bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
6.B. Round table: Insights from COVID-19: Preparing for and responding to the next health emergency
Authors:   Organised by: Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Division of Country health Policies and Systems, WHO Europe,   Chair persons: Maja Pasovic (USA), Elizabeth Serieux (USA)
Published: October 2022

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has stretched national health care systems to its limits, underscoring the importance of advance planning for health emergencies and the role of health data and evidence for informed policy interventions and actionable strategies. The experience with the pandemic has demonstrated the constraints of existing health information systems and the negative impacts that the lack of actionable and timely data can have on the implementation of rapid response measures during emergencies. This workshop aims to assist participants to become better prepared to deal with future health threats, such as pandemics, by exploring the role of trust in pandemic preparedness and response, effective communication strategies during a pandemic, and the use of qualitative research for evaluation of pandemic response. The specific objectives are to share and discuss: (a) results and conclusions derived from an online qualitative survey of experiences and lessons learned by member states across the WHO European Region; b) results and conclusions derived from an IHME study exploring the factors that contribute to / predict pandemic preparedness, and (c) lessons learned in the process of developing and disseminating scientifically valid, timely evidence across the globe, to assist policymaking during a pandemic. Together, these topics present and explore what countries and populations can do to effectively mitigate the negative effects of a pandemic or other health emergencies. These strategies and lessons learned include building trust, communicating clearly and succinctly, and using qualitative methods and data to evaluate pandemic response. Collectively, these are all geared at improving the capacity to address such threats and unexpected emergencies in the future. The panelists will also reflect on successful tools and strategies developed to aid policymakers and country governments in their response to the COVID-19 emergency. The workshop will be in the form of a 60-minute round table discussion with three panelists. Each panelist will make a brief presentation on their specific area of research, followed by a discussion between the panel members and audience.

Key messages
• Trust, transparent communication, and reliable and timely data are critical aspects of both pandemic preparedness and response.
• The importance of qualitative evaluation for exploring what worked during the pandemic and what innovations should become part of an enhanced health information system in the future is essential.

Speakers/Panellists
Maja Pasovic
Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Seattle, USA
Elizabeth Serieux
Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation, Seattle, USA
David Novillo-Ortiz
WHO Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark
Precarious work, sickness absence and risk sharing between employers, employees and social insurance
Authors: Ose S 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the importance of social protection systems including income security when health problems arise. Particularly the protection of those with precarious work felt short in some countries. For some time there has been an interest in the European variation in sick-pay schemes but still we still lack knowledge on country differences and similarities. This is particularly the case regarding precarious workers, while they have higher chances for sickness absence. Our aim is to understand, in the context of precarious work, the differences in risk sharing of sickness absence between employer, worker and social insurance.

Methods
Data had been collected in a study on sickness absence follow-up regimes in nine countries (the Nordic countries (Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Iceland) and in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and the UK). Comparative statistics were collected and scholars familiar with their countries system were invited to answer a list of 51 questions on system characteristics. Data were re-analysed from the perspective of precarious work, using actor-network theory and insider-outsider theory of employment.

Results
Countries with shorter employer periods of sick pay have stricter follow-up responsibility for employers as they are regarded gatekeeper except for The Netherlands. The tax-based systems that target all citizens offer more protection for precarious workers while the employee-focused systems define their target population more strictly, leaving precarious workers underserved. There is a large difference in how self-employed are supported or not.

Conclusions
Despite small economic differences in the nine countries studied, the systems for dealing with sickness absence in the context of precarious work vary largely. Even though, in all systems those with secure jobs seem insiders and those with precarious work outsiders. Social protection systems should be updated to avoid an increasing inequality.

Speakers/Panellists
Anita Tisch
Working time and Organization, Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Dortmund, Germany
Angelique De Rijk
Department of Social Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
Strengthening the Swiss health system by improving organizational health literacy: a practice-approach
Authors: De Gani S , Bilgeri AS 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Issue
Healthcare organizations represent vital points of contact and disseminators for people to find, understand, assess, and apply health information, and may thereby strengthen people's health literacy (HL). From a system perspective, healthcare organizations provide essential practices and structures to foster population health beyond their medical-based services.

Description of the problem
Despite increasing research on the promising role of organizational health literacy (OHL) the current Swiss healthcare system provides insufficient support for healthcare organizations to address HL. In response, the Careum Foundation in Zurich recently launched a Center for Health Literacy to promote OHL - among other HL initiatives. A first step was a practice-oriented collaboration project with the Department of Health of the canton of Zurich, which started in 2019 to assess, implement, and improve HL in primary care organizations. Therefore, a self-assessment tool for OHL is being developed, implemented, and evaluated. In addition, the center started to shed light on HL in Switzerland, on HL and necessary competencies of health professionals. Moreover, it is investing in communication and expertise on OHL, and developing first ideas regarding health literate hospitals.

Results
A first systematic evaluation of the self-assessment tool has demonstrated a significant potential to improve OHL, organizational development, and teambuilding processes in healthcare organizations. Connected through (inter)national networks, the Center for Health Literacy launches a practice approach to understand OHL as both medium and outcome of a health literate population.

Lessons
We have learned that practice-oriented OHL initiatives can provide promising approaches to strengthen both population health and organizational development processes.
COVID-19 impact on hospitalizations in older adults with chronic conditions: a real-world analysis from Lombardy, Italy
Authors: Bosetti C , Rognoni M , Ciampichini R , Scala M , Cavalieri d'Oro L , Zucchi A , Amerio A , Iacoviello L , Odone A , Gallus S 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Healthcare delivery reorganization during the COVID-19 emergency may have had a significant impact on access to care for older adults with chronic conditions.

Methods
We investigated such impact among all adults with chronic conditions aged ≥65 years, identified through the electronic health databases of two local health agencies - ATS Brianza and ATS Bergamo - from the Lombardy region, Italy. We considered hospitalizations for 2020 compared to the average 2017-2019 and quantified differences using rate ratios (RRs).

Results
Overall, in 2017-2019 there were a mean of 374,855 older adults with ≥1 chronic condition per year in the two ATS and 405,371 in 2020. Hospitalizations significantly decreased from 84,624 (225.8/1000) in 2017-2019 to 78,345 (193.3/1000) in 2020 (RR 0.86). Declines were reported in individuals with many chronic conditions and for most Major Diagnostic Categories, except for diseases of the respiratory system. The strongest reductions were observed in hospitalizations for individuals with active tumours, particularly for surgical ones. Hospitalization rates increased in individuals with diabetes, likely due to COVID-19-related diseases.

Conclusions
Although determinants of the decrease in demand and supply for care among chronic older adults are to be further explored, this raises awareness on their impacts on chronic patients’ health in the medium and long run.
The ultra-processed food content of school meals and packed lunches in the United Kingdom (2008-2017)
Authors: Parnham JC , Chang K , Rauber F , Levy RB , von Hinke S , Laverty AA , Millett C , Vamos EP 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
British children have the highest ultra-processed food (UPF) intake in Europe, which is linked to adverse health outcomes. Schools are posited as a setting for dietary intervention, yet the level of UPFs consumed at schools is currently unknown. This study aimed to describe the UPF content of school food in the UK, explore the UPF content of school meals and packed lunches (food from home) and examine whether UPF differs by children's household income.

Methods
A pooled cross-sectional analysis of primary (4-11 years, n = 1,895) and secondary schoolchildren (11-18 years, n = 1,408) from the UK's National Diet and Nutrition Survey (2008-2017) was conducted. Food diaries recorded student's meal-type (school meal/packed lunch). UPF intake was defined using the NOVA food classification system. Quantile regression models assessed the association between meal-type and lunchtime UPF intake (%kcal and % grams). Models were stratified by school phase (primary/secondary) and interacted meal-type with income.

Results
Schoolchildren consumed most of their lunch as UPF, with higher median intakes in secondary schoolchildren than primary schoolchildren (77.8 %kcal vs 72.6 %kcal). School meals were associated with lower median UPF intake (%kcal) in both primary (-20 percentage-points[pp] [95% CI -22.2, -17.4]) and secondary schoolchildren (-11pp [-16.0,-7.0]) compared with packed lunches. Results were similar when UPF %g was analysed. Overall, income was inversely associated with UPF content. However, in primary schoolchildren there was no significant income gradient in the UPF(%g) content of school meals.

Conclusions
In the first nationally representative study, we showed that on average UPF intake was high in all UK schoolchildren. Higher UPF intakes were observed in packed lunch consumers, secondary schoolchildren, and those with a lower income. Procurement policies must be revaluated to protect children from high UPF intake.
Funders: NIHR School for Public Health Research

Key messages
• In the first study of ultra-processed food content of UK school food, we show that children consumed around three quarters of their energy as ultra-processed food at lunch.
• Children who were older, took food from home or were from a low-income household were more likely to consume higher levels of ultra-processed food. Regulation is needed to protect these children.
Mobile phone filmmaking in health promotion. Addressing problematic social media use in Swedish youth
Authors: Dahlqvist H , Gillander Gådin K 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Digital media is an important part in the everyday lives of young people. However, hate, threats, and harassment on social media is becoming a global public mental health issue among youth. To promote mental health in this age group, this issue needs to be addressed, and community-based health promotion, in particular participatory interventions, are needed to make measures taken meaningful for youth. The aim of the study was twofold; to teach participatory mobile phone filmmaking to Youth Community Center (YCC) staff; and to investigate how they assess this method regarding feasibility, relevance, costs, resources needed, and time considerations.

Methods
YCC staff participated in a two-day mobile phone filmmaking training. Group interviews that were recorded and transcribed verbatim were conducted and field notes were taken. Data was deductively analyzed in accordance with Elo and Kyngäs (2008).

Results
YCC staff found the technology was easily accessible and the method needs limited extra resources. It has the potential to promote creativity and can be used as a means to involve young people in describing the issue in their own words, and to find a solution to the issue at hand. The method also has the potential to reach and engage the whole community as organizing a mobile phone film event is part of the process. Time consumption was not perceived as an issue, as staff is free to plan activities as they see fit.

Conclusions
According to YCC staff, participatory mobile phone filmmaking has the potential to promote positive interactions on social media among youth. This in turn has the potential to promote wellbeing of young people. Recommendations are that this method is tested among young people and investigate if it is a helpful intervention to promote mental health in this age group.

Key messages
• Participatory mobile phone filmmaking may be useful in youth mental health promotion.
• The method is cheap, easily accessible, and have the potential to involve the whole community.
Short introduction to JAHEE and Actions
Authors: Costa G 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Reducing health inequalities is on the agenda of many countries. Despite an increasing concern and awareness on health inequalities a wide gap exists in Europe in terms of political response. The main objective of JAHEE was to strengthen a cooperative approach among participating countries and implement concrete actions to reduce health inequalities. The partnership was composed of 24 countries including many strategically most relevant public health institutions in the European Union, which contributed with different backgrounds, skills and know-how to the achievement of the project objectives. The main results will be presented.
Labor and social protection gaps impacting health of non-standard workers: An international study
Authors: Kvart S , Cuervo I , Gunn V , Baron S , Bodin T ,   PWR Consortium
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Labor regulations and social protection structures are intended to protect workers, but the needs of those in precarious and non-standard employment (NSE) are often missed, which may negatively impact health and well-being. The aim of this research is to document how workers in NSE in six countries - Belgium, Canada, Chile, Spain, Sweden, and the US - with varying policy contexts experience aspects of employment that are linked to health.

Methods
We employed a mixed methods approach for this study. To understand policy contexts, we analyzed country-level labor regulatory and social protection frameworks using 2019 Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development data. To understand the experiences of workers in NSE, we conducted 250 in-depth interviews with workers at different levels of employment precariousness between January and June 2021.

Results
Overall, European countries have the most social expenditures and North American countries have the weakest labor market regulations. In all these varying contexts, workers in NSE reported multiple unmet needs, e.g., inadequate paid sick and parental leave and unemployment compensation. These unmet needs occur due to various barriers, including poor enforcement, legal loopholes, or required minimum employment time. Workers’ living accommodations are also affected, as home financing or rental contracts are dependent on permanent employment. In response, they tended to rely disproportionately on individual or family resources for financial and social support rather than on government or employer resources.

Conclusions
Findings suggested that diverse labor regulatory and welfare regime contexts are unsupportive of workers in NSE due to multiple gaps in policies essential to public health. The shifting of responsibility for key employment and social supports to individuals and their families is likely to increase health inequities for workers in NSE.

Key messages
• Our study documents multiple policy gaps affecting key employment-related social determinants of health among workers in NSE.
• This occurred across diverse labor and social structure contexts in six countries.
The way from stakeholders’ needs research to the public health policy and practice
Authors: Lewtak K , Sugay L 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
The implementation of the project “ProfiBaza” was the unique opportunity to effectuate a data set with the possibility to showcase for the first time in Poland which public health (PH) interventions are taken and whether they cover population health needs. In order to be forethoughtful to this challenge, the needs of stakeholders within the health system were investigated. Particularly, considering the widely recognised knowledge-practice gap in the PH field. We would like to demonstrate the results of a needs analysis related to: the accessibility assessment of the information about PH interventions; the need of establishing a good practices database regarding health promotion and disease prevention; the possibility to use research findings in PH practice. All those would be presented from the perspective of researchers, politicians, decision makers and PH institutions. This research was conducted as a questionnaire-based survey and focus group interviews. Researchers were asked to assess the compatibility between the PH research and the population health needs. The group of health sector decision makers were questioned about the usage of the information available in the ProfiBaza for the process of evidence-based decision making; local government politicians - to assess their readiness to implement health programmes, use the good practices database and build partnerships for health while representatives of various sectors - to assess the need of initiating a knowledge translation platform via the launched ProfiBaza system. The results of the research demonstrate that there is a need for: solidified collaboration between different types of PH stakeholders, mobilization, coordination, sharing experiences, creating networks of cooperating institutions, which will enable the effective response to emerging challenges and opportunities and to counteract the phenomenon of dispersion of efforts in improving health and reducing social inequalities in health.
Promoting implementation of “Good and Best Practices” through Health Promotion and Prevention Registries
Authors: Rossmann C , van Dale D , Rados-Krnel S , Kylanen M , Lewtak K , Grasso M , Tortone C , Ragazzoni P , Costa L , Maassen A 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Health promotion and disease prevention programme registries can play an important role in increasing transparency of “good/ best Practices” and promoting their implementation. In the EU, there are different approaches to how registries seek to support the implementation of practices. However, there is limited knowledge of the extent to which there are informative differences or overlaps in the mechanisms chosen for accreditation, capacity building and implementation. This presentation focuses on six national registries in the EU (Finland, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Slovenia) and the European Public Health Best Practice Portal. Information was obtained through a working group on Good/ Best Practice Portals, established in 2019. Information on the process of adding good/best practices to the registry and on measures that promote implementation was gathered and evaluated through a descriptive case comparison. The comparison suggests that implementation can be promoted through different approaches for capacity building measures and incentives for implementation. The latter included funding resources, titling/awarding of practice and professional feedback in only a few registries. Registries may be useful not only for transparency of good and best Practices but also for implementation through capacity building and several incentives. The information provided in this presentation may be informative in guiding development of similar resources elsewhere and a starting point for discussion on how to support best the implementation of good/ best practices.
Central concepts in mental health promotion programs for children and adolescents: Evidence and examples from Switzerland
Authors: Wieber F , Zysset A , von Wyl A 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Universal mental health promotion programs draw on a wide range of concepts to promote children's and adolescents’ mental health. This presentation aims to provide an overview of the central concepts from health, developmental and social psychology, psychiatry, and public health/health promotion and to illustrate their application using examples from Swiss mental health promotion programs for children and adolescents. Concepts on internal, biological, psychological and psychosocial factors such as the ten life skills that are recommended by the WHO, self-efficacy, (mental) health literacy, and the resilience literature are looked at as well as concepts on external risk and protective factors such as social support (quality of attachment and relationships, positive family climate and peer relations) and the quality of educational institutions. Evidence on their effectiveness is reported and conceptual similarities and differences as well as the underlying mechanisms of action are explored from a health behavior change perspective using the behavior change wheel. Finally, implications for the design and implementation of mental health promotion programs are discussed