bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Policy interactions during the Dutch ‘Public Health Foresight, in the light of COVID-19'
Authors: Hilderink Henk 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
When the sense of urgency of the COVID pandemic increased, in March 2020, the Dutch Ministry of Health commissioned RIVM to do the study “Public Health Foresight, in the light of COVID-19”. The aim of this study was to analyze Impact of the corona pandemic on current and future health and health care, to support broader consideration of measures and to be better prepared in the future. This was done by addressing not only the direct impacts, e.g. the disease burden of COVID-19, but also the indirect impacts of the measures, e.g. mental health, health impacts of changed life styles and delayed health care provision. During this 8 months trajectory, interaction with policy makers was frequent and intensive. In the context of Parliamentary elections there were constant pressures on policymakers from the virologists and hospital and ICU ward managers; as well as non-health Ministers in the government cabinet and the general public questioning decisions on whether to act or not. In the presentation we draw implications for public health experts on do's and don'ts in interaction with policymakers.
Racial implicit bias among obstetricians and midwives, and information on Down syndrome screening
Authors: Azria E , Rousseau A , Anselem O , Bonnet MP , Deneux C , Sauvegrain P , Richetin J 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background and objectives
Previous studies showed disparities in prenatal screening for Down syndrome according to the maternal place of birth. Among the factors that might be involved in these differences, social cognition offers the concept of implicit bias (IB) used to describe the fact of having attitudes towards people or associating stereotypes with them without necessarily conscious knowledge. In line with theoretical and empirical contributions in social psychology that postulate and demonstrate the role of automatic processes in determining behavior, IBs often predict how individuals behave more accurately than conscious values. The existence of IB among health professionals has been demonstrated in emergency care or pain management. To our knowledge, no study of IB has been conducted in Europe, nor in the field of perinatal care. Thus, our objectives were to test for IBs towards African women in terms of evaluation (negative bias) and strength (positive bias) among perinatal health professionals and test whether these IBs predicted treatment recommendations toward African vs. French patients.

Methods
Through online data collection, 887 perinatal care practicians (obstetrician-gynecologists, midwives) answered a series of case vignettes depicting African vs. French patients, with one specific to a Down syndrome screening situation. Then, participants completed two Implicit Association Tests to assess valence and strength IBs toward African vs. French women.

Results
81.3% of the sample showed an implicit evaluative preference for French over African women, and 60.2% had an implicit perception of African women as stronger than French. However, decision toward Down syndrome screening were not influenced by the patient's origin nor by the healthcare professional implicit bias.

Conclusions
Perinatal practicians seem to have implicit biases toward African women, but the way they provide information regarding Down Syndrome screening is not affected.
“Life in the camps makes you sick.” Results of a photovoice project with refugees in Munich, Germany
Authors: Namutebi L , Nakyazze OC , Bamuwayira A , Huber A , Krasniqi S 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Refugees newly arriving in Germany are housed in large accommodation centers. Living in such camps make it difficult to stay healthy due to the psychological stresses associated with the loss of privacy, the hygienic conditions and the bad nutrition. While these conditions are known, few studies exist that capture the lived experiences of refugees in such shelters.

Methods
The project ‘Vulnerability and empowerment: Participatory approaches to health promotion with refugees' (EMPOW), funded by the German Research Foundation (2019-2022) applies a participatory design involving three study sites. In Munich, the Photovoice method was used to identify health challenges in the camps. Examples are shown and discussed.

Results
Being forced to live in camps constitutes a specific hazard to the health of refugees. Often, they are not allowed to cook or to bring their own food. Canteens, bedrooms and sanitary facilities are shared with many people, which poses a major hygiene problems (especially during the Corona pandemic). Particularly for pregnant women this situation is harmful to their health. The COVID-19-pandemic worsens these problems significantly e.g. via quarantine measures that are imposed on shelters and its inhabitants for long periods.

Conclusions
The photovoice stories document the serious deficits of the shelter system from a community perspective showing how these are detrimental to the inhabitants' health. Suggestions are made for improving the situation so that persons seeking asylum in Germany have better chances to stay healthy. The perspective of refugees themselves on these challenges must be taken seriously in order to improve their health.

Main messages
Photovoice provides a tool for refugees to express and interpret their lived experiences. The shelter system in Germany is detrimental to the health of refugees.
Engaging communities through community mapping
Authors: Gangarova T , Freiwald G 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Evidence shows that migrants and refugees in Germany don`t have equal access to drug prevention programs and harm reduction services, nor are they meaningfully engaged in their development. Participatory practice provides valuable tools for building capacity and enabling migrants, refugees and service providers to co-create knowledge and develop appropriate educational media and services.

Methods
For the project, ‘Harm reduction services for and with migrants in Germany” (PaSuMi), funded by the German Ministry of Health (2017-2020), a study design following the principles of Community-based participatory research was applied. We introduce the PaSuMi case study in Dortmund where community mapping was implemented with injecting drug users. Community mapping is a participatory process which enables the visual expression of characteristics, resources and needs of a community: a map of a community is drawn, analyzed in the group and used to determine steps for action. After outlining the theoretical framework and the steps for applying the method we discuss its advantages and limitations.

Results
Two community partners in Dortmund were trained as peers and supported to implement the method with their community. As a result a map of “places of trust and care” was created. This was made into a flyer which was distributed to new-comers for orientation, and to service providers to optimise their streetwork.

Conclusions
Community Mapping enables the participation of disadvantaged communities (e.g. people with low literacy skills) and work in multilingual groups. It works in various settings with low financial and time expenditure. The method can pose ethical challenges - especially when working with highly stigmatized communities.

Main messages
Community Mapping provides a tool for engagement of disadvantaged communities. It enables service providers to tailor their services better to community needs.
European School on Health Information: Strengthening Public Health Information Workforce in Europe
Authors: Lapao L , Peyroteo M , Paulo M 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
The globalisation of the world economies has increased the need for more global health approaches requiring sophisticated and sustainable Health Information (HI) systems, and the development of new technologies. These new technologies require skilled professionals to manage public health information in most efficient ways. New challenges in Public Health, such as Pandemics, are demanding more skillful people to respond to these challenges. However, currently large inequalities on availability and training of qualified Public Health Information professionals exist in Europe.

Methods
In order to set up a sustainable European Union HI training program, the 1st European School on Health Information (ESHI2020) was developed, an HI capacity building programme with European Experts. Based on this, PHIRI established Capacity Building as a fundamental arm for the development of health information, from which a set of training, courses and webinars have emerged.

Results
The ESHI2020 took place online from Oct 1 to Nov 5 2020, and was focused on Health Examination Survey, from data collection to policy-making. The course consisted of 5 sessions, including theoretical and practical classes, group work among trainees and discussion of practical cases and projects on HIS involving trainees and trainers. 20 participants from Europe, and 15 lecturers from European most important public health institutes and Universities contributed to this training.

Conclusions
There is a need for qualified skilled professionals in HI taking into account a changing global environment. Most of HI capacity building programmes are yet to reach maturity, and the results from the first ESHI2020 led to a new strategy on Health Information in Europe, that with the support of the PHIRI project will give rise to an European and annual program on Health Information.
Comparison of metabolic syndrome prevalence using four definitions – a case study from Finland
Authors: Haverinen E , Paalanen L , Palmieri L , Padron-Monedero A , Noguer-Zambrano I , Sarmiento Suárez R , Tolonen H 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is an increasing population health threat in Europe. Several MetS definitions are available. Our aim was to compare four different MetS definitions among Finnish adults, to assess their agreement and to evaluate the impact of the choice of the definition on the prevalence of MetS.

Methods
Data from FinHealth 2017, a cross-sectional population health survey, focusing on adults over 25 years were applied in the analysis (n = 5667). Measured data on anthropometrics, blood pressure, biomarkers and questionnaire data were used to classify the participants according to the definitions. The definitions chosen for the comparison were those by the World Health Organization (1998), National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (2004), International Diabetes Federation (2005) and Joint Interim Statement (2009).

Results
The four MetS definitions resulted in substantially different MetS prevalences among the Finnish adult population: 18% by WHO, 32% by NCEP-ATP III, 43% by IDF and 46% by JIS. Among all participants, only 13.5% were identified to have MetS according to all four definitions. The component of the definitions with highest prevalence was elevated blood pressure among men and central obesity among women. Prevalence of Mets increased with age; especially steeply among the youngest age groups. Due to varying cut-off points the prevalence of different components varied between the definitions. The agreement, estimated with kappa coefficients, ranged from 0.38 (WHO vs. IDF and WHO vs. JIS) to 0.95 (IDF vs. JIS).

Conclusions
The differences between observed MetS prevalences using the four different definitions were large. For cross-country comparisons as well as for trend analyses within a country, it is essential to use the same definition of MetS to avoid possible bias due to differences in used definitions as well as to use standardized measurement protocols in measuring different components of MetS.

Key messages
It is important to use standardized measurement protocols during data collection to achieve comparable data. For cross-country comparisons as well as for trend analyses within countries, it is essential to use identical MetS definitions to avoid possible biases.
Developing Recommendations on a Consent Model for Health Information in Ireland using a Public Engagement Approach
Authors: Flaherty SJ 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
A major challenge for healthcare in Ireland today is achieving an appropriate balance between the protection of personal health information, and the use and sharing of such information, to improve care and to provide a more seamless experience for patients receiving care across multiple healthcare settings. Ireland is at an early stage of eHealth adoption. There is a lack of clarity in relation to an appropriate model for the collection, use and sharing of personal health information. As we start to introduce new digital technologies, it is essential that a robust consent model is in place to protect people's rights in relation to health information. Drawing on international evidence, it is important to engage with the public around the introduction of new technologies, such as a national electronic health record. Engagement will ensure that new technologies are implemented in a way that is acceptable to the public; involving people in important decisions about their health information and ensuring that their rights are upheld. To advance this, HIQA, in partnership with the Department of Health and the HSE, conducted the first National Public Engagement on Health Information in Ireland to ask the public their views on how their health information should be collected, used and shared in Ireland. People were asked to share their views through a national survey and focus groups. Building on the findings from the National Public Engagement, HIQA has worked collaboratively with key stakeholders to develop recommendations on a consent model for health and social care. Guidance is also being developed to define the consent model for the various uses of health information. There is an additional need for comprehensive national policy and legislation in relation to health information in Ireland.
Engaging the public on health information – the importance of being inclusive, authentic and collaborative
Authors: Darlington A 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Successful implementation of eHealth solutions will only be realised with the support, confidence and trust of the public. An important step in this process is engagement with the public to understand their expectations and attitudes in relation to the use of their health information. Involving people in important decisions about their health information and ensuring that their rights in relation to health information are upheld is crucial and will ensure that new technologies and initiatives are implemented in a way that is acceptable. Public engagement must be undertaken in a meaningful and authentic way to build trust and confidence. Three core principles must guide public engagement: ensuring each activity is inclusive and reflects a diverse range of views; there must be an openness about the boundaries of influence and intended outcomes; and a focus must be placed on partnership and collaboration, for engaging with the public and sharing learnings with relevant organisations. Public engagement undertaken as part of the ‘OneLondon' programme, one of the UK's most progressive large-scale public deliberation events on health information, highlighted that people expect greater clarity in the intended use of health information. This appeared to be of importance for both healthcare professionals and members of the public. Despite the complexity of particular technologies, people believe there should be transparency about why, by whom, and how health information is collected, used and shared. Transparency is the foundation of building a trusted system. Additional examples of public engagement activities include the establishment of a Citizen's Advisory Group, who explore, discuss and deliberate specific issues to inform future decision-making and policy development. Continued and alternative means of engagement will be necessary to meet future challenges and take advantage of potential opportunities.
The Country Assessment Tool - process of development and use
Authors: Kumar B 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The objective of the Country Assessment (CA) is to give an overview of the migration and health field in the partners' countries. Having an overview of the complex migration and health field enables partners to identify entry points for implementing actions to reduce inequities in migrant's health. The Country Assessment (CA) was based on findings from the projects first deliverable “Policy Framework for Action” (PFA). The PFA mapped key international policy documents between 2007 and 2018. We reviewed and extracted a coherent synthesis we called the ‘Road Map'. The synthesis identified six main areas that is covered in the CA tool: 1) Data and research 2) Governance and leadership 3) Intersectoral action 4) Health Service Responsiveness 5) Migrants access to health services 6) vulnerable groups. The Country Assessment template was piloted by two partner countries, Norway and Italy. The template was revised until all partners were satisfied with the range of questions. Partners then filled in readily available information and examples of available data and policy in their country.
Social prescribing, evidence and progress; the view from England
Authors: Bertotti M , Husk K 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Social prescribing enables primary care to refer individuals with health and/or social issues to a ‘link worker' whom provides ‘holistic' support to patients and refers them to further agreed non-clinical activities (e.g. walking group) and/or social services (e.g. housing). Social prescribing has the potential to help managing or addressing a wide range of health and social issues, particularly pertinent in a pandemic and post pandemic world, centred around individual choice, and based on maximising the asset offered by the voluntary sector. Yet, evidence and policy development have gone hand in hand, and sometimes in reverse in England. The NHS made a good case and rationale for implementing social prescribing before the concomitant evidence base had rigorously proven its impact. Researchers are now in a position of trying to evidence (and communicate what good evidence might be) whether what has been rolled out works, in what ways, and for whom. In contributing to the development of the evaluation of social prescribing, the main challenge experienced was that what counts as good evidence depends entirely on ‘what is meant' by social prescribing. Social prescribing was found to be a pathway consisting of a set of relationships and set of activities/complex interventions as part of that pathway, therefore asking ‘what works' is not trivial. So, for the patient pathway there is a need for robust, well conducted evidence syntheses from different parts of the pathway, good qualitative work around the experiences of referrers and individuals, secondary data analysis of the health service use, effectiveness work on the activities themselves, all crucially underpinned by strong data monitoring and capture. Working with a very broad range of stakeholders (commissioners, healthcare providers, activity providers, link workers, and individuals with lived experience) goes some way to communicating this complexity and helping base decisions on the most appropriate evidence.
Developing a social prescribing research school using translational research: Learning from Wales
Authors: Wallace C , Elliott M 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The Wales School for Social Prescribing Research (WSSPR) was launched in April 2020. Central to its functioning, WSSPR uses a translational research model (Cooksey, 2007; Weeks et al 2013) to describe, order and organise a multi-phase programme of applied research, development and evaluation. It promotes an equal and mutually supporting relationship between theory-building, knowledge acquisition and practice, without privileging any one activity. Within WSSPR sits the Wales Social Prescribing Research Network. The network has a membership of over 300 individuals interested in social prescribing research across Wales, this includes academics, social prescribers, policy makers, health and social care professionals and commissioners. The school is also linked to three communities of practice in the North, West & Mid, and South East of Wales, which collectively reach over 1000 social prescribing practitioners. Through the translational research model, issues and questions are raised by practice or members of the public through the network to WSSPR. These inform thinking and development of research projects and proposals. The network is then used to disseminate findings, receive feedback on findings and implement evidence-based changes in practice. This presentation will discuss the development of WSSPR and our networks & communities of practice using a translational model of research to develop programmes of research for Wales. It will discuss the challenges and provide step by step developmental guidance about setting up a research organisation for SP. It will demonstrate the impact of the social prescribing research and its contribution to the evidence base to date.
Developing evidence on social prescribing initiative in Lisbon: Challenges and insights for improving
Authors: Dias S , Figueiredo C , Hoffmeister L , Gama A 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Social prescribing is recent in Portugal and evidence is needed on the potential of this complex intervention to improve health and wellbeing outcomes but also to inform the commissioning of these programmes. In a collaborative approach, an evaluation protocol of the social prescribing in two primary healthcare units in Lisbon was developed, aiming to assess its implementation and impact at three levels: patients, health system and health-social sector intersection, within a mixed-methods approach. Exploring the social prescribing contribution to enhance patients' quality of life, well-being and activation involves assessing these outcomes throughout a longitudinal perspective. In an exploratory, prospective study, baseline data collection and three follow-ups are included. Secondary data comprise health status indicators collected from patients' medical records as well as referral and social responses elaborated within the intervention. Patients' experiences on the social prescribing activities performed, perceived changes in lifestyle, and perspectives about positive and negative aspects are assessed in semi-structured interviews. The need for further understanding the impact at the health system' level calls for an attentive look at the processes of change in patients' patterns of healthcare services use (appointments in primary healthcare units, hospital admissions and emergency episodes), but also changes in the services' reorganization to better integrative health care. At a broader level, insights will be obtained on the effects on the intersection between the health and social sectors and the experiences of networking, through focus group discussions with all the stakeholders involved. The social prescribing implementation process, barriers, facilitators and suggestions for improvement will also be explored. In this presentation, challenges will be debated, as well as insights for reflection about opportunities for improving evidence development.