected local government stakeholders’ (LGS) (N=92) perspectives on LFP and the role that LFP can play in responding to public health emergencies. LGS who oversee the drafting, adoption, and implementation of LFP policies include staff responsible for code enforcement, sustainability initiatives, and planning, as well as elected and appointed leaders, such as mayors, city and county managers, and city and county commissioners. The survey assessed LGS’ attitudes and knowledge about LFP. The survey also asked LGS about their perceptions and awareness of LFP in their communities, including their perceptions of the benefits of and barriers to LFP and the ways in which LFP producers were using the food they produced. Survey questions also focused specifically on COVID-19 and the role of LFP in public health emergencies. In particular, survey questions asked whether LGS perceived a change in their own attitudes, knowledge, and perspectives; whether there had been a change in the LFP activities in their communities following COVID-19; and what they thought the role of LFP was in responding to public health emergencies. Direct comparisons of LGS who responded to a 2019 survey (N=43) were assessed for statistically significant changes in overall attitudes, knowledge, or perceived benefits of LFP following COVID-19. This study found that LGS have generally positive attitudes and perceptions of benefits of LFP, including its role in public health emergencies, but have limited knowledge about LFP or awareness of barriers to its implementation. The results of this study indicate that LGS understand the potential benefits of LFP in public health emergencies but would benefit from information and training to support the development of policies and programs in their communities.

Download Full-text

Challenges in Providing Surgical Procedures During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Qualitative Study Among Operating Department Practitioners in Pakistan

10.21203/rs.3.rs-136793/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Sara Rizvi Jafree ◽

Ain ul Momina ◽

Nudra Malik ◽

Syed Ashgar Naqi ◽

Florian Fischer

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Professional Development ◽

Patient Safety ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Surgical Procedures ◽

Human Resources For Health ◽

Health Sector ◽

Teaching Hospitals ◽

The Public ◽

Public Health Sector

Abstract Background: Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) are neglected human resources for health with regard to both professional development and research for patient safety. The surgical theatre is associated with the highest mortality rates and with the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic. ODPs are key practitioners with respect to infection control during surgeries. Therefore, this study aims to describe challenges faced by ODPs. The secondary aim is to use empirical evidence to inform the public health sector management about both ODP professional development and improvement in surgical procedures, with a specific focus on pandemics.Methods: A qualitative study has been conducted. Data collection was based on an interview guide with open-ended questions. Interviews with 39 ODPs in public sector teaching hospitals of Pakistan who have been working during the COVID-19 pandemic were part of the analysis. Content analysis was used to generate themes.Results: Ten themes related to challenges faced by ODPs in delivering services during the pandemic for securing patient safety were identified: (i) Disparity in training for prevention of COVID-19; (ii) Shortcomings in COVID-19 testing; (iii) Supply shortages of personal protective equipment; (iv) Challenges in maintaining physical distance and prevention protocols; (v) Human resource shortages and role burden; (vi) Problems with hospital administration; (vii) Exclusion and hierarchy; (viii) Teamwork limitations and other communication issues; (ix) Error Management; and (x) Anxiety and fear. Conclusions: The public health sector, in Pakistan and other developing regions, need to invest in the professional development of ODPs and improve resources and structures for surgical procedures, during pandemics and otherwise.

Download Full-text

Challenges in providing surgical procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic: Qualitative study among Operating Department Practitioners in Pakistan

10.21203/rs.3.rs-141107/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Sara Rizvi Jafree ◽

Ain ul Momina ◽

Nudra Malik ◽

Syed Asghar Naqi ◽

Florian Fischer

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Professional Development ◽

Patient Safety ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Surgical Procedures ◽

Human Resources For Health ◽

Health Sector ◽

Teaching Hospitals ◽

The Public ◽

Public Health Sector

Abstract Background Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) are neglected human resources for health with regard to both professional development and research for patient safety. The surgical theatre is associated with the highest mortality rates and with the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic. ODPs are key practitioners with respect to infection control during surgeries. Therefore, this study aims to describe challenges faced by ODPs. The secondary aim is to use empirical evidence to inform the public health sector management about both ODP professional development and improvement in surgical procedures, with a specific focus on pandemics. Methods A qualitative study has been conducted. Data collection was based on an interview guide with open-ended questions. Interviews with 39 ODPs in public sector teaching hospitals of Pakistan who have been working during the COVID-19 pandemic were part of the analysis. Content analysis was used to generate themes. Results Ten themes related to challenges faced by ODPs in delivering services during the pandemic for securing patient safety were identified: (i) Disparity in training for prevention of COVID-19; (ii) Shortcomings in COVID-19 testing; (iii) Supply shortages of personal protective equipment; (iv) Challenges in maintaining physical distance and prevention protocols; (v) Human resource shortages and role burden; (vi) Problems with hospital administration; (vii) Exclusion and hierarchy; (viii) Teamwork limitations and other communication issues; (ix) Error Management; and (x) Anxiety and fear. Conclusions The public health sector, in Pakistan and other developing regions, need to invest in the professional development of ODPs and improve resources and structures for surgical procedures, during pandemics and otherwise.

Download Full-text

Healthy Design and Urban Planning Strategies, Actions, and Policy to Achieve Salutogenic Cities

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph15122698 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 15 (12) ◽

pp. 2698 ◽

Cited By ~ 28

Author(s):

Stefano Capolongo ◽

Andrea Rebecchi ◽

Marco Dettori ◽

Letizia Appolloni ◽

Antonio Azara ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Local Governments ◽

Environmental Planning ◽

Environmental Changes ◽

Solid Waste Management ◽

Local Health ◽

Design Strategies ◽

Urban Resilience ◽

Adverse Weather ◽

Functional Features

Starting from a previous experience carried out by the working group “Building and Environmental Hygiene” of the Italian Society of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine (SItI), the aim of the present work is to define new strategic goals for achieving a “Healthy and Salutogenic City”, which will be useful to designers, local governments and public bodies, policy makers, and all professionals working at local health agencies. Ten key points have been formulated: 1. climate change and management of adverse weather events; 2. land consumption, sprawl, and shrinking cities; 3. tactical urbanism and urban resilience; 4. urban comfort, safety, and security perception; 5. strengths and weaknesses of urban green areas and infrastructures; 6. urban solid waste management; 7. housing emergencies in relation to socio-economic and environmental changes; 8. energy aspects and environmental planning at an urban scale; 9. socio-assistance and welfare network at an urban scale: importance of a rational and widespread system; and 10. new forms of living, conscious of coparticipation models and aware of sharing quality objectives. Design strategies, actions, and policies, identified to improve public health and wellbeing, underline that the connection between morphological and functional features of urban context and public health is crucial for contemporary cities and modern societies.

Download Full-text