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Sales RK, Navarro MA. Early career researchers in health policy and systems research: insights from freelancers in a non-profit organization in the Philippines. Health Res Policy Syst 2024; 22:54. [PMID: 38685052 PMCID: PMC11059717 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-024-01142-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The freelance economy has seen rapid growth worldwide in recent years and the Philippines is not an exception. Freelance workers are becoming increasingly common in healthcare and research. Early career researchers carry out most of scientific research and can play a critical role in advancing public health by bringing new perspectives and diversity to the field. Existing literature has mostly focused on the experiences of early career researchers in an institutional academic setting. This study aimed to understand the experiences of freelance early career researchers in the health policy and systems space in the Philippines. METHODS This qualitative study collected data from 18 to 22 March 2022 through virtual interview and focus group discussions. Themes and codes were created based on the topic guide developed. New themes and codes were generated as they emerged. Two researchers coded the data using both a priori and emergent codes. Any coding conflicts were resolved through discussions until intercoder agreement was reached. Interpretation and conclusions from the data were developed by 2 researchers with consideration for its context and relationship between themes. RESULTS Fifteen current and former freelance researchers participated in the study. Most are female, under 35 years old, and with an undergraduate degree as the highest educational attainment. The findings highlight insights and challenges faced by early career researchers in aspects of: (1) work arrangement, (2) tasks, (3) expectations from senior researchers, (4) development in the health policy and systems field, (5) relationship with peers, and (6) motivations for continuing to work as a freelance health policy and systems researcher. CONCLUSION This study reveals the challenges freelance early career researchers face, highlighting the need for enhanced support and recognition amidst rapidly evolving workforce demands and complex health dilemmas. Recommendations include structured mentorship, professional development, innovative funding models, and the establishment of a supportive network. Advocacy for policies ensuring freelancer inclusion in the economy and policy-making is crucial. Future research should investigate their experiences further, including their roles, transitions, and the impacts of funding trends, to foster their development and integration into public health research and policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reneepearl Kim Sales
- Alliance for Improving Health Outcomes, Veria 1 Building, 62 West Avenue, West Triangle, 1104, Quezon City, Philippines.
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2
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Wong BLH, Nordström A, Piot P, Clark H. From polycrisis to metacrisis: harnessing windows of opportunity for renewed political leadership in global health diplomacy. BMJ Glob Health 2024; 9:e015340. [PMID: 38637121 PMCID: PMC11029238 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2024-015340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Brian Li Han Wong
- International Politics, Leadership & Diplomacy for Health Project, Stockholm School of Economics and Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Resilient Health, Stockholm School of Economics, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of International Health, Maastricht University Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands
| | - Anders Nordström
- International Politics, Leadership & Diplomacy for Health Project, Stockholm School of Economics and Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Resilient Health, Stockholm School of Economics, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Peter Piot
- European Union, Brussels, Belgium
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Helen Clark
- Helen Clark Foundation, Auckland, New Zealand
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3
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O'Sullivan B, Zhong A, Yin LL, Dogra S, Chadop MT, Choonara S, Wong BLH. The future of global health: restructuring governance through inclusive youth leadership. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e013653. [PMID: 37935521 PMCID: PMC10632807 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-013653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Brianne O'Sullivan
- Department of Health Information Science, Western University Faculty of Health Sciences, London, Ontario, Canada
- Office of International Affairs for the Health Portfolio, Multilateral Relations Division, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Shakira Choonara Development, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Lillian Li Yin
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Surabhi Dogra
- Youth Council, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
- The Lancet Commission on Adolescent Health and Wellbeing, London, UK
| | | | - Shakira Choonara
- Shakira Choonara Development, Johannesburg, South Africa
- The Lancet Commission on Adolescent Health and Wellbeing, London, UK
- Youth Health Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Brian Li Han Wong
- Department of International Health, Maastricht University Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- The Lancet and Financial Times Commission on Governing Health Futures 2030, Geneva, Switzerland
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Tetui M, Tennant R, Adil M, Bala A, Burns C, Waite N, Grindrod K. "Flying a plane and building it at the same time": Lessons learned from the dynamic implementation of mass vaccination clinics in the Region of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Health Res Policy Syst 2023; 21:102. [PMID: 37784061 PMCID: PMC10546698 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-023-01036-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vaccination plays a critical role during pandemics, and mass vaccination clinics are often an imperative public health measure. These clinics usually consist of multi-disciplinary teams, which can pose significant coordination challenges, yet also present an opportunity for collectively contributing towards mitigating the impact of infection within communities. This study explores the coordination dynamics of the Region of Waterloo's coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) mass vaccination clinics in Ontario, Canada, between July 2021 and April 2022. METHODS This qualitative study included 16 purposively selected participants working in mass vaccination clinics. Participants were individually interviewed for 40-60 min. An inductive and iterative thematic analysis was undertaken, including open coding, grouping, labelling, regrouping and making sense of the themes. RESULTS Three interrelated themes were created: (1) unpredictable work environment, which was comprised of changing clinic processes and the impact of clinic adjustments to the running of the clinics; (2) clinic cohesion challenges, which included staff role disparities, limited job preparation and clinic system silos; and (3) adaptable and supportive work environment, which was comprised of staff adaptability, dispositional flexibility and a supportive work environment. While the first two themes created a precarious situation in the clinics, the third countered it, leading to a largely successful clinic implementation. CONCLUSIONS The rapid evolution and high transmissibility of COVID-19 in communities required a public health response that felt like flying and building a plane simultaneously - a seemingly impossible yet necessary task. However, an adaptable and supportive work environment was critical for establishing an atmosphere that can overcome challenges from a constantly changing pandemic and the guidance of public health officials. Such lessons gained from understanding the dynamic experiences in mass vaccination clinics are essential for improving the development and operation of future immunization campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moses Tetui
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Ryan Tennant
- Systems Design Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maisha Adil
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Arthi Bala
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Catherine Burns
- Systems Design Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nancy Waite
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kelly Grindrod
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
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Partridge SR, O'Sullivan M, Pehlivanturk-Kizilkan M, Velies DS, Klein JD. Young Professionals are Key Stakeholders in Adolescent Health and Wellbeing: Perspectives From the International Association for Adolescent Health Young Professionals Network. J Adolesc Health 2023; 73:410-411. [PMID: 37395696 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie R Partridge
- The International Association for Adolescent Health, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Engagement and Codesign Hub, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Molly O'Sullivan
- The International Association for Adolescent Health, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Melis Pehlivanturk-Kizilkan
- The International Association for Adolescent Health, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Hacettepe University Children's Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Dyana Safitri Velies
- The International Association for Adolescent Health, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Pelita Harapan, Tangerang, Indonesia
| | - Jonathan D Klein
- The International Association for Adolescent Health, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Illinois
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Curtin EL, d'Apice K, Porter A, Widnall E, Franklin M, de Vocht F, Kidger J. Perspectives on an enhanced 'Improving Access to Psychological Therapies' (IAPT) service addressing the wider determinants of mental health: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:536. [PMID: 37226155 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09405-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A new Health and Wellbeing pathway was introduced into the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service in one geographical area of the UK in 2021 to address the wider determinants of mental health problems. It comprised assisted signposting to wider services and physical health promotion. This qualitative study aimed to understand stakeholders' experiences of implementing and receiving this new support and the barriers and facilitators to its delivery. METHODS Forty-seven interviews were conducted, with service developers (n = 6), service deliverers (n = 12), service users (n = 22) and community and clinical partners (n = 7), as part of a larger mixed-methods evaluation. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Three themes spanned all participant groups and represented key aspects of the service: (1) identifying suitability, (2) a holistic service, and (3) moving forward. The sub-themes represent the barriers and facilitators to processes working in practice, lending insight into potential service improvements. These included strengthening the quality of communication during referral and assessment, tailoring the support and delivery mode, and increasing transparency around continued care to drive sustained benefits. LIMITATIONS Service users may have been selected due to their positive experiences of IAPT and were not demographically representative of the population, although participants' experiences of the service did suggest variation in our sample. CONCLUSIONS The Health and Wellbeing pathway was perceived as having a positive impact on mental health and could reduce the burden on therapeutic services. However, service- and individual-level barriers need to be addressed to enhance statutory and community support links, manage service users' expectations, and improve accessibility for certain groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Louise Curtin
- Department of Population Health, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Katrina d'Apice
- Centre for Public Health, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK.
| | - Alice Porter
- Centre for Public Health, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK
| | - Emily Widnall
- Centre for Public Health, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK
| | - Matthew Franklin
- School for Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Regent Court, Sheffield, S1 4DA, UK
| | - Frank de Vocht
- Centre for Public Health, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West), Whitefriars, Lewins Mead, Bristol, BS1 2NT, UK
| | - Judi Kidger
- Centre for Public Health, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK
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Hunter MB, Ogunlayi F, Middleton J, Squires N. Strengthening capacity through competency-based education and training to deliver the essential public health functions: reflection on roadmap to build public health workforce. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:bmjgh-2022-011310. [PMID: 36898714 PMCID: PMC10008161 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-011310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mehreen B Hunter
- School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Fatai Ogunlayi
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK .,Faculty of Public Health, London, UK
| | - John Middleton
- ASPHER Secretariat, Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region-ASPHER, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Neil Squires
- Global Public Health, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
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Leider JP, Castrucci BC, Robins M, Hare Bork R, Fraser MR, Savoia E, Piltch-Loeb R, Koh HK. The Exodus Of State And Local Public Health Employees: Separations Started Before And Continued Throughout COVID-19. Health Aff (Millwood) 2023; 42:338-348. [PMID: 36877909 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2022.01251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the size and composition of the state and local governmental public health workforce in the United States is critical for promoting and protecting the health of the public. Using pandemic-era data from the Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey fielded in 2017 and 2021, this study compared intent to leave or retire in 2017 with actual separations through 2021 among state and local public health agency staff. We also examined how employee age, region, and intent to leave correlated with separations and considered the effect on the workforce if trends were to continue. In our analytic sample, nearly half of all employees in state and local public health agencies left between 2017 and 2021, a proportion that rose to three-quarters for those ages thirty-five and younger or with shorter tenures. If separation trends continue, by 2025 this would represent more than 100,000 staff leaving their organizations, or as much as half of the governmental public health workforce in total. Given the likelihood of increasing outbreaks and future global pandemics, strategies to improve recruitment and retention must be prioritized.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Michael R Fraser
- Michael R. Fraser, Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, Arlington, Virginia
| | - Elena Savoia
- Elena Savoia, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
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9
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Kirkland C, Oldfield-Tabbert K, Karnik H, Orr J, Martin S, Leider JP. Public Health Workforce Gaps, Impacts, and Improvement Strategies from COVID-19. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13084. [PMID: 36293664 PMCID: PMC9603116 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The public health workforce has been instrumental in protecting residents against population health threats. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of the public health workforce and exposed gaps in the workforce. Public health practitioners nationwide are still coming to understand these gaps, impacts, and lessons learned from the pandemic. This study aimed to explore Minnesota's local public health practitioners' perceptions of public health workforce gaps, the impacts of these workforce gaps, and the lessons learned in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted seven concurrent focus groups with members of the Local Public Health Association of Minnesota (LPHA; n = 55) using a semi-structured focus group guide and a survey of the local agencies (n = 70/72 respondents, 97% response rate). Focus group recordings were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using deductive and inductive coding (in vivo coding, descriptive coding), followed by thematic analysis. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive analyses and were integrated with the qualitative data. Participants indicated experiencing many workforce gaps, workforce gaps impacts, and described improvement strategies. Overall, many of the workforce gaps and impacts resulting from COVID-19 discussed by practitioners in Minnesota are observed in other areas across the nation, making the findings relevant to public health workforce nationally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsey Kirkland
- Center for Public Health Systems, Division of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | | | - Harshada Karnik
- Center for Public Health Systems, Division of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Jason Orr
- Center for Public Health Systems, Division of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Skky Martin
- Center for Public Health Systems, Division of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Jonathon P. Leider
- Center for Public Health Systems, Division of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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Arnold L, Kellermann L, Fischer F, Hommes F, Jung L, Mohsenpour A, Stratil JM. How to Increase the Attractiveness of the Public Health Service in Germany as a Prospective Employer? Part II of the OeGD-Studisurvey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191811733. [PMID: 36142004 PMCID: PMC9517236 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The Public Health Service (PHS) in Germany has had difficulties in recruiting enough qualified staff for years, but there is limited research on what factors drive decisions to (not) join the PHS workforce. We explored reasons for this perceived (lack of) attractiveness. We conducted two cross-sectional surveys among medical students (MS), public health students and students from other PHS-relevant fields (PH&ONM) in Germany before (2019/2020) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (2021). Both waves surveyed self-reported reasons for why students did (not) consider working in the PHS as attractive and how this could be improved, using open-question items. Qualitative and quantitative content analyses were conducted according to Mayring. In total, 948 MS and 445 PH&ONM provided valid written responses. Reasons for considering the PHS as attractive were, among others, the perception of a good work-life balance, high impact, population health focus, and generally interesting occupations. Suggestions to increase attractiveness included reducing bureaucracy, modernization/digitalization, and more acknowledgement of non-medical professionals. Among MS, reasons against were too little clinical/patient-related activities, low salary, and occupations regarded as boring. Our findings indicate areas for improvement for image, working conditions in, and institutional structures of the PHS in Germany to increase its attractiveness as an employer among young professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Arnold
- Academy of Public Health Services, Kanzlerstraße 4, 40472 Duesseldorf, Germany
- Department of International Health, Care and Public Health Research Institute—CAPHRI, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6211 Maastricht, The Netherlands
- German Network of Young Professionals in Public Health, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Lisa Kellermann
- German Network of Young Professionals in Public Health, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Fischer
- German Network of Young Professionals in Public Health, 80539 Munich, Germany
- Institute of Public Health, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Bavarian Research Center for Digital Health and Social Care, Kempten University of Applied Sciences, 87437 Kempten, Germany
| | - Franziska Hommes
- German Network of Young Professionals in Public Health, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Laura Jung
- German Network of Young Professionals in Public Health, 80539 Munich, Germany
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Amir Mohsenpour
- German Network of Young Professionals in Public Health, 80539 Munich, Germany
- Department of Population Medicine and Health Services Research, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
- Department for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Vitos Kurhessen Kassel, 34131 Kassel, Germany
| | - Jan M. Stratil
- German Network of Young Professionals in Public Health, 80539 Munich, Germany
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Fischer F, Wicherski J, Tobollik M, McCall T. Experiences Shared by the (Future) Public Health Workforce during the COVD-19 Pandemic in Germany: Results of a Survey on Workload, Work Content, and Related Challenges among Students and Young Professionals. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11444. [PMID: 36141717 PMCID: PMC9517565 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Although previous studies have focused on the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on various professional groups (particularly in the health and nursing care sector), this study aims to close a research gap by assessing perspectives of students and young professionals in epidemiology and public health in Germany in terms of shifts in workload, work content, and related challenges caused by the pandemic. We conducted a cross-sectional survey between mid-February and mid-March 2022. Quantitative data were analyzed via standardized mean differences. Qualitative data based on answers to open-ended questions were analyzed via a qualitative content analysis. Overall, 172 individuals participated in this survey. Results indicate that students felt burdened the most by lack of exchange with other students and lecturers. Study participants employed in public health experienced changes in their employment because they had changes in their work content- and administration, which was accompanied by a high burden due to the workload. Multiple demands that can have an impact on both acquired skills and mental health during the professional qualification phase were mentioned by the participants. Therefore, more in-depth analyses are needed to investigate the impact the pandemic will have on the (future) public health workforce in the long run.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Fischer
- Institute of Public Health, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Bavarian Research Center for Digital Health and Social Care, Kempten University of Applied Sciences, 87437 Kempten, Germany
| | - Julia Wicherski
- Division 5 Research, Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices, 53175 Bonn, Germany
| | - Myriam Tobollik
- Section II 1.5 Environmental Medicine and Health Effects Assessment, German Environment Agency, 14193 Berlin, Germany
| | - Timothy McCall
- Medical School OWL, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
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12
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Nkaiwuatei J. Students Against Superbugs (SAS) Africa. ACS Infect Dis 2022; 8:1204-1206. [PMID: 35657409 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.2c00243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a major worldwide health problem that develops when antibiotics used to treat illnesses become ineffective due to the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria (superbugs). This is a significant issue that demands immediate intervention. Students Against Superbugs Africa wants to educate young people about the dangers of antibiotic resistance and the need of prevention. This is done through a variety of programs, including virtual and physical stewardship activities, research and innovation, community engagement, drug research and development, participation in World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, the AMR gamification program, the AMR writers and content creators' program, and the "know something about antimicrobial resistance" project.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimmy Nkaiwuatei
- Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, College of Health Sciences, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi 00200, Kenya
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13
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Wong BLH, Maaß L, Vodden A, van Kessel R, Sorbello S, Buttigieg S, Odone A. The dawn of digital public health in Europe: Implications for public health policy and practice. Lancet Reg Health Eur 2022; 14:100316. [PMID: 35132399 PMCID: PMC8811486 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2022.100316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of digital health technologies and the role of effective surveillance systems. While recent events have accelerated progress towards the expansion of digital public health (DPH), there remains significant untapped potential in harnessing, leveraging, and repurposing digital technologies for public health. There is a particularly growing need for comprehensive action to prepare citizens for DPH, to regulate and effectively evaluate DPH, and adopt DPH strategies as part of health policy and services to optimise health systems improvement. As representatives of the European Public Health Association's (EUPHA) Digital Health Section, we reflect on the current state of DPH, share our understanding at the European level, and determine how the application of DPH has developed during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also discuss the opportunities, challenges, and implications of the increasing digitalisation of public health in Europe.
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14
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Cai W, Gao R, Jing Q, Wang C, Hou N, Liu W, Gao Q, Sun X. Doctor of Public Health-Crisis Management and COVID-19 Prevention and Control: A Case Study in China. Front Public Health 2022; 10:814632. [PMID: 35186846 PMCID: PMC8854145 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.814632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In the fields of public health policy and public health care, advanced educational programs are an important strategy in dealing with public health crises. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the global need for skilled public health leaders and managers to address complex public health challenges, which requires the strengthening of public health education at the highest levels. This paper is a qualitative case study of a special educational program for doctors of public health in China. The program's educational objectives are in line with epidemic prevention and control. With the goal of developing the world's leading national public health management system, the Chinese government established an advanced academic program for public health crisis management. The program offers doctoral students a multidisciplinary degree based upon the theoretical knowledge of crisis management, supported by advanced training in the foundational concepts, theories, and practices of public health, and the study of basic medicine which provides the theoretical support for developing essential clinical skills. Program graduates develop the theoretical, practical, and leadership-related capabilities required for the management of national emergencies. The program introduced in this paper meets current epidemic prevention and control needs and should be considered by public health policy makers, leaders, and scholars in the discussion of advanced public health policy and health care education in China, including the development of an internationally recognized Doctor of Public Health program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqin Cai
- School of Management, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- School of Graduate, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Runguo Gao
- School of Public Health, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Qi Jing
- School of Management, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Chunping Wang
- School of Public Health, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Ningning Hou
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Weide Liu
- Department of Teaching and Research, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Qianqian Gao
- School of Management, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Qianqian Gao
| | - Xiaodong Sun
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaodong Sun
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15
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Haldane V, Jung AS, De Foo C, Bonk M, Jamieson M, Wu S, Verma M, Abdalla SM, Singh S, Nordström A, Legido-Quigley H. Strengthening the basics: public health responses to prevent the next pandemic. BMJ 2021; 375:e067510. [PMID: 34840134 PMCID: PMC8624065 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2021-067510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Haldane
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Chuan De Foo
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, Singapore
| | - Mathias Bonk
- Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response Secretariat
| | - Margaret Jamieson
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Shishi Wu
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Monica Verma
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, Singapore
| | - Salma M Abdalla
- Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response Secretariat
- School of Public Health, Boston University, USA
| | - Sudhvir Singh
- Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response Secretariat
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Anders Nordström
- Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response Secretariat
| | - Helena Legido-Quigley
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, Singapore
- Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response Secretariat
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