scholarly journals Understanding needs and barriers to using geospatial tools for public health policymaking in China

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dohyeong Kim ◽  
Yingyuan Zhang ◽  
Chang Kil Lee
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Policy ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Policy Making ◽  
Geographical Information Systems ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Adoption And Implementation ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Geospatial Tools

Despite growing popularity of using geographical information systems and geospatial tools in public health fields, these tools are only rarely implemented in health policy management in China. This study examines the barriers that could prevent policy-makers from applying such tools to actual managerial processes related to public health problems that could be assisted by such approaches, e.g. evidence-based policy-making. A questionnaire-based survey of 127 health-related experts and other stakeholders in China revealed that there is a consensus on the needs and demands for the use of geospatial tools, which shows that there is a more unified opinion on the matter than so far reported. Respondents pointed to lack of communication and collaboration among stakeholders as the most significant barrier to the implementation of geospatial tools. Comparison of survey results to those emanating from a similar study in Bangladesh revealed different priorities concerning the use of geospatial tools between the two countries. In addition, the follow-up in-depth interviews highlighted the political culture specific to China as a critical barrier to adopting new tools in policy development. Other barriers included concerns over the limited awareness of the availability of advanced geospatial tools. Taken together, these findings can facilitate a better understanding among policy-makers and practitioners of the challenges and opportunities for widespread adoption and implementation of a geospatial approach to public health policy-making in China.

scholarly journals 4.E. Workshop: Health literacy in Policies: European and National Perspectives

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Policy ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Policy Making ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
European Region ◽  
Policy Initiatives ◽  
Literacy Policy ◽  
European Health

Abstract Health literacy is a key dimension of public and global health policy. In the wake of Health in all Polices (HiAP), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and health equity discussions, health literacy plays an important role in empowering citizens by increasing their capacities to deal with health information and make informed decision. In recent years, digitalization and digital transformation of societies and everyday environments have contributed to the increasing awareness of the role of health literacy for navigation of these new and often complex environments. Together, these developments have facilitated the establishment of health literacy as a critical policy item on agendas across the world. In Europe, a lively policy discussion has emerged within the last decade with countries developing their own national and local strategies addressing health literacy in public health and healthcare policies, directives on health promotion and prevention and even in educational policies to include health literacy to school practices. The WHO EURO Region with 53 Member States has been particularly active, launching the WHO “Solid Facts” report on health literacy and two “Action Networks on Health Literacy” - one on measurement and one NCD interventions. Politically, these initiatives were followed up strategically by the Health Literacy Roadmap and by a resolution to develop a European health literacy action plan. While the policy movement is steadily increasing, research on health literacy policies and policy making is still a developing field. This is concerned with policies both on children`s as well as on adult`s health literacy. In this context, the aim of this workshop is to: present research findings from recent health literacy policy initiatives, such as the WHO European health literacy roadmap and action plan and European national policies and initiate a critical discussion regarding future health literacy policy development in the European region and beyond. The 1st presentation will provide an overview on health literacy policy initiatives at WHO Europe with a focus on the development of a new European Action Plan. The 2nd presentation will focus on the WHO health literacy policy initiative focusing on school-aged children. The 3rd presentation will share policy recommendation by experts for promoting health literacy in children and adolescents. The 4th presentation offers a national policy and field application focusing on health literacy and cultural appropriateness. The 5th presentation provides an example of a national position paper on health literacy from a structural perspective presenting a possible path to equity in health. This workshop offers a forum for researchers, practitioners, policy-makers and public stakeholders interested in public health policy-making with a specific focus on health literacy, and will promote discussion of results, facilitate knowledge exchange, and support further synergies. Key messages Health literacy policy is an important cornerstone of the WHO European Region Public Health and Policy strategy and the UN Sustainable Developmental Goals. This workshop will address health literacy policy development on national, European and global levels in different populations.

The determinants of policy for population health

2006 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 395-407 ◽  
Author(s):  
DANIEL M. FOX
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Policy ◽  
Policy Making ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Political Influence ◽  
Determinants Of Health ◽  
Clinical Services ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Scarce Resources ◽  
Scant Attention

Many advocates of policy to implement the findings of research on the multiple determinants of health accord scant attention to the determinants of health policy in democratic countries. The principle determinants of the allocation of scarce resources to improving health include: the priorities of voters; the diffusion of responsibility for improving health; the absence of evidence about matters of consequence to policy makers; the arraying of some evidence in ways that frustrate policy making; resistance to addressing determinants other than clinical services and traditional public health practices among many professionals in these fields, as well as by industries that supply the health sector; and the special political influence of persons who suffer serious chronic disease and of members of their families.

scholarly journals Workshop: Leveraging evidence for policy making: lessons from the European Joint Action on Health Information

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Policy ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Data Sharing ◽  
Joint Action ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Policy Making ◽  
Data Reuse ◽  
Evidence For Policy

Abstract Leveraging evidence to inform best practices in health policy and health care is pivotal for better health outcomes. This has been widely recognized by international organizations such as the World Health Organization, and national health authorities. Health information (data on health and health systems) can be used to inform interventions at national, regional and local level. However, getting evidence into the hands of key stakeholders is still a challenge in many European countries. There are many obstacles, for instance interoperability between data systems is an issue, and the resources allocated for health reporting and monitoring are sometimes insufficient. There is an uneven evolution of data collection practices across Europe which may imply differences in the capacity to use evidence for policy development. While public health agencies aim to improve health for all, building bridges for better knowledge translation requires tools to pave the way forward. As the nature and volume of data that are generated increases, countries increasingly need frameworks with which to appraise, and apply evidence. This relies on the innovative use of health information in public health and the health policy process, and increased solidarity in data sharing among actors in the health system. This workshop aims to provide delegates with a clear understanding of the strategies that can support the use of evidence in the European context. Five case examples from the European Joint Action on Health information (InfAct) will be presented. The panelists will provide solutions that support the transfer of knowledge from scientific research, and public health surveillance into policies and innovative programmes. The objectives are two-fold: 1) to provide delegates with an overview of the accessibility of health information for public health policy in EU-Member States; 2) to present solutions that focus on better data sharing, and new roles for stakeholders working in health and policy. The workshop will begin with an introduction to the latest developments in health data collection, quality assessment, and on the availability of health information in Europe. Next, strategies to prioritize health information for policy development will be presented. Across countries, there is increasing interest on how to use “real world data” which requires an understanding of the interoperability frameworks available in Europe - this will be the focus of the third and fourth presentations. Finally, a new tool for evaluating the impact of health information developed with input from European experts in 38 countries will be introduced. The session will have an outcomes-oriented approach. We will build on the opportunity for interactive exchange with the delegates. Dialogue on what can be done, and what is needed to leverage data for action will be transcribed. This will inform a commentary that can later be submitted to the European Journal of Public Health. Key messages There are wide differences across Europe in the development of information systems and data reuse. It is crucial to facilitate the use of evidence for policy development and decision-making. The EU-Joint Action InfAct is promoting evidence-informed policy-making by structuring health information exchanges in Europe, and providing tools for a sustainable impact in policy and practice.

scholarly journals An investigation of the quality of meat sold in Lesotho

2009 ◽  
Vol 80 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
T.M. Seeiso ◽  
C.M.E. McCrindle
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Geographical Information Systems ◽  
Public Health Intervention ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Plate Count ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Veterinary Public Health ◽  
Slaughter Slabs

Since the closure of the Lesotho abattoir in 2003, only imported meat can be legally sold. However, it was estimated in 2007 that 80 % of the meat sold at butcheries comes from informal slaughter. The aim of this study was to investigate the situation. The number and location of informal butcheries in Lesotho (n = 143) were recorded and mapped using Geographical Information Systems. Observations (photographs) of informal slaughter indicated a lack of hygiene, unskilled slaughtermen and illegal disposal of offal with possible environmental pollution. In addition, a cross-sectional study was undertaken to determine the microbiological quality of meat from randomly selected carcasses (n = 237) of cattle, sheep and pigs from a sample of 44 butcheries, 4 of which were associated with registered supermarkets. As a control, samples for microbiological assay were taken from imported meat originating from carcasses (n = 20) slaughtered at a registered abattoir in South Africa. Of the 44 butcheries investigated only the 4 commercial butcheries associated with supermarkets sold imported meat only; 3 butcheries sold meat inspected at government slaughter slabs (n = 3), while the rest (n = 37) sold both imported and informally slaughtered meat. In terms of Lesotho legislation, informally slaughtered meat is only for home consumption. The bacteriological counts from all samples showed a total bacterial plate count exceeding 30 organisms per mℓ in contrast with the controls which all showed a count less than 5 colonies per mℓ. This was found for both imported and informally slaughtered meat sold in Lesotho. In addition, meat samples from butcheries showed the presence of the potential pathogens Salmonella (n = 2), Staphylococcus aureus (n = 12) and Escherichia coli (n=15). During the study, anthrax was confirmed in 9 human patients, 5 of whom died, after consumption of informally slaughtered livestock. Although no cases of animal abuse were detected, it was considered that informal slaughter can prejudice livestock welfare. It was concluded that the current situation is not acceptable in terms of meat safety. Thus, the Veterinary Public Health Directorate of the National Veterinary Services has prioritised the monitoring of butchers, registration of slaughter slabs and a general extension campaign to improve hygiene and animal welfare standards for slaughter in Lesotho. This paper highlights the major risks associated with meat consumption without Veterinary Public Health intervention in accordance with international standards.

Health inequalities: still making policy in a fog?

2006 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 427-435 ◽  
Author(s):  
MARTIN POWELL
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Life Expectancy ◽  
Health Inequalities ◽  
Policy Making ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Policy Perspective ◽  
What Works ◽  
Health Action ◽  
Policy Analysts ◽  
Unrealistic Expectations

What Works in Tackling Health Inequalities? Pathways, Policies and Practice through the Lifecourse S. Asthana and J. Halliday Bristol: Policy, Press, 2006Health Action Zones: Partnerships for Health Equity M. Barnes, L. Bauld, M. Benzeval, K. Judge, M. Mackenzie, H. Sullivan Abingdon: Routledge, 2005Health Inequality: An Introduction to Theories, Concepts and Methods M. Bartley Cambridge: Polity, 2004Status Syndrome: How your Social Standing Directly Affects your Health and Life Expectancy M. Marmot London: Bloomsbury, 2004These four texts on health inequalities are all very different books written by leading commentators with different academic backgrounds. This review will concentrate on the policy perspective that may be of most interest to many readers of this journal. It is also arguably the Achilles heel of the health inequalities literature. According to policy makers, much current research on health inequalities was of little use to policy making, and public health researchers have been criticized for political naivety, for lacking understanding of how policy is made, and for having unrealistic expectations (Petticrew et al., 2004: 815–816). Similarly, Klein (2003) points to the problems of ‘making policy in a fog’. The first two texts under review focus on policy and are written by policy analysts.

A Modelling Framework for Evidence-based Public Health Policy Making

2022 ◽  
pp. 1-1
Author(s):  
Marios Prasinos ◽  
Ioannis Basdekis ◽  
Marco Anisetti ◽  
George Spanoudakis ◽  
Dimitris D.G Koutsouris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Policy ◽  
Public Health Policy ◽  
Policy Making ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Modelling Framework

The Geospatial Web

2013 ◽  
pp. 144-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karl Atzmanstorfer ◽  
Thomas Blaschke
Keyword(s):  
Public Participation ◽  
Geographical Information Systems ◽  
Urban Governance ◽  
Emerging Countries ◽  
Google Earth ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Software Packages ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
Geospatial Tools ◽  
Spatial View

This chapter introduces a spatial view to e-participation in urban governance which is based on the technological core of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and their more recent transformation into service architectures. The chapter begins with the premise that the technological realms are available today in professional software packages and in open source software environments. It focuses on the utilization of GIS and various methodologies in participatory planning projects. The technical descriptions are limited to a degree that the reader can understand the applications envisaged. The chapter describes developments in the GIS domain which are summarized under the term ‘Public Participation GIS’ (PPGIS) since the 1990s. In 2005 however, the launch of Google Earth changed the situation significantly: such mapping platforms—including Microsoft Bing and others—brought mapping functionality to the computers of hundreds of millions of internet users and soon after, the term “volunteered geographic information” was created. It refers to the two-way communication possibilities using geospatial tools and to the participation of citizens in planning initiatives. The chapter highlights a few of such applications in urban planning and administration and discusses the situation in developing and emerging countries, while posing the question of whether or not such options may lead to an empowerment of citizens.

scholarly journals Dissemination of the capacity building results - tools adapted to the local context

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
K Kallel ◽  
L Zakraoui ◽  
Y Ben Othman ◽  
M Jouini ◽  
F Selaouati
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Policy ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
Local Context ◽  
Success Factor ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Health Decision ◽  
Social Environmental ◽  
Key Success Factor

Abstract Introduction The Centres for Evidence into Health Policy created by the CONFIDE project are multidisciplinary; they are dedicated not only to health professionals but also to researchers, policy makers as well as other social, environmental and economic stakeholders. Good dissemination and awareness among all stakeholders are the basis of the success and sustainability of the project results. The progress Since the start of the project in October 2017 and after developing a dissemination plan, the first and large-scale dissemination action was the creation of a communication platform and a website. Subsequently, we have setup Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn pages targeting people more involved in the project. These pages are regularly updated (progress of the project, actions carried out). Two press conferences have taken place in order to reach all targeted audiences in Tunisia. Indeed, our press conferences attracted journalists as well as representatives of NGOs, and health decision-makers in the ministry. A poster and a portfolio were designed in order to introduce the project to partner organizations that provide the students` internships and field trainings. The project also includes a policy game as a tool to bring to the same table the policymakers, researchers and other stakeholders in the community that will further contribute to the dissemination of the CONFIDE project results. Due to the dissemination activities of the Tunisian partners, the academic community in Tunisia has been exposed to a different approach and understanding of public health. The dissemination activities of the CONFIDE results have shed a new light on public health in Tunisia. Conclusions A good diffusion of the project, using tools adapted to the various audiences, will make it possible to reach a large and multidisciplinary target public and to associate them with the project. This is a key success factor for the sustainability of the Centres for Evidence into Health Policy.

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