bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Workshop: Active participation of migrants, refugees, and ethnic minorities in public health research
Authors:   Organised by: University of Bern Chair persons: Thomas Abel - Switzerland, Annika Frahsa - Germany
Published: November 2019

Abstract

To introduce the relevance, benefits and challenges of participatory approaches in public health research addressing issues of migrant and refugee health. Participation of stakeholders has a long tradition in fields of public health research, in particular in community-based research and health promotion. Today, increasing demands of grant agencies and policymakers in Europe challenge researchers to include stakeholders in all processes of health research. Active participation of migrants and refugees poses complex challenges for public health research including but, going beyond language problems and risks of stereotyping.
The specific objectives of this workshop are: (1) to introduce current approaches for participation and their adaptability for the context of health research with migrants and refugees, (2) to explore participation in three projects that deal with issues like improving quality health care among chronically ill women with immigration background, introducing a health mediator model for refugees as well as ethical issues in participatory research with refugees and ethnic minority groups and (3) to discuss benefits and challenges of participatory approaches intended to improve health and health care services of specific groups.
The workshop will start with an introduction providing a short overview of definitions and key concepts. Substantive presentations showcase three participatory projects in migrant health. A panel discussion, led by experienced moderators, with Prof Thomas Abel (PI of the MIWOCA project presented), Prof Antonio Chiarenza (WHO-HPH Task Force on Migration, Equity & Diversity, member of the Steering Committee of the EUPHA section on Migrant Health), Prof Luis Saboga-Nunes (EUPHA health promotion section) and Prof Sibel Sakarya (Department of Public Health Koç University) will address benefits and challenges of participation in migrant and refugee health research. The panel will open into a discussion to integrate audience’s experience and questions on participatory research. The workshop will be closed by the chair’s summary of lessons learnt and perspectives for future directions.

Key messages
Public health research for and with migrants and refugees poses basic and specific challenges. Experience with PR demonstrates the benefits of migrants’ and refugees’ active participation and the importance of adequate contextualizing of the problems and potential solutions.
Health in the 2018 Italian general election
Authors: Guicciardi S , Quargnolo M , Moser G , D’Avenia R , Toth F , Pia Fantini M 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
General elections represent a peculiar moment in which clear positions on relevant topics are more likely to emerge. Therefore, they may serve as a reference point to monitor policy development and to verify decision makers’ accountability.
The aim of this study is to systematically examine the proposals on health issues in the manifestos of the 38 parties running in the 2018 Italian general election, comparing them with the contents shared on social media.

Methods
All the electoral manifestos published on the websites of each party and of the Italian Ministry of the Interior were collected and independently assessed by four evaluators.
A list of 48 health themes grouped into 13 main domains into was then consensually created and used to classify the reported proposals.
Parties’ official social media accounts (Facebook and Twitter) were subsequently screened for selected keywords to determine the frequency and the content of health-related posts.

Results
Thirty out of 38 parties included a specific section on health in their programmes or generally addressed healthcare topics. The most covered themes were health promotion and lifestyles, self-sufficiency of fragile populations, management of private healthcare and health workforce, although implementation strategies varied greatly and only in a few cases it was possible to compare them.
On social media, health related posts represented less than 1% of the contents shared by any party during the election campaign.

Conclusions
In the 2018 Italian election campaign the majority of the parties’ manifestos explicitly addressed health issues but, apart from a few exceptions, significant differences were present in the themes and in the proposed solutions, mostly generic. On social media health was almost neglected. Despite its social relevance, health played a marginal role in the 2018 Italian election campaign.
Do political parties matter to health?
Authors: Falkenbach M , Bekker M P M , Greer S L 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Do political parties matter to health? Do they affect population health either directly, or through welfare states’ social policies and the eligibility, affordability and quality of health systems? And if they do, how? These are crucial questions if we are to understand health politics or shape public health policy, particularly given the changing landscape of both political parties, party dominance in the executive, and the possibly mediating influence of the legislature.

Methods
This review using a systematic approach examines 107 peer-reviewed articles and books published after 1978 about high-income countries asking the overarching question: Do political parties matter to health and the welfare state?

Results
As the literature relating parties to health directly was surprisingly thin, the welfare state was used as a ‘proxy’ variable. An overwhelming majority of the literature sample suggests that Left parties are inclined to expand the welfare state and avoid cutting benefits if possible, while the Right does not expand and tends to reduce benefits. There is an inflection in the 1980s when Left parties shift from expansion to maintaining the status quo.

Conclusions
Considering current health trends in the form of measles outbreaks, the “Deaths of Despair”, the return of presumed eradicated infectious diseases and the declining health expectancy rates in some Western countries as well as the rise of PRR parties in office we question the current partisanship thesis that political parties matter less and less.
Steps forward for the SCIROCCO tool and its evaluation as part of SCIROCCO Exchange
Authors: Anderson S , Alexandru C , Alhambra-Borrás T 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The ambition of the SCIROCCO Exchange project is to maximise the value and impact of the B3-Maturity Model and the SCIROCCO tool. To this aim, SCIROCCO Exchange will develop an enhanced tool including a Knowledge Management Hub. The first objective of this presentation will be describing the progress and plans towards this enhanced tool.
The SCIROCCO enhanced tool will support measures for scaling up integrated care, and an important part of it will involve building cross system community to facilitate transfer and scaling. Through its Knowledge Management Hub, the enhanced tool will include the capacity to integrate knowledge from highly relevant sources of information on integrated care practice and advice. To support and augment twinning and coaching activities, it will allow the searching for, combination of this knowledge and its adjustment to the maturity levels of health systems and the maturity requirements of good practices. The enhanced tool will also support the tracking of the evolution of the maturity of the health systems and the maturity requirements of good practices, which will allow the development of further functionality for improvement planning and monitoring.
The second objective of this presentation will be outlining progress and plans towards the evaluation of the enhanced SCIROCCO tool. This evaluation will focus on the assessment of the enhanced tool’s personalised knowledge transfer and capacity-building support. It will provide feedback on the processes of knowledge transfer and capacity-building support, and help conclude on the key mechanisms supporting these processes. Moreover, this evaluation will feed into the development of Improvement Plans in the 9 SCIROCCO Exchange regions. The ultimate goal of this evaluation is to optimise the potential of the enhanced SCIROCCO tool as a key facilitator and integrator of knowledge transfer and capacity-building support for integrated care.
Social cost-benefit analysis of regulatory policies to reduce alcohol use in The Netherlands
Authors: de Wit G A , van Gils P F , Over E A B , Suijkerbuijk A W M , Lokkerbol J , Smit F , Spit W J , Evers S M A A , de Kinderen R J A 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
If all costs and all benefits of alcohol use are expressed in monetary terms, the net costs were 2,3 to 4,2 billion euro in 2013. Examples of the costs of alcohol are less productivity at work, costs of police and justice and traffic accidents.

Methods
In this study three regulatory policies have been modelled using the Social Cost-Benefit Analysis (SCBA) approach. Regulatory policies aimed at curbing alcohol consumption were (1) an increase in excise taxes, (2) a reduction of the number of sales venues, and (3) a total mediaban for advertising alcohol.

Results
In the long run, over a period of 50 years, an increase in excise taxes of 50% will result in societal benefits of 4.5 to 10.7 billion euro, an increase of excise taxes of 200% will result in societal benefits of 12.2 to 35.8 billion euro. The societal benefits of closure of 10% of sales venues are estimated at 1.8 to 4.3 billion euro after 50 years, and at 4.6 to 10.7 billion euro when 25% of sales venues would be closed. The societal benefits of a mediaban would amount to 3.5 to 7.8 billion euro after 50 years, but this estimate is surrounded by uncertainty.

Conclusions
Regulatory policies aimed at reducing the amount of alcohol consumed, such as a further increase of excise taxes, a reduction of the number of sales venues and a total mediaban, will result in savings for society at large. However, costs and benefits are spread unequally over the different stakeholders.
Psychological follow-up and its perception in civilians involved in the January 2015 terrorist attack in Paris, France
Authors: Vuillermoz C , Montreff Y , Pirard P , Lesieur S , Chauvin P , Baubet T , Vandentorren S 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
A terrorist attack occurred in Paris in January 2015 against the staffs of the Charlie Hebdo magazine and a kosher grocery. This study examined the psychological follow-up and the non-satisfaction of the people civilians involved in the terrorist attacks.

Methods
The IMPACTS survey, an open cohort study of civilians involved in the terrorist attacks was conducted 6-10 (wave 1) and 18-22 months (wave 2) after the attacks. Psychologists interviewed in face-to-face 190 civilians in wave 1 and 123 of them participate to the wave 2. A questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, exposure level, social support, psychological support and perception, impact on work and social functioning, and mental health disorders.

Results
In wave 1 (N = 190), 24% of participants had initiated a regular follow-up with a psychologist or a psychiatrist. Reasons of non-follow-up were: they had refused because they did not feel the need or they did not want to talk about it (60%), it was not suggested to them (30%), or they have already had a follow-up before (12%). In wave 2 (N = 123), 25% had a regular follow-up with a psychologist/psychiatrist since the events, 22.0% had had a follow-up but not anymore in wave 2, 15% did not have a follow-up in wave 1 but they had in wave 2 and 38.2% never had. Psychological aid from professionals for resilience has not been appropriate for 32% of the participants at 6 months and for 39% at 18 months. In both waves, non-satisfaction of follow-up was more frequent among witnesses than with those who were directly exposed.

Conclusions
Six months after the January 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris, among the participants without psychological follow-up, it was not offered to nearly a third of participants. In order to enhance resilience, psychological aid should also be provided to those who have not been directly exposed.

Main message
Psychological follow-up should be provided to all civilians in short and long-term.
Research under Attack: A Framework for Prospective Cross-European Research in the Wake of Terrorism
Authors: Stene L 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
This presentation will propose a framework for prospective cross-European research study that may provide unique knowledge about the health effects of terror attacks and the challenges they impose to the health services. Terror attacks devastatingly affect individuals and societies worldwide. Unfortunately, unmet needs are frequently reported by those impacted. How to design and implement efficient psychosocial care, and reach affected individuals and communities, is a challenge for researchers, clinicians and policy makers alike. There is an urgent need for coordinated efforts to develop scientifically based guidelines for psychosocial support and health services after terrorism, and thus strengthen our public health preparedness to such events. Examples will be given on how accurate register-based and administrative claims data on primary and secondary health service utilization before and after attacks can be linked with terror-exposed individuals’ own reports of their perceived health, social support and other factors that are important to consider in the planning and implementation of post-attack healthcare. Cross-country comparisons may provide new insight about cultural, structural and organizational factors that may impede or promote coherent patient pathways in the wake of terror attacks. A long-term goal is to develop a sound research methodology that allows for international comparisons of healthcare delivery in the context of different types of trauma. During the presentation, methodological challenges in current trauma-focused studies and suggestions for strengthening future research concerning healthcare to trauma-exposed populations will be discussed.
Call for a European collaboration in the use of Real World Data in Health Technology Assessment
Authors: Daugbjerg S , Marchetti M 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Issue/problem
Modern patient care requires a heavy investment in innovative health technologies while at the same time it is facing a fiscal sustainability challenge in the health care system. Evidence on effectiveness of health technologies informing Health Technology Assessments (HTA) have traditionally been based on randomized control trials (RCTs). However, RCTs are expensive and the external validity is relatively low which makes it difficult to assess effectiveness and long-term outcomes in clinical practice especially in diverse populations.

Description of the problem
Real-World Data (RWD) studies use observational data routinely collected to gather information on the delivery and outcome of care. RWD studies cost less than RCTs and are considered to have a high external validity. Results from RWD studies are therefore a good supplement to support evidence from RCT in HTA-reports. However, RWD are not still fully used in HTA. This is partially due to concerns about data quality and accessibility.

Effects/changes
In order to provide a deeper insight into how health technologies are working in real-world settings across Europe, it is time to systematically including RWD in HTA. A first step should be to call for a European collaboration to map relevant sources of RWD that can be used in HTA and define the quality and main format, in which they can be analysed and used. Common legislations and guidelines regarding which RWD should be accepted as sources of information for HTA should be elaborated.

Lessons
Through a European collaboration, the quality and accessibility of RWD should be secured in order to use evidence from RWD studies to inform HTA on effectiveness of health technologies.
Using behaviour change principles in the development and adoption of health policies
Authors: Bacon S 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Issue/problem
We now live in world of ever-increasing amounts of evidence and information. Unfortunately, high quality evidence is not always incorporated into policy documents and can be ignored by policy makers when making decisions.

Description of the problem
Canada recently released its Healthy Eating Strategy, a comprehensive policy which covers a number of aspects, including Canada’s new Food Guide. The Food Guide is rooted in both nutritional and behavioural evidence. It is unique in the fact that it has taken a behaviour-oriented perspective, rather than a macro and micronutrient path. In addition, to incorporating a behavioural perspective into the policy there is a concerted effort to leverage basic behaviour change principles to get the healthcare community to increase their uptake and usage of the food guide. Furthermore, the same principles are being leveraged to ensure that policy makers and members of the government continually reinvest and push the food guide forward as new evidence is generated.

Results
Though the Healthy Eating Strategy is still relatively new, there has been substantial policy movement on a number of the areas it will tackle. For the Food Guide, this was only released at the start of 2019, so its uptake and impact is not currently measurable. However, there is a monitoring plan which will evaluate these aspects. That being said, there is some evidence that the Food Guide, and the messaging around it, has been well received.

Lessons
Taking a behaviour change perspective in the development and delivery of policy, especially health policy, has the potential to positively engage more stakeholders in the process. Ultimately, more evidence is needed to define the optimal way to do this.
Applying behavioural science to improve physicians’ ability to help people improve their own health behaviours
Authors: Lavoie K 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Issue/problem
Poor health behaviours are at the centre of most non-communicable chronic diseases and account for a significant amount of morbidity and mortality. Healthcare professionals, and especially physicians, are in a unique position to be able to positively influence their patients and aid them in changing poor health behaviours. However, most physicians report having low confidence or a lack of skills to effectively achieve this.

Description of the problem
The main approach that physicians take to influence their patients’ poor health behaviours is to provide them with advice and evidence about the impact of the poor health behaviours. This strategy has been shown to have limited impact on changing patient behaviour. As such, there is a need to develop effective interventions that target changing physician health behaviour counselling behaviours, effectively, a behaviour change intervention for physicians so that they are better at helping patients change their behaviour.

Results
Using a structured stakeholder-oriented approach (the ORBIT model for developing behavioural interventions) we have systematically developed a robust behaviour change-based continuing medical education curriculum (leveraging motivational communication), and online assessment tool to improve physician competency. These were developed by a pan-Canadian team with notable international input through the IBTN.

Lessons
The use of a structured stakeholder-driven process, we have developed an intervention which seems to have greater relevancy to the target audience, lead to greater engagement, and a higher probability of implementation than a researcher led approach. Whilst the studies are still ongoing, it is anticipated that this intervention will be able to dramatically improve the health of individuals through effective health behaviour change interventions by healthcare professionals.
Generating knowledge on data collection methods and the availability of health information in Europe
Authors: Unim B , Mattei E , Carle F , Bernal-Delgado E , Achterberg P , Tolonen H , Zaletel M , Grisetti T , Oyen H Van , Palmieri L 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Data collection methods, metadata-reporting standards and usage of data for health monitoring (HM) and health system performance assessment (HSPA) are not uniform in Europe. Moreover, the evidence produced by research are not always available, comparable or usable for research purposes and policy making. The aim is to summarize health data collection methods, quality assessment, availability and accessibility procedures covering different data sources for HM and HSPA across EU countries.

Methods
The study is conducted through a multidimensional approach, which includes: i) a review of institutional websites (OECD, Eurostat, WHO-Europe); ii) a review of EU research networks; and iii) a multi-national survey addressing epidemiologists, health data managers and researchers that have played leading roles in EU projects. Currently, the survey instrument is being piloted. A qualitative data analysis to describe and compare the identified data sources for HM and HSPA will be performed.

Results
As part of the work within the Joint Action ‘Information for Action’ (InfAct), the study will generate knowledge on standardized health data collections and related metadata, used methods and procedures for HM and HSPA in EU. It will also facilitate the identification of national or sub-national health data collected through standardized procedures but not included in international databases or research networks.

Conclusions
The lack of infrastructures for health data sharing in EU limits data usage and comparability within and between countries. This study, as part of InfAct, will facilitate the assessment of health inequalities across EU countries in terms of quality, availability, accessibility and comparability of health data and information. It will also facilitate sharing and dissemination of standardized and comparable health data collections, which are essential for research and evidence-based policy-making.