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Khomsi K, Bouzghiba H, Mendyl A, Al-Delaimy AK, Dahri A, Saad-Hussein A, Balaw G, El Marouani I, Sekmoudi I, Adarbaz M, Khanjani N, Abbas N. Bridging research-policy gaps: An integrated approach. Environ Epidemiol 2024; 8:e281. [PMID: 38343738 PMCID: PMC10852389 DOI: 10.1097/ee9.0000000000000281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
It is often difficult for policymakers to make informed decisions without evidence-based support, resulting in potentially ineffective policies. The purpose of this article is to advocate for collaboration and communication between researchers and policymakers to enhance evidence-based policymaking. The workshop hosted by the International Society of Environmental Epidemiology-Eastern Mediterranean Chapter further explores the challenges of connecting researchers and policymakers. The article highlights the gap between researchers and policymakers, attributed to different visions and objectives, time constraints, and communication issues. To strengthen the research-policy interface, strategies such as enhanced communication skills and early involvement of policymakers in research are suggested. The article proposes an integrated model combining the Collaborative Knowledge Model and the policy entrepreneurship mindset, emphasizing the co-creation of knowledge and evidence-based policy solutions. The use of this model can lead to the development of evidence-based policies that effectively address societal needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenza Khomsi
- General Directorate of Meteorology, Morocco
- Mohammed VI University of Sciences and Health, Morocco
| | - Houria Bouzghiba
- Environmental Doctoral School, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Hungary
| | - Abderrahmane Mendyl
- Department of Meteorology, Institute of Geography and Earth Sciences, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary
| | | | - Amal Dahri
- Direction of Epidemiology and Disease Control, Ministry of Health Morocco
| | - Amal Saad-Hussein
- Environmental & Occupational Medicine Department, Environment and Climate Change Research Institute, National Research Centre, Egypt
| | - Ghada Balaw
- Jordan University of Sciences and Technology, Jordan
| | | | | | | | - Narges Khanjani
- Department of Medical Education, Paul Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Science Centre El Paso
| | - Nivine Abbas
- Public Health Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Balamand, Lebanon
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Metcalf CD, Ostler C, Thor P, Kheng S, Srors S, Sann R, Worsley P, Gates L, Donnovan-Hall M, Harte C, Dickinson A. Engaging multisector stakeholders to identify priorities for global health innovation, change and research: an engagement methodology and application to prosthetics service delivery in Cambodia. Disabil Rehabil 2024; 46:685-696. [PMID: 36823949 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2023.2173313] [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: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE While innovation is known to catalyse solutions to global sustainable development challenges, lack of engagement from stakeholders during conceptualisation and development may influence the degree of success of implementation. METHODS AND MATERIALS This paper presents a complete and novel engagement methodology, developed from value led business modelling approaches, for working with multi-sector stakeholders. The methodology can be used to determine barriers and facilitators to clinical practice innovations or translational research, within a country-specific context. The approach has then been applied in the Cambodian prosthetics and orthotics sector to provide a practice-based exemplar application of the framework. RESULTS This approach seeks to ensure the suitability and sustainability of clinical practice and research programmes being implemented within a complex ecosystem. A theoretical basis, drawn from academic and business innovation sectors, has been consolidated and adapted for practical application to design, direct, and inform initiatives in low resource settings. CONCLUSIONS The methods presented provide a way to both develop and articulate the mission, vision, and goals of any proposed change, and to effectively communicate these with stakeholders in a way that engages the personal and professional values that exist in their ecosystem. It provides a structured process through which meaningful conversations can happen, and a basis for relationship management with key stakeholders; intrinsic to enable a sustained legacy from research and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- C D Metcalf
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Exceed Research Network, Lisburn, Northern Ireland
| | - C Ostler
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Exceed Research Network, Lisburn, Northern Ireland
- Portsmouth NHS, Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, Portsmouth, UK
| | - P Thor
- Department of Prosthetics & Orthotics, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Exceed Worldwide, Lisburn, Northern Ireland
| | - S Kheng
- Exceed Research Network, Lisburn, Northern Ireland
- Department of Prosthetics & Orthotics, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Exceed Worldwide, Lisburn, Northern Ireland
| | - S Srors
- Department of Prosthetics & Orthotics, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Exceed Worldwide, Lisburn, Northern Ireland
| | - R Sann
- National Institute of Social Affairs, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Elderly Welfare Department, Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, National Elderly Care Center, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - P Worsley
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - L Gates
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - M Donnovan-Hall
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Exceed Research Network, Lisburn, Northern Ireland
| | - C Harte
- Exceed Research Network, Lisburn, Northern Ireland
- Exceed Worldwide, Lisburn, Northern Ireland
| | - A Dickinson
- Exceed Research Network, Lisburn, Northern Ireland
- School of Engineering, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Lacey H, Jain N, Sugimoto M, Shimato M, Zhou SJ, Pirags V, Shakya R, Karmacharya RM, Baral PP. Advancing diabetes primary care education and knowledge in Nepal: A scoping review and case study discussion. Prim Care Diabetes 2024; 18:25-36. [PMID: 38061968 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcd.2023.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disorder of insulin and glucose metabolism. It affects more than 463 million people worldwide and is expected to reach 700 million by 2045. In the Southeast Asian region, the prevalence of DM has tripled to 115 million due to rapid urbanization, unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyles, and genetic factors. In Nepal, a developing country, DM affects 8.5% of adults, with an alarming increase in recent years. Lack of diabetes education and limited populational adoption of behavioural changes further hamper care. METHODS In the present study, we performed a scoping review to determine the status of awareness, attitudes, and knowledge about diabetes in the Nepalese population with a focus on the educational initiatives that have been implemented. We also conducted a two-week international case study discussion among medical students to brainstorm viable intervention strategies. RESULTS Our findings indicate that limited data is available on the level of education or initiatives to improve knowledge and practice among healthcare professionals and community members. Targeted studies of people with diabetes also present heterogeneous results due to differences in the sample population, geographic location, education, age, and gender. Accordingly, we propose five interrelated education-based strategies that leverage existing networks to expand community outreach and engagement, improve system resilience, and improve health outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Effective education for healthcare professionals, community, and patients with diabetes is vital in improving diabetes outcomes in Nepal and South Asia. Collaboration, funding, and evaluation are key areas needing reform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hester Lacey
- Faculty of Medicine, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, 94 N - S Rd, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9PX, United Kingdom.
| | - Nityanand Jain
- Faculty of Medicine, Riga Stradinš University, 16 Dzirciema Street, Riga LV-1007, Latvia
| | - Mai Sugimoto
- Faculty of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Rd, Bethnal Green, London E1 4NS, United Kingdom
| | - Masako Shimato
- Faculty of Medicine, University College London, Gower St, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Shi Jia Zhou
- Faculty of Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo 650-0017, Japan
| | - Valdis Pirags
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, 3 Jelgavas Street, Riga LV-1004, Latvia; Department of Endocrinology and Rheumatology, Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, 13 Pilsonu Street, Riga LV-1002, Latvia
| | - Rajani Shakya
- Research & Development Division, Dhulikhel Hospital Kathmandu University Hospital, Dhulikhel 45200, Nepal
| | - Robin Man Karmacharya
- Department of Surgery, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, B.P.Highway, Panauti 45209, Nepal
| | - Phanindra Prasad Baral
- Non-Communicable Disease and Mental Health Section, Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD), Department of Health Services (DoHS), Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), Government of Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
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Nakwafila O, Sartorius B, Shumba TW, Dzinamarira T, Mashamba-Thompson TP. Stakeholder's perspectives on acceptable interventions for promoting hypertension medication adherence in Namibia: nominal group technique. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e068238. [PMID: 37192796 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-068238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the most acceptable hypertension intervention package to promote hypertension adherence based on stakeholders' perspectives. DESIGN We employed the nominal group technique method and purposively sampled and invited key stakeholders offering hypertension services and patients with hypertension. Phase 1 was focused on determining barriers to hypertension adherence, phase 2 on enablers and phase 3 on the strategies. We employed the ranking method based on a maximum of 60 scores to establish consensus regarding hypertension adherence barriers, enablers and proposed strategies. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS 12 key stakeholders were identified and invited to participate in the workshop in Khomas region. Key stakeholders included subject matter experts in non-communicable diseases, family medicine and representatives of our target population (hypertensive patients). RESULTS The stakeholders reported 14 factors as barriers and enablers to hypertension adherence. The most important barriers were: lack of knowledge on hypertension (57 scores), unavailability of drugs (55 scores) and lack of social support (49 scores). Patient education emerged as the most important enabler (57 scores), availability of drugs emerged second (53 scores) and third having a support system (47 scores). Strategies were 17 and ranked as follows: continuous patient education as the most desirable (54 scores) strategy to help promote hypertension adherence, followed by developing a national dashboard to primarily monitor stock (52 scores) and community support groups for peer counselling (49 scores). CONCLUSIONS Multifaceted educational intervention package targeting patient and healthcare system factors may be considered in implementing Namibia's most acceptable hypertension package. These findings will offer an opportunity to promote adherence to hypertension therapy and reduce cardiovascular outcomes. We recommend a follow-up study to evaluate the proposed adherence package's feasibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Nakwafila
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine,School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- School of Nursing and Public Health,Department of Public Health, University of Namibia, Oshakati campus, Namibia
| | - Benn Sartorius
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine,School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health,Nuffield Department of medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Tonderai Washington Shumba
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Department of Occupational therapy and Physiotherapy, University of Namibia, Hage Geingob Campus, Namibia
| | - Tafadzwa Dzinamarira
- School of Health Systems&Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
| | - Tivani Phosa Mashamba-Thompson
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine,School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Heinrich CH, McHugh S, McCarthy S, Curran GM, Donovan MD. Multidisciplinary DEprescribing review for Frail oldER adults in long-term care (DEFERAL): Implementation strategy design using behaviour science tools and stakeholder engagement. Res Social Adm Pharm 2023:S1551-7411(23)00252-8. [PMID: 37230873 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2023.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Deprescribing is a strategy for reducing the use of potentially inappropriate medications for older adults. Limited evidence exists on the development of strategies to support healthcare professionals (HCPs) deprescribing for frail older adults in long-term care (LTC). OBJECTIVE To design an implementation strategy, informed by theory, behavioural science and consensus from HCPs, which facilitates deprescribing in LTC. METHODS This study was consisted of 3 phases. First, factors influencing deprescribing in LTC were mapped to behaviour change techniques (BCTs) using the Behaviour Change Wheel and two published BCT taxonomies. Second, a Delphi survey of purposively sampled HCPs (general practitioners, pharmacists, nurses, geriatricians and psychiatrists) was conducted to select feasible BCTs to support deprescribing. The Delphi consisted of two rounds. Using Delphi results and literature on BCTs used in effective deprescribing interventions, BCTs which could form an implementation strategy were shortlisted by the research team based on acceptability, practicability and effectiveness. Finally, a roundtable discussion was held with a purposeful, convenience sample of LTC general practitioners, pharmacists and nurses to prioritise factors influencing deprescribing and tailor the proposed strategies for LTC. RESULTS Factors influencing deprescribing in LTC were mapped to 34 BCTs. The Delphi survey was completed by 16 participants. Participants reached consensus that 26 BCTs were feasible. Following the research team assessment, 21 BCTs were included in the roundtable. The roundtable discussion identified lack of resources as the primary barrier to address. The agreed implementation strategy incorporated 11 BCTs and consisted of an education-enhanced 3-monthly multidisciplinary team deprescribing review, led by a nurse, conducted at the LTC site. CONCLUSION The deprescribing strategy incorporates HCPs' experiential understanding of the nuances of LTC and thus addresses systemic barriers to deprescribing in this context. The strategy designed addresses five determinants of behaviour to best support HCPs engaging with deprescribing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sheena McHugh
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Ireland.
| | | | - Geoffrey M Curran
- Departments of Pharmacy Practice and Psychiatry, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, United States; Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, United States.
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