In a Protest Nation - Integrative Policy Negotiation Should be a Core Public Health Competency.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Lane J
PROVIDER: S-EPMC8051155 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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Project description:ObjectivesTo examine the role of a formal public health degree as it relates to core competency needs among governmental public health employees.DesignThis cross-sectional study utilizes the 2017 Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey (PH WINS). Bivariate relationships were analyzed by conducting χ tests of respondents' supervisory level and reported skill gaps. Multivariate logistic regressions of reported skill gaps were performed holding gender, age, race/ethnicity, highest degree attained, current employer, role type, tenure in current agency, and public health certificate attainment constant.SettingNationally representative sample of government public health employees.ParticipantsA total of 30 276 governmental public health employees.Main outcome measureSelf-reported competency skills gaps.ResultsAmong nonsupervisors, those with a public health degree had significantly lower odds of reporting a competency gap for 8 of the 21 skills assessed. Among supervisors/managers, those who had a formal public health degree had significantly lower odds of reporting a competency gap in 3 of the 22 skills assessed. Having a degree in public health was not significantly related to an executive's likelihood of reporting a skill gap across any of the 22 skills assessed. Regardless of supervisory level, having a public health degree was not associated with a reduced likelihood of reporting skill gaps in effective communication, budgeting and financial management, or change management competency domains.ConclusionsPossessing a formal public health degree appears to have greater value for skills required at the nonsupervisor and supervisor/manager levels than for skills needed at the executive level. Future work should focus on longitudinal evaluations of skill gaps reported among the public health workforce as changes in public health curricula may shift over time in response to newly revised accreditation standards. In addition, public health education should increase emphasis on communication, budgeting, systems thinking, and other management skills among their graduates.
| S-EPMC7190420 | biostudies-literature
Project description: Not available
| S-EPMC5042332 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundPublic health education aims at producing a competent workforce. The WHO-ASPHER framework proposes a set of relevant public health competencies organised in 10 sections (e.g. science practice, leadership, law policies and ethics etc). As part of the Europubhealth (EPH) consortium, eight universities collaborate for the delivery of a 2-year international public health master course. The training pathway includes a first "foundation" year, with a choice of four options (components), and a second "specialisation" year with a choice of seven components. In 2020, EPH consortium decided to use the WHO-ASPHER framework in order to map the competencies addressed and the level of proficiency targeted by each component of its master course.MethodsAn 84-item questionnaire covering the whole WHO-ASPHER framework was sent to the 11 EPH component coordinators, asking them to rate the proficiency levels targeted at the end of their courses. Answers from each coordinator were summarised by calculating mean proficiency levels for each of the 10 competency sections. We used Bland & Altman plots to explore heterogeneity of answers and then calculated transformed scores to account for rating heterogeneity. We use tabulation and a heat map to explore patterns of proficiency levels across components.ResultsThere were differences in overall proficiency levels between years with, as expected, higher scores in year two. Year one components reached medium to high proficiency scores for the sections "science practice", "health promotion" and "communication" with scores ranging from 2.6 to 3 (on a 1-low to 4-high scale). When compared with year one on a heat-map, year two components displayed more contrasted profiles, typically aiming for high proficiency level (i.e. scores above 3.5) on 3 out of the 10 sections of competencies. Except for the "collaborations and partnership" section, the training pathways offered by the EPH master course seem to offer opportunities for a high proficiency level in all domains of competencies.ConclusionsThe mapping proved a useful exercise to identify strengths and complementarities among the EPH consortium. The results suggest that the EPH master course is coherent and offers students opportunities to gain proficiency in most competencies relevant to public health practice.
| S-EPMC10782686 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BACKGROUND:For public health policies to be effective, it is critical that they are acceptable to the public as acceptance levels impact success rate. OBJECTIVE:To explore public acceptance of public health statements and examine differences in acceptability across socio-demographics, health behaviours (physical activity, diet, binge drinking and smoking), health status and well-being. METHOD:A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a nationally representative sample (N = 1001) using a random stratified sampling method. Face-to-face interviews were conducted at homes of residents in Wales aged 16+ years. Individuals reported whether they agreed, had no opinion, or disagreed with 12 public health statements. RESULTS:More than half of the sample were supportive of 10 out of 12 statements. The three statements with the greatest support (>80% agreement) reflected the importance of: a safe and loving childhood to becoming a healthy adult, schools teaching about health, and healthier foods costing less. Individuals who engaged in unhealthy behaviours were less likely to agree with some of the statements (eg 39.8% of binge drinkers agreed alcohol adverts should be banned compared to 57.6% of those who never binge drink; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS:Findings show an appetite for public health policies among the majority of the public. The relationship between supporting policies and engaging in healthy behaviours suggests a feedback loop that is potentially capable of shifting both public opinion and the opportunities for policy intervention. If a nation becomes healthier, this could illicit greater support for stronger policies which could encourage more people to move in a healthier direction.
| S-EPMC7495082 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused significant global disruptions to the healthcare system, which was forced to make rapid changes in healthcare delivery. The pandemic necessitated closer collaboration between the US civilian healthcare sector and the military health system (MHS), resulting in new and strengthened partnerships that can ultimately benefit public health and healthcare for the nation. In this study, we sought to understand the full range of partnerships in which the MHS engaged with the civilian sector during the COVID-19 pandemic and to elicit lessons for the future.MethodsWe conducted key informant interviews with MHS policymakers and advisers, program managers and providers who were affiliated with the MHS from March 2020 through December 2022. Key themes were derived using thematic analysis and open coding methods.ResultsWe conducted 28 interviews between December 2022 and March 2023. During the pandemic, the MHS collaborated with federal and local healthcare authorities and private sector entities through endeavours such as Operation Warp Speed. Lessons and recommendations for future pandemics were also identified, including investment in biosurveillance systems and integration of behavioural and social sciences.ConclusionsThe MHS rapidly established and fostered key partnerships with the public and private sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic experience showed that while the MHS is a useful resource for the nation, it also benefits from partnering with a variety of organizations, agencies and private companies. Continuing to develop these partnerships will be crucial for coordinated, effective responses to future pandemics.
| S-EPMC11325775 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectivesSleep deprivation is a common problem in Canada and is associated with many health problems. More than a quarter of Canadians get fewer than the recommended sleep hours (<7 h). This paper examines the prevalence and risk factors for sleep deprivation in two First Nation communities in Saskatchewan, Canada.MethodsThe baseline cross-sectional survey was completed between 2018 and 2019 in collaboration with the two Cree First Nation communities in Saskatchewan, Canada. There were five hundred and eighty-eight participants participated in the survey from two communities. A Multivariate logistic regression model was used for analysis.ResultsThe prevalence of sleep deprivation (<7 h of sleep) was 25.4%. The multivariate logistics regression revealed that middle and older age groups, visible mold in the house, and being male with nighttime insomnia symptoms were significantly associated with a higher risk of sleep deprivation among study participants in the study.ConclusionsIn these two First Nation communities, a higher proportion of the participants reported having sleep deprivation. This was a unique study, which evolved from ongoing research collaboration with two First Nation communities in Saskatchewan, Canada. Findings will be helpful in the management of patients with sleep deprivation in these communities; as well as for co-creating policy with the communities and future research priorities.
| S-EPMC8220004 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundThere are few Australian studies showing how research evidence is used to inform the development of public health policy. International research has shown that compensation for injury rehabilitation can have negative impacts on health outcomes. This study examined transport injury compensation policy in the Australian state of Victoria to: determine type and purpose of reference to information sources; and to identify the extent of reference to academic research evidence in transport related injury rehabilitation compensation policy.MethodsQuantitative content analysis of injury rehabilitation compensation policies (N?=?128) from the Victorian state government transport accident compensation authority.ResultsThe most commonly referenced types of information were Internal Policy (median?=?6 references per policy), Clinical/Medical (2.5), and Internal Legislation (1). Academic Research Evidence was the least often referenced source of information. The main purpose of reference to information was to support injury treatment and rehabilitation compensation claims decision-making.ConclusionsTransport injury compensation policy development is complex; with multiple sources of information cited including legislation, internal policy, external policy and clinical/medical evidence. There is limited use of academic research evidence in Victorian state government injury treatment and rehabilitation compensation policies. Decisions regarding compensation for injury treatment and rehabilitation services could benefit from greater use of academic research evidence. This study is one of the first to examine the use of research evidence in existing Australian public health policy decision-making using rigorous quantitative methods. It provides a practical example of how use of research evidence in public health policy can be objectively measured.
| S-EPMC4048040 | biostudies-literature
Project description:IntroductionMedia interventions can potentially play a major role in influencing health policies. This integrative systematic review aimed to assess the effects of planned media interventions-including social media-on the health policy-making process.MethodsEligible study designs included randomized and non-randomized designs, economic studies, process evaluation studies, stakeholder analyses, qualitative methods, and case studies. We electronically searched Medline, EMBASE, Communication and Mass Media Complete, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the WHO Global Health Library. We followed standard systematic review methodology for study selection, data abstraction, and risk of bias assessment.ResultsTwenty-one studies met our eligibility criteria: 10 evaluation studies using either quantitative (n = 7) or qualitative (n = 3) designs and 11 case studies. None of the evaluation studies were on social media. The findings of the evaluation studies suggest that media interventions may have a positive impact when used as accountability tools leading to prioritizing and initiating policy discussions, as tools to increase policymakers' awareness, as tools to influence policy formulation, as awareness tools leading to policy adoption, and as awareness tools to improve compliance with laws and regulations. In one study, media-generated attention had a negative effect on policy advocacy as it mobilized opponents who defeated the passage of the bills that the media intervention advocated for. We judged the confidence in the available evidence as limited due to the risk of bias in the included studies and the indirectness of the evidence.ConclusionThere is currently a lack of reliable evidence to guide decisions on the use of media interventions to influence health policy-making. Additional and better-designed, conducted, and reported primary research is needed to better understand the effects of media interventions, particularly social media, on health policy-making processes, and the circumstances under which media interventions are successful.Trial registrationPROSPERO 2015: CRD42015020243.
| S-EPMC5395744 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Through the work of international public health organizations and advancements in the biological and technological sciences, substantial progress has been made in our ability to prevent, control, locally eliminate, and in one case eradicate infectious diseases. Yet each successful control or local elimination has been met with the emergence of new pathogens, the evolution of novel strains, or different epidemiological circumstances that have limited or reversed control methods. To respond to the increasing threat of emerging infectious diseases and bioterrorism it is vital that we design and implement efficient programs that prevent and control infectious pathogen transmission. The theoretical tools of ecology and epidemiology may be the cornerstone in constructing future programs aimed at preventing and controlling infectious diseases throughout the world.
| S-EPMC2762229 | biostudies-literature
Project description:We propose a triple test to evaluate the usefulness of behavioral economics models for public health policy. Test 1 is whether the model provides reasonably new insights. Test 2 is on whether these have been properly applied to policy settings. Test 3 is whether they are corroborated by evidence. We exemplify by considering the cases of social interactions models, self-control models and, in relation to health message framing, prospect theory. Out of these sets of models, only a correctly applied prospect theory fully passes the tests at present. Specifically, in broad agreement with the evidence, a gain frame has positive implications for welfare encourages disease prevention activity, though this does not apply if the perceived probability of the bad health outcome is large enough. We see our tests as being useful to identify how much health policy weight policy makers should assign to specific behavioral economic models; they are also useful to verify what next steps would be most useful in further research.
| S-EPMC6959397 | biostudies-literature