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Haley SJ, Peddireddy S, El-Harakeh A, Akasreku B, Riibe D. Qualitative study of states' capacity to support alcohol prevention policies during the COVID-19 pandemic in the USA. Drug Alcohol Rev 2023; 42:1358-1374. [PMID: 37452762 PMCID: PMC11002955 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated rates of alcohol purchasing and related harms in the USA. The increases followed governors' emergency orders that increased alcohol availability, including the allowance of alcohol home delivery, alcohol to-go from restaurants and bars, and curbside pickup from retailers. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 53 participants involved in state-level alcohol prevention policy across 48 states. Interviewees' perspectives on changes to alcohol prevention policies during the COVID-19 pandemic, including capacity to respond to alcohol-focused executive and legislative changes to alcohol availability, were explored. Initial codes were developed collectively and refined through successive readings of transcripts using a phenomenological, action-oriented research approach. Themes were identified semantically after all transcripts were coded and reviewed. RESULTS Four themes were developed including: (i) alcohol prevention policies and capacity during COVID-19; (ii) industry-related challenges during COVID-19; (iii) limited pre-COVID-19 alcohol prevention capacity; and (iv) needs to strengthen alcohol prevention capacity. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The pandemic exacerbated states' capacity limitations for alcohol prevention efforts and created additional impediments to public health messaging about alcohol health risks related to greater alcohol availability. Participants offered a myriad of strategies to improve alcohol prevention and to reduce alcohol-related harms. Recommendations included dedicated federal and state prioritisation, more funding for community organisations, greater coordination, consistent high-quality trainings, stronger surveillance and widespread prevention messaging. States' alcohol prevention efforts require dedicated leadership, additional funding and support to strengthen population-based strategies to reduce sustained alcohol-related harms associated with increases in alcohol availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean J. Haley
- Department of Health Policy and Management, City University of New York’s Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, USA
| | - Snigdha Peddireddy
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, USA
| | - Amena El-Harakeh
- Departments of Health Policy and Management and Community Health and Social Sciences, City University of New York’s Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, USA
| | - Bridget Akasreku
- Departments of Health Policy and Management and Community Health and Social Sciences, City University of New York’s Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, USA
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Chung E, El-Harakeh A, Weinberg JL, Azeez O, Ortigoza A, Johnson A, Harrison M, Kalbarczyk A. A Scoping Review on Resources, Tools, and Programs to Support Women's Leadership in Global Health: What Is Available, What Works, and How Do We Know? Ann Glob Health 2023; 89:27. [PMID: 37091314 PMCID: PMC10120609 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.3921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The unequal representation of women in global health leadership is a prevalent issue laterally across global health fields and vertically down experience levels. Although women compose much of the workforce, gender-based barriers prevent female talent from filling their appropriate leadership roles, which funnels unique expertise and problem-solving skills on a diversity of health topics out of positions of leadership. Currently, many calls to action have been proposed to raise awareness of the lack of women's global health leadership, with Women in Global Health as one of the more prominent movements. This paper evaluates how the priorities and strategies for leadership training and development set forth by such movements have changed the landscape of available programs and resources for women in global health, based on availability, success, and evaluation. Objectives This manuscript maps existing programs and resources that support women's leadership in global health and describes available evaluations and documented outcomes. Methods We used a dual approach of a peer-reviewed and gray literature search to build a comprehensive list of existing programs and resources designed to support women's leadership in global health. Out of 54 items included for full-text review and 22 gray literature items screened for inclusion, a total of 31 resources were processed in the final extraction. We used descriptive quantitative analysis for categorical and binary variables, while qualitative data from evaluations were analyzed for outcomes. Findings Resources were in the form of conferences, supplemental resources to conferences, certificate programs, coursework, stand-alone documents, single-focus programs, and mostly multicomponent programs. Most resources did not have a global health focus area, and a third of the total resources identified women first authors from predominantly high-income countries. About half of the resources mention mentorship and networking as activities incorporated as part of the resource. Over half of the resources did not have a target audience, and most resources were free to users.While there is a lack of consistent and meaningful evaluation of the resources, the available captured metrics of success were described as the number of career-advancing opportunities after using the resources. Examples of opportunities include enrollment in graduate school, receiving academic promotions, participating in internships, presenting at conferences, and publications. Conclusion While the supply of existing programming and resources to advance women's leadership in the global health field is limited in terms of quantity, it is rich in diverse formats, content, and implementation. This scoping review supports the notion that empowered female leadership in global health requires a complementary support system that encourages the unique needs and talents of female leaders. Such a support system needs inclusive targeting regardless of experience level, academic degree, or location. Furthermore, evaluations of resources will be critical in maintaining meaningful interventions that effectively dismantle the infrastructures that continue to limit the success of women leaders in global health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eumihn Chung
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Amena El-Harakeh
- City University of New York, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Weinberg
- Department of Nursing, Department of Health Sciences, Monmouth University, West Long Branch, NJ, USA
| | - Olumayowa Azeez
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ana Ortigoza
- Urban Health Collaborative, Drexel University, 3600 Market St, 7th floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Angela Johnson
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Meagan Harrison
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Anna Kalbarczyk
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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El-Harakeh A, Haley SJ. Improving the availability of prescription drugs in Lebanon: a critical analysis of alternative policy options. Health Res Policy Syst 2022; 20:106. [PMID: 36209085 PMCID: PMC9547632 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-022-00921-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The economic downfall in Lebanon and the destruction of the Beirut Port have had a crippling effect on all players in the health sector, including hospitals, healthcare providers, and the pharmaceutical and medical supply industry. The outbreak of COVID-19 has further aggravated the crisis. To address the challenges facing the pharmaceutical industry, Lebanon must create a stable and secure source of prescription drug production. Two alternative approaches are presented to address the crisis: (1) amending the subsidy system and supporting local pharmaceutical production, and (2) promoting the prescription and use of generic drugs. Investing in local production is promising and can lead to establishing trust in the quality of drugs produced locally. These efforts can be complemented by promoting the prescription and use of generic drugs at a later stage, after having had established a well-operating system for local drug production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amena El-Harakeh
- Department of Community Health and Social Sciences, City University of New York's Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, 55 West 125th Street, New York, NY, 10027, United States of America.
| | - Sean J Haley
- Department of Health Policy and Management, City University of New York's Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, 55 West 125th Street, New York, NY, 10027, United States of America
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Khabsa J, Jain S, El-Harakeh A, Rizkallah C, Pandey DK, Manaye N, Honein-AbouHaidar G, Halleux C, Dagne DA, Akl EA. Stakeholders’ views and perspectives on treatments of visceral leishmaniasis and their outcomes in HIV-coinfected patients in East Africa and South-East Asia: A mixed methods study. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010624. [PMID: 35969636 PMCID: PMC9410553 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In visceral leishmaniasis (VL) patients coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), combination therapy (liposomal amphotericin B infusion and oral miltefosine) is being considered as an alternative to liposomal amphotericin B monotherapy. We aimed to assess the views of stakeholders in relation to these treatment options. Methodology In a mixed methods study, we surveyed and interviewed patients, government functionaries, programme managers, health service providers, nongovernmental organizations, researchers, and World Health Organization (WHO) personnel. We used the Evidence to Decision (EtD) framework for data collection planning and analysis. Constructs of interest included valuation of outcomes, impact on equity, feasibility and acceptability of the treatment options, implementation considerations, monitoring and evaluation, and research priorities. Principal findings/Conclusion Mortality and non-serious adverse events were rated as “critical” by respectively the highest (61%) and lowest percentages (47%) of survey participants. Participants viewed clinical cure as essential for patients to regain productivity. Non-patient stakeholders emphasized the importance of “sustained” clinical cure. For most survey participants, combination therapy, compared with monotherapy, would increase health equity (40%), and be more acceptable (79%) and feasible (57%). Interviews revealed that combination therapy was more feasible and acceptable than monotherapy when associated with a shorter duration of hospitalization. The findings of the interviews provided insight into those of the survey. When choosing between alternative options, providers should consider the outcomes that matter to patients as well as the impact on equity, feasibility, and acceptability of the options. In East Africa and South Asia, the number of patients with visceral leishmaniasis (VL) co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has been increasing over the years. In addition to independently posing major health challenges, the two conditions have detrimental effects on each other. In light of new evidence on treatment regimens for this patient population, the World Health Organization (WHO) recently updated its evidence-based region-specific treatment recommendations. To inform this process, we assessed the views of stakeholders on the outcomes of interest and on medication treatment options. The mixed methods study consisted of an online survey and semi-structured interviews. Outcomes such as mortality, complications, clinical cure, relapse and serious adverse events were viewed as important because of the burden associated with their experience, their consequences, and the co-infection status of the patients. Outcomes such as non-serious adverse events were viewed as less important for reasons relating to patient tolerability and ease of treatment. As compared to monotherapy, combination therapy was found to be more equitable, acceptable, and feasible. While our findings are important to consider by clinicians treating patients with VL patients coinfected with HIV, they also inform decisions made by other stakeholders such as guideline developers and program managers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Khabsa
- Clinical Research Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Saurabh Jain
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Amena El-Harakeh
- Clinical Research Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Cynthia Rizkallah
- Hariri School of Nursing, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Dhruv K. Pandey
- Kala-azar Elimination Programme, World Health Organization Country Office, New Delhi, India
| | - Nigus Manaye
- Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization Country Office, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Christine Halleux
- Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Argaw Dagne
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Elie A. Akl
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Fadlallah R, Daher N, El-Harakeh A, Hammam R, Brax H, Bou Karroum L, Lopes LC, Arnous G, Kassamany I, Baltayan S, Harb A, Lotfi T, El-Jardali F, Akl EA. Approaches to prioritising primary health research: a scoping review. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:bmjgh-2021-007465. [PMID: 35501067 PMCID: PMC9062777 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-007465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To systematically identify and describe approaches to prioritise primary research topics in any health-related area. Methods We searched Medline and CINAHL databases and Google Scholar. Teams of two reviewers screened studies and extracted data in duplicate and independently. We synthesised the information across the included approaches by developing common categorisation of relevant concepts. Results Of 44 392 citations, 30 articles reporting on 25 approaches were included, addressing the following fields: health in general (n=9), clinical (n=10), health policy and systems (n=10), public health (n=6) and health service research (n=5) (10 addressed more than 1 field). The approaches proposed the following aspects to be addressed in the prioritisation process: situation analysis/ environmental scan, methods for generation of initial list of topics, use of prioritisation criteria, stakeholder engagement, ranking process/technique, dissemination and implementation, revision and appeal mechanism, and monitoring and evaluation. Twenty-two approaches proposed involving stakeholders in the priority setting process. The most commonly proposed stakeholder category was ‘researchers/academia’ (n=17, 77%) followed by ‘healthcare providers’ (n=16, 73%). Fifteen of the approaches proposed a list of criteria for determining research priorities. We developed a common framework of 28 prioritisation criteria clustered into nine domains. The criterion most frequently mentioned by the identified approaches was ‘health burden’ (n=12, 80%), followed by ‘availability of resources’ (n=11, 73%). Conclusion We identified and described 25 prioritisation approaches for primary research topics in any health-related area. Findings highlight the need for greater participation of potential users (eg, policy-makers and the general public) and incorporation of equity as part of the prioritisation process. Findings can guide the work of researchers, policy-makers and funders seeking to conduct or fund primary health research. More importantly, the findings should be used to enhance a more coordinated approach to prioritising health research to inform decision making at all levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Racha Fadlallah
- Department of Health Management and Policy, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.,Center for Systematic Reviews on Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.,Knowledge to Policy (K2P) Center, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Najla Daher
- Knowledge to Policy (K2P) Center, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Amena El-Harakeh
- Center for Systematic Reviews on Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.,Clinical Research Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rima Hammam
- Center for Systematic Reviews on Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hneine Brax
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Saint-Joseph, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Lama Bou Karroum
- Department of Health Management and Policy, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.,Center for Systematic Reviews on Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.,Knowledge to Policy (K2P) Center, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Ghida Arnous
- Center for Systematic Reviews on Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Inas Kassamany
- Center for Systematic Reviews on Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Stephanie Baltayan
- Center for Systematic Reviews on Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Aya Harb
- Center for Systematic Reviews on Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Tamara Lotfi
- Clinical Research Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Fadi El-Jardali
- Department of Health Management and Policy, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.,Center for Systematic Reviews on Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.,Knowledge to Policy (K2P) Center, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Elie A Akl
- Center for Systematic Reviews on Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon .,Clinical Research Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.,Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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6
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Yaacoub S, Khabsa J, El-Khoury R, El-Harakeh A, Lotfi T, Saad Z, Itani Z, Khamis AM, El Mikati I, Cuello-Garcia CA, Verdugo-Paiva F, Rada G, Schünemann HJ, Rizk N, Akl EA. COVID-19 transmission during swimming-related activities: a rapid systematic review. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:1112. [PMID: 34711198 PMCID: PMC8553516 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06802-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are uncertainties about mitigating strategies for swimming-related activities in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. There is an opportunity to learn from the experience of previous re-openings to better plan the future one. Our objectives are to systematically review the evidence on (1) the association between engaging in swimming-related activities and COVID-19 transmission; and (2) the effects of strategies for preventing COVID-19 transmission during swimming-related activities. METHODS We conducted a rapid systematic review. We searched in the L·OVE (Living OVerview of Evidence) platform for COVID-19. The searches covered the period from the inception date of each database until April 19, 2021. We included non-randomized studies for the review on association of COVID-19 transmission and swimming-related activities. We included guidance documents reporting on the strategies for prevention of COVID-19 transmission during swimming-related activities. We also included studies on the efficacy and safety of the strategies. Teams of two reviewers independently assessed article eligibility. For the guidance documents, a single reviewer assessed the eligibility and a second reviewer verified the judgement. Teams of two reviewers extracted data independently. We summarized the findings of included studies narratively. We synthesized information from guidance documents according to the identified topics and subtopics, and presented them in tabular and narrative formats. RESULTS We identified three studies providing very low certainty evidence for the association between engaging in swimming-related activities and COVID-19 transmission. The analysis of 50 eligible guidance documents identified 11 topics: ensuring social distancing, ensuring personal hygiene, using personal protective equipment, eating and drinking, maintaining the pool, managing frequently touched surfaces, ventilation of indoor spaces, screening and management of sickness, delivering first aid, raising awareness, and vaccination. One study assessing the efficacy of strategies to prevent COVID-19 transmission did not find an association between compliance with precautionary restrictions and COVID-19 transmission. CONCLUSIONS There are major gaps in the research evidence of relevance to swimming-related activities in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the synthesis of the identified strategies from guidance documents can inform public health management strategies for swimming-related activities, particularly in future re-opening plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Yaacoub
- Clinical Research Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Joanne Khabsa
- Clinical Research Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rayane El-Khoury
- Clinical Research Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Amena El-Harakeh
- Clinical Research Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Tamara Lotfi
- Health Research Methods, Evidence & Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.,WHO Collaborating Center for Infectious Diseases, Research Methods and Recommendations; Michael G DeGroote Cochrane Canada Centre; GRADE Canada Centre, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Zahra Saad
- Clinical Research Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Zeina Itani
- Clinical Research Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Assem M Khamis
- Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, England
| | | | | | - Francisca Verdugo-Paiva
- Epistemonikos Foundation, Santiago, Chile.,UC Evidence Center, Cochrane Chile Associated Center, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gabriel Rada
- Epistemonikos Foundation, Santiago, Chile.,UC Evidence Center, Cochrane Chile Associated Center, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Holger J Schünemann
- Health Research Methods, Evidence & Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.,WHO Collaborating Center for Infectious Diseases, Research Methods and Recommendations; Michael G DeGroote Cochrane Canada Centre; GRADE Canada Centre, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Nesrine Rizk
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut, 11-0236 / CRI (E15), Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Elie A Akl
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut, 11-0236 / CRI (E15), Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon.
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7
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Stewart R, El-Harakeh A, Cherian SA. Evidence synthesis communities in low-income and middle-income countries and the COVID-19 response. Lancet 2020; 396:1539-1541. [PMID: 33096041 PMCID: PMC7575272 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(20)32141-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Stewart
- Africa Centre for Evidence, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa.
| | - Amena El-Harakeh
- Center for Systematic Reviews of Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sunu Alice Cherian
- Pushpagiri Centre for Evidence-Based Practice, Pushpagiri Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Center, Thiruvalla, Kerala, India
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Abdul-Khalek RA, Kayyal W, Akkawi AR, Almalla M, Arif K, Bou-Karroum L, El-Harakeh A, Elzalabany MK, Fadlallah R, Ghaddar F, Kashlan D, Kassas S, Khater T, Mobayed N, Rahme D, Saifi O, Jabbour S, El-Jardali F, Akl EA, Jawad M. Health-related articles on Syria before and after the start of armed conflict: a scoping review for The Lancet-American University of Beirut Commission on Syria. Confl Health 2020; 14:73. [PMID: 33292430 PMCID: PMC7643257 DOI: 10.1186/s13031-020-00316-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Armed conflict may influence the size and scope of research in Arab countries. We aimed to assess the impact of the 2011 Syrian conflict on health articles about Syria published in indexed journals. Methods We conducted a scoping review on Syrian health-related articles using seven electronic databases. We included clinical, biomedical, public health, or health system topics published between 1991 and 2017. We excluded animal studies and studies conducted on Syrian refugees. We used descriptive and social network analyses to assess the differences in rates, types, topics of articles, and authorship before and after 2011, the start of the Syrian conflict. Results Of 1138 articles, 826 (72.6%) were published after 2011. Articles published after 2011 were less likely to be primary research; had a greater proportion reporting on mental health (4.6% vs. 10.0%), accidents and injuries (2.3% vs. 18.8%), and conflict and health (1.7% vs. 7.8%) (all p < 0.05); and a lower proportion reporting on child and maternal health (8.1 to 3.6%, p = 0.019). The proportion of research articles reporting no funding increased from 1.1 to 14.6% (p < 0.01). While international collaborations increased over time, the number of articles with no authors affiliated to Syrian institutions overtook those with at least one author affiliation to a Syrian institution for the first time in 2015. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the impact of armed conflict on health scholarship in Syria. The Syrian conflict was associated with a change in the rates, types, and topics of the health-related articles, and authors’ affiliations. Our findings have implications for the prioritization of research funding, development of inclusive research collaborations, and promoting the ethics of conducting research in complex humanitarian settings. Supplementary Information Supplementary information accompanies this paper at 10.1186/s13031-020-00316-7.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Walaa Kayyal
- Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Mohamad Almalla
- Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Khurram Arif
- Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Lama Bou-Karroum
- Center for Systematic Reviews on Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Amena El-Harakeh
- Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Manal K Elzalabany
- Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Racha Fadlallah
- Center for Systematic Reviews on Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Fatima Ghaddar
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Danna Kashlan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sara Kassas
- Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Tania Khater
- Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Dalal Rahme
- AUB Libraries, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Omran Saifi
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Samer Jabbour
- Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Fadi El-Jardali
- Center for Systematic Reviews on Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Elie A Akl
- Clinical Research Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Mohammed Jawad
- Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.,Public Health Policy Evaluation Unit, Imperial College London, London, UK
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9
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Habib RR, El-Harakeh A, Ziadee M, Abi Younes E, El Asmar K. Social capital, social cohesion, and health of Syrian refugee working children living in informal tented settlements in Lebanon: A cross-sectional study. PLoS Med 2020; 17:e1003283. [PMID: 32877401 PMCID: PMC7467280 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since 2011, the protracted Syrian war has had tragic consequences on the lives of the Syrian people, threatening their stability, health, and well-being. The most vulnerable are children, who face interruption of schooling and child labor. This study explored the relationship between social capital and the physical health and emotional well-being of Syrian refugee working children in rural areas of Lebanon. METHODS AND FINDINGS In this cross-sectional study, we surveyed 4,090 Syrian refugee children working in the Bekaa Valley of Lebanon in 2017. Children (8-18 years) gave direct testimony on their living and social environment in face-to-face interviews. Logistic regressions assessed the association of social capital and social cohesion with the health and emotional well-being of Syrian refugee working children; specifically, poor self-rated health, reporting a health problem, engaging in risky health behavior, feeling lonely, feeling optimistic, and being satisfied with life. Of the 4,090 working children in the study, 11% reported poor health, 16% reported having a health problem, and 13% were engaged in risky behaviors. The majority (67.5%) reported feeling lonely, while around 53% were optimistic and 59% were satisfied with life. The study findings suggest that positive social capital constructs were associated with better health. Lower levels of social cohesion (e.g., not spending time with friends) were significantly associated with poor self-rated health, reporting a physical health problem, and feeling more lonely ([adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 2.4; CI 1.76-3.36, p < 0.001], [AOR, 1.9; CI 1.44-2.55, p < 0.001], and [AOR, 0.5; CI 0.38-0.76, p < 0.001], respectively). Higher levels of social support (e.g., having good social relations), family social capital (e.g., discussing personal issues with parents), and neighborhood attachment (e.g., having a close friend) were all significantly associated with being more optimistic ([AOR, 1.5; CI 1.2-1.75, p < 0.001], [AOR, 1.3; CI 1.11-1.52, p < 0.001], and [AOR, 1.9; CI 1.58-2.29, p < 0.001], respectively) and more satisfied with life ([AOR, 1.3; CI 1.01-1.54, p = 0.04], [AOR, 1.2; CI 1.01-1.4, p = 0.04], and [AOR, 1.3; CI 1.08-1.6, p = 0.006], respectively). The main limitations of this study were its cross-sectional design, as well as other design issues (using self-reported health measures, using a questionnaire that was not subject to a validation study, and giving equal weighting to all the components of the health and emotional well-being indicators). CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the association between social capital, social cohesion, and refugee working children's physical and emotional health. In spite of the poor living and working conditions that Syrian refugee children experience, having a close-knit network of family and friends was associated with better health. Interventions that consider social capital dimensions might contribute to improving the health of Syrian refugee children in informal tented settlements (ITSs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rima. R. Habib
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- * E-mail:
| | - Amena El-Harakeh
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Micheline Ziadee
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Elio Abi Younes
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Khalil El Asmar
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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10
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Schünemann HJ, Khabsa J, Solo K, Khamis AM, Brignardello-Petersen R, El-Harakeh A, Darzi A, Hajizadeh A, Bognanni A, Bak A, Izcovich A, Cuello-Garcia CA, Chen C, Borowiack E, Chamseddine F, Schünemann F, Morgano GP, Muti-Schünemann GEU, Chen G, Zhao H, Neumann I, Brozek J, Schmidt J, Hneiny L, Harrison L, Reinap M, Junek M, Santesso N, El-Khoury R, Thomas R, Nieuwlaat R, Stalteri R, Yaacoub S, Lotfi T, Baldeh T, Piggott T, Zhang Y, Saad Z, Rochwerg B, Perri D, Fan E, Stehling F, Akl IB, Loeb M, Garner P, Aston S, Alhazzani W, Szczeklik W, Chu DK, Akl EA. Ventilation Techniques and Risk for Transmission of Coronavirus Disease, Including COVID-19: A Living Systematic Review of Multiple Streams of Evidence. Ann Intern Med 2020; 173:204-216. [PMID: 32442035 PMCID: PMC7281716 DOI: 10.7326/m20-2306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mechanical ventilation is used to treat respiratory failure in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). PURPOSE To review multiple streams of evidence regarding the benefits and harms of ventilation techniques for coronavirus infections, including that causing COVID-19. DATA SOURCES 21 standard, World Health Organization-specific and COVID-19-specific databases, without language restrictions, until 1 May 2020. STUDY SELECTION Studies of any design and language comparing different oxygenation approaches in patients with coronavirus infections, including severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) or Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), or with hypoxemic respiratory failure. Animal, mechanistic, laboratory, and preclinical evidence was gathered regarding aerosol dispersion of coronavirus. Studies evaluating risk for virus transmission to health care workers from aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) were included. DATA EXTRACTION Independent and duplicate screening, data abstraction, and risk-of-bias assessment (GRADE for certainty of evidence and AMSTAR 2 for included systematic reviews). DATA SYNTHESIS 123 studies were eligible (45 on COVID-19, 70 on SARS, 8 on MERS), but only 5 studies (1 on COVID-19, 3 on SARS, 1 on MERS) adjusted for important confounders. A study in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 reported slightly higher mortality with noninvasive ventilation (NIV) than with invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), but 2 opposing studies, 1 in patients with MERS and 1 in patients with SARS, suggest a reduction in mortality with NIV (very-low-certainty evidence). Two studies in patients with SARS report a reduction in mortality with NIV compared with no mechanical ventilation (low-certainty evidence). Two systematic reviews suggest a large reduction in mortality with NIV compared with conventional oxygen therapy. Other included studies suggest increased odds of transmission from AGPs. LIMITATION Direct studies in COVID-19 are limited and poorly reported. CONCLUSION Indirect and low-certainty evidence suggests that use of NIV, similar to IMV, probably reduces mortality but may increase the risk for transmission of COVID-19 to health care workers. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE World Health Organization. (PROSPERO: CRD42020178187).
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Affiliation(s)
- Holger J Schünemann
- McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (H.J.S., K.S., R.B., A.D., A.H., A.B., C.A.C., F.S., G.P.M., J.B., J.S., L.H., M.J., N.S., R.N., R.S., T.L., T.B., T.P., Y.Z., B.R., D.P., M.L., W.A., D.K.C.)
| | - Joanne Khabsa
- American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon (J.K., A.E., F.C., L.H., R.E., S.Y., Z.S., I.B.A., E.A.A.)
| | - Karla Solo
- McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (H.J.S., K.S., R.B., A.D., A.H., A.B., C.A.C., F.S., G.P.M., J.B., J.S., L.H., M.J., N.S., R.N., R.S., T.L., T.B., T.P., Y.Z., B.R., D.P., M.L., W.A., D.K.C.)
| | | | - Romina Brignardello-Petersen
- McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (H.J.S., K.S., R.B., A.D., A.H., A.B., C.A.C., F.S., G.P.M., J.B., J.S., L.H., M.J., N.S., R.N., R.S., T.L., T.B., T.P., Y.Z., B.R., D.P., M.L., W.A., D.K.C.)
| | - Amena El-Harakeh
- American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon (J.K., A.E., F.C., L.H., R.E., S.Y., Z.S., I.B.A., E.A.A.)
| | - Andrea Darzi
- McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (H.J.S., K.S., R.B., A.D., A.H., A.B., C.A.C., F.S., G.P.M., J.B., J.S., L.H., M.J., N.S., R.N., R.S., T.L., T.B., T.P., Y.Z., B.R., D.P., M.L., W.A., D.K.C.)
| | - Anisa Hajizadeh
- McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (H.J.S., K.S., R.B., A.D., A.H., A.B., C.A.C., F.S., G.P.M., J.B., J.S., L.H., M.J., N.S., R.N., R.S., T.L., T.B., T.P., Y.Z., B.R., D.P., M.L., W.A., D.K.C.)
| | - Antonio Bognanni
- McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (H.J.S., K.S., R.B., A.D., A.H., A.B., C.A.C., F.S., G.P.M., J.B., J.S., L.H., M.J., N.S., R.N., R.S., T.L., T.B., T.P., Y.Z., B.R., D.P., M.L., W.A., D.K.C.)
| | - Anna Bak
- Evidence Prime, Krakow, Poland (A.B., E.B.)
| | - Ariel Izcovich
- German Hospital of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina (A.I.)
| | - Carlos A Cuello-Garcia
- McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (H.J.S., K.S., R.B., A.D., A.H., A.B., C.A.C., F.S., G.P.M., J.B., J.S., L.H., M.J., N.S., R.N., R.S., T.L., T.B., T.P., Y.Z., B.R., D.P., M.L., W.A., D.K.C.)
| | - Chen Chen
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China (C.C.)
| | | | - Fatimah Chamseddine
- American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon (J.K., A.E., F.C., L.H., R.E., S.Y., Z.S., I.B.A., E.A.A.)
| | - Finn Schünemann
- McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (H.J.S., K.S., R.B., A.D., A.H., A.B., C.A.C., F.S., G.P.M., J.B., J.S., L.H., M.J., N.S., R.N., R.S., T.L., T.B., T.P., Y.Z., B.R., D.P., M.L., W.A., D.K.C.)
| | - Gian Paolo Morgano
- McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (H.J.S., K.S., R.B., A.D., A.H., A.B., C.A.C., F.S., G.P.M., J.B., J.S., L.H., M.J., N.S., R.N., R.S., T.L., T.B., T.P., Y.Z., B.R., D.P., M.L., W.A., D.K.C.)
| | | | - Guang Chen
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China (G.C.)
| | - Hong Zhao
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China (H.Z.)
| | - Ignacio Neumann
- McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile (I.N.)
| | - Jan Brozek
- McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (H.J.S., K.S., R.B., A.D., A.H., A.B., C.A.C., F.S., G.P.M., J.B., J.S., L.H., M.J., N.S., R.N., R.S., T.L., T.B., T.P., Y.Z., B.R., D.P., M.L., W.A., D.K.C.)
| | - Joel Schmidt
- McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (H.J.S., K.S., R.B., A.D., A.H., A.B., C.A.C., F.S., G.P.M., J.B., J.S., L.H., M.J., N.S., R.N., R.S., T.L., T.B., T.P., Y.Z., B.R., D.P., M.L., W.A., D.K.C.)
| | - Layal Hneiny
- American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon (J.K., A.E., F.C., L.H., R.E., S.Y., Z.S., I.B.A., E.A.A.)
| | - Leila Harrison
- McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (H.J.S., K.S., R.B., A.D., A.H., A.B., C.A.C., F.S., G.P.M., J.B., J.S., L.H., M.J., N.S., R.N., R.S., T.L., T.B., T.P., Y.Z., B.R., D.P., M.L., W.A., D.K.C.)
| | - Marge Reinap
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London United Kingdom (M.R.)
| | - Mats Junek
- McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (H.J.S., K.S., R.B., A.D., A.H., A.B., C.A.C., F.S., G.P.M., J.B., J.S., L.H., M.J., N.S., R.N., R.S., T.L., T.B., T.P., Y.Z., B.R., D.P., M.L., W.A., D.K.C.)
| | - Nancy Santesso
- McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (H.J.S., K.S., R.B., A.D., A.H., A.B., C.A.C., F.S., G.P.M., J.B., J.S., L.H., M.J., N.S., R.N., R.S., T.L., T.B., T.P., Y.Z., B.R., D.P., M.L., W.A., D.K.C.)
| | - Rayane El-Khoury
- American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon (J.K., A.E., F.C., L.H., R.E., S.Y., Z.S., I.B.A., E.A.A.)
| | - Rebecca Thomas
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom (R.T., P.G.)
| | - Robby Nieuwlaat
- McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (H.J.S., K.S., R.B., A.D., A.H., A.B., C.A.C., F.S., G.P.M., J.B., J.S., L.H., M.J., N.S., R.N., R.S., T.L., T.B., T.P., Y.Z., B.R., D.P., M.L., W.A., D.K.C.)
| | - Rosa Stalteri
- McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (H.J.S., K.S., R.B., A.D., A.H., A.B., C.A.C., F.S., G.P.M., J.B., J.S., L.H., M.J., N.S., R.N., R.S., T.L., T.B., T.P., Y.Z., B.R., D.P., M.L., W.A., D.K.C.)
| | - Sally Yaacoub
- American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon (J.K., A.E., F.C., L.H., R.E., S.Y., Z.S., I.B.A., E.A.A.)
| | - Tamara Lotfi
- McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (H.J.S., K.S., R.B., A.D., A.H., A.B., C.A.C., F.S., G.P.M., J.B., J.S., L.H., M.J., N.S., R.N., R.S., T.L., T.B., T.P., Y.Z., B.R., D.P., M.L., W.A., D.K.C.)
| | - Tejan Baldeh
- McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (H.J.S., K.S., R.B., A.D., A.H., A.B., C.A.C., F.S., G.P.M., J.B., J.S., L.H., M.J., N.S., R.N., R.S., T.L., T.B., T.P., Y.Z., B.R., D.P., M.L., W.A., D.K.C.)
| | - Thomas Piggott
- McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (H.J.S., K.S., R.B., A.D., A.H., A.B., C.A.C., F.S., G.P.M., J.B., J.S., L.H., M.J., N.S., R.N., R.S., T.L., T.B., T.P., Y.Z., B.R., D.P., M.L., W.A., D.K.C.)
| | - Yuan Zhang
- McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (H.J.S., K.S., R.B., A.D., A.H., A.B., C.A.C., F.S., G.P.M., J.B., J.S., L.H., M.J., N.S., R.N., R.S., T.L., T.B., T.P., Y.Z., B.R., D.P., M.L., W.A., D.K.C.)
| | - Zahra Saad
- American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon (J.K., A.E., F.C., L.H., R.E., S.Y., Z.S., I.B.A., E.A.A.)
| | - Bram Rochwerg
- McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (H.J.S., K.S., R.B., A.D., A.H., A.B., C.A.C., F.S., G.P.M., J.B., J.S., L.H., M.J., N.S., R.N., R.S., T.L., T.B., T.P., Y.Z., B.R., D.P., M.L., W.A., D.K.C.)
| | - Dan Perri
- McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (H.J.S., K.S., R.B., A.D., A.H., A.B., C.A.C., F.S., G.P.M., J.B., J.S., L.H., M.J., N.S., R.N., R.S., T.L., T.B., T.P., Y.Z., B.R., D.P., M.L., W.A., D.K.C.)
| | - Eddy Fan
- Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (E.F.)
| | | | - Imad Bou Akl
- American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon (J.K., A.E., F.C., L.H., R.E., S.Y., Z.S., I.B.A., E.A.A.)
| | - Mark Loeb
- McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (H.J.S., K.S., R.B., A.D., A.H., A.B., C.A.C., F.S., G.P.M., J.B., J.S., L.H., M.J., N.S., R.N., R.S., T.L., T.B., T.P., Y.Z., B.R., D.P., M.L., W.A., D.K.C.)
| | - Paul Garner
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom (R.T., P.G.)
| | - Stephen Aston
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom (S.A.)
| | - Waleed Alhazzani
- McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (H.J.S., K.S., R.B., A.D., A.H., A.B., C.A.C., F.S., G.P.M., J.B., J.S., L.H., M.J., N.S., R.N., R.S., T.L., T.B., T.P., Y.Z., B.R., D.P., M.L., W.A., D.K.C.)
| | | | - Derek K Chu
- McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (H.J.S., K.S., R.B., A.D., A.H., A.B., C.A.C., F.S., G.P.M., J.B., J.S., L.H., M.J., N.S., R.N., R.S., T.L., T.B., T.P., Y.Z., B.R., D.P., M.L., W.A., D.K.C.)
| | - Elie A Akl
- American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon (J.K., A.E., F.C., L.H., R.E., S.Y., Z.S., I.B.A., E.A.A.)
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Bou-Karroum L, El-Harakeh A, Kassamany I, Ismail H, El Arnaout N, Charide R, Madi F, Jamali S, Martineau T, El-Jardali F, Akl EA. Health care workers in conflict and post-conflict settings: Systematic mapping of the evidence. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233757. [PMID: 32470071 PMCID: PMC7259645 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health care workers (HCWs) are essential for the delivery of health care services in conflict areas and in rebuilding health systems post-conflict. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to systematically identify and map the published evidence on HCWs in conflict and post-conflict settings. Our ultimate aim is to inform researchers and funders on research gap on this subject and support relevant stakeholders by providing them with a comprehensive resource of evidence about HCWs in conflict and post-conflict settings on a global scale. METHODS We conducted a systematic mapping of the literature. We included a wide range of study designs, addressing any type of personnel providing health services in either conflict or post-conflict settings. We conducted a descriptive analysis of the general characteristics of the included papers and built two interactive systematic maps organized by country, study design and theme. RESULTS Out of 13,863 identified citations, we included a total of 474 studies: 304 on conflict settings, 149 on post-conflict settings, and 21 on both conflict and post-conflict settings. For conflict settings, the most studied counties were Iraq (15%), Syria (15%), Israel (10%), and the State of Palestine (9%). The most common types of publication were opinion pieces in conflict settings (39%), and primary studies (33%) in post-conflict settings. In addition, most of the first and corresponding authors were affiliated with countries different from the country focus of the paper. Violence against health workers was the most tackled theme of papers reporting on conflict settings, while workforce performance was the most addressed theme by papers reporting on post-conflict settings. The majority of papers in both conflict and post-conflict settings did not report funding sources (81% and 53%) or conflicts of interest of authors (73% and 62%), and around half of primary studies did not report on ethical approvals (45% and 41%). CONCLUSIONS This systematic mapping provides a comprehensive database of evidence about HCWs in conflict and post-conflict settings on a global scale that is often needed to inform policies and strategies on effective workforce planning and management and in reducing emigration. It can also be used to identify evidence for policy-relevant questions, knowledge gaps to direct future primary research, and knowledge clusters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lama Bou-Karroum
- Center for Systematic Reviews on Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Health Management and Policy, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Amena El-Harakeh
- Center for Systematic Reviews on Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Clinical Research Institute (CRI), American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Inas Kassamany
- Department of Health Management and Policy, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hussein Ismail
- Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nour El Arnaout
- Global Health Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rana Charide
- Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Farah Madi
- Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sarah Jamali
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Tim Martineau
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom
| | - Fadi El-Jardali
- Center for Systematic Reviews on Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Health Management and Policy, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (HEI), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elie A. Akl
- Center for Systematic Reviews on Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Clinical Research Institute (CRI), American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (HEI), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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12
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Yaacoub S, Schünemann HJ, Khabsa J, El-Harakeh A, Khamis AM, Chamseddine F, El Khoury R, Saad Z, Hneiny L, Cuello Garcia C, Muti-Schünemann GEU, Bognanni A, Chen C, Chen G, Zhang Y, Zhao H, Abi Hanna P, Loeb M, Piggott T, Reinap M, Rizk N, Stalteri R, Duda S, Solo K, Chu DK, Akl EA. Safe management of bodies of deceased persons with suspected or confirmed COVID-19: a rapid systematic review. BMJ Glob Health 2020; 5:e002650. [PMID: 32409328 PMCID: PMC7234869 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-002650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Proper strategies to minimise the risk of infection in individuals handling the bodies of deceased persons infected with 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) are urgently needed. The objective of this study was to systematically review the literature to scope and assess the effects of specific strategies for the management of the bodies. METHODS We searched five general, three Chinese and four coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-specific electronic databases. We searched registries of clinical trials, websites of governmental and other relevant organisations, reference lists of the included papers and relevant systematic reviews, and Epistemonikos for relevant systematic reviews. We included guidance documents providing practical advice on the handling of bodies of deceased persons with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. Then, we sought primary evidence of any study design reporting on the efficacy and safety of the identified strategies in coronaviruses. We included evidence relevant to contextual factors (ie, acceptability). A single reviewer extracted data using a pilot-tested form and graded the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach. A second reviewer verified the data and assessments. RESULTS We identified one study proposing an uncommon strategy for autopsies for patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome. The study provided very low-certainty evidence that it reduced the risk of transmission. We identified 23 guidance documents providing practical advice on the steps of handling the bodies: preparation, packing, and others and advice related to both the handling of the dead bodies and the use of personal protective equipment by individuals handling them. We did not identify COVID-19 evidence relevant to any of these steps. CONCLUSION While a substantive number of guidance documents propose specific strategies, we identified no study providing direct evidence for the effects of any of those strategies. While this review highlights major research gaps, it allows interested entities to build their own guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Yaacoub
- Clinical Research Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Holger J Schünemann
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Diseases, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Research Methods and Recommendations and the Michael G. DeGroote Cochrane Canada and McGRADE Centres, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joanne Khabsa
- Clinical Research Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Amena El-Harakeh
- Clinical Research Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | | | - Rayane El Khoury
- Clinical Research Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Zahra Saad
- Global Evidence Synthesis Initiative, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Layal Hneiny
- University Libraries, Saab Medical Library, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Carlos Cuello Garcia
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Antonio Bognanni
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chen Chen
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, The Fourth Clinical Medical College, Guangdong, China
| | - Guang Chen
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hong Zhao
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Pierre Abi Hanna
- Infectious Disease Division, Rafik Hariri University Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mark Loeb
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Thomas Piggott
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marge Reinap
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Nesrine Rizk
- Division of Infectious Diseases, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rosa Stalteri
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephanie Duda
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Karla Solo
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Derek K Chu
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elie A Akl
- Clinical Research Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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13
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Fadlallah R, El-Harakeh A, Bou-Karroum L, Lotfi T, El-Jardali F, Hishi L, Akl EA. A common framework of steps and criteria for prioritizing topics for evidence syntheses: a systematic review. J Clin Epidemiol 2020; 120:67-85. [PMID: 31846688 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2019.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to systematically review the literature for proposed approaches and exercises conducted to prioritize topics or questions for systematic reviews and other types of evidence syntheses in any health-related area. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING A systematic review. We searched Medline and CINAHL databases in addition to Cochrane website and Google Scholar. Teams of two reviewers independently screened the studies and extracted data. RESULTS We included 31 articles reporting on 29 studies: seven proposed approaches for prioritization and 25 conducted prioritization exercises (three studies did both). The included studies addressed the following fields: clinical (n = 19; 66%), public health (n = 10; 34%), and health policy and systems (n = 8; 28%), with six studies (21%) addressing more than one field. We categorized prioritization into 11 steps clustered in 3 phases (preprioritization, prioritization, and postprioritization). Twenty-eight studies (97%) involved or proposed involving stakeholders in the priority-setting process. These 28 studies referred to twelve stakeholder categories, most frequently to health care providers (n = 24; 86%) and researchers (n = 21; 75%). A common framework of 25 prioritization criteria was derived, clustered in 10 domains. CONCLUSION We identified literature that addresses different aspects of prioritizing topics or questions for evidence syntheses, including prioritization steps and criteria. The identified steps and criteria can serve as a menu of options to select from, as judged appropriate to the context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Racha Fadlallah
- Center for Systematic Reviews on Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Health Management and Policy, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Amena El-Harakeh
- Center for Systematic Reviews on Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Lama Bou-Karroum
- Center for Systematic Reviews on Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Health Management and Policy, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Tamara Lotfi
- Global Evidence Synthesis Initiative (GESI), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Fadi El-Jardali
- Center for Systematic Reviews on Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Health Management and Policy, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (HEI), McMaster University, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lama Hishi
- Center for Systematic Reviews on Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Elie A Akl
- Center for Systematic Reviews on Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (HEI), McMaster University, Ontario, Canada.
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14
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El-Harakeh A, Lotfi T, Ahmad A, Morsi RZ, Fadlallah R, Bou-Karroum L, Akl EA. The implementation of prioritization exercises in the development and update of health practice guidelines: A scoping review. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0229249. [PMID: 32196520 PMCID: PMC7083273 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The development of trustworthy guidelines requires substantial investment of resources and time. This highlights the need to prioritize topics for guideline development and update. Objective To systematically identify and describe prioritization exercises that have been conducted for the purpose of the de novo development, update or adaptation of health practice guidelines. Methods We searched Medline and CINAHL electronic databases from inception to July 2019, supplemented by hand-searching Google Scholar and the reference lists of relevant studies. We included studies describing prioritization exercises that have been conducted during the de novo development, update or adaptation of guidelines addressing clinical, public health or health systems topics. Two reviewers worked independently and in duplicate to complete study selection and data extraction. We consolidated findings in a semi-quantitative and narrative way. Results Out of 33,339 identified citations, twelve studies met the eligibility criteria. All included studies focused on prioritizing topics; none on questions or outcomes. While three exercises focused on updating guidelines, nine were on de novo development. All included studies addressed clinical topics. We adopted a framework that categorizes prioritization into 11 steps clustered in three phases (pre-prioritization, prioritization and post-prioritization). Four studies covered more than half of the 11 prioritization steps across the three phases. The most frequently reported steps for generating initial list of topics were stakeholders’ input (n = 8) and literature review (n = 7). The application of criteria to determine research priorities was used in eight studies. We used and updated a common framework of 22 prioritization criteria, clustered in 6 domains. The most frequently reported criteria related to the health burden of disease (n = 9) and potential impact of the intervention on health outcomes (n = 5). All the studies involved health care providers in the prioritization exercises. Only one study involved patients. There was a variation in the number and type of the prioritization exercises’ outputs. Conclusions This review included 12 prioritization exercises that addressed different aspects of priority setting for guideline development and update that can guide the work of researchers, funders, and other stakeholders seeking to prioritize guideline topics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amena El-Harakeh
- Center for Systematic Reviews on Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Clinical Research Institute (CRI), American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Tamara Lotfi
- Global Evidence Synthesis Initiative (GESI) Secretariat, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ali Ahmad
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rami Z. Morsi
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Racha Fadlallah
- Center for Systematic Reviews on Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Health Management and Policy, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Lama Bou-Karroum
- Center for Systematic Reviews on Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Health Management and Policy, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Elie A. Akl
- Center for Systematic Reviews on Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Clinical Research Institute (CRI), American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (HEI), McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- * E-mail:
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15
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Khabsa J, Semaan A, El-Harakeh A, Khamis AM, Obeid S, Noureldine HA, Akl EA. Financial relationships between patient and consumer representatives and the health industry: A systematic review. Health Expect 2019; 23:483-495. [PMID: 31858662 PMCID: PMC7104632 DOI: 10.1111/hex.13013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patients and consumers are increasingly engaged in health policymaking, research and drug regulation. Having financial relationships with the health industry creates situations of conflicts of interest (COI) and might compromise their meaningful and unbiased participation. Objective To synthesize available evidence on the financial relationships between the health industry and patient and consumer representatives and their organizations. Methods We systematically searched MEDLINE and EMBASE. We selected studies and abstracted data in duplicate and independently. We reported on outcomes related to financial relationships of individuals with, and/or funding of organizations by the health industry. Results We identified a total of 14 510 unique citations, of which 24 reports of 23 studies were eligible. Three studies (13%) addressed the financial relationship of patient and consumer representatives with the health industry. Of these, two examined the proportion of public speakers in drug regulatory processes who have financial relationships; the proportions in the two studies were 25% and 19% respectively. Twenty studies (87%) addressed funding of patient and consumer organizations. The median proportion of organizations that reported funding from the health industry was 62% (IQR: 34%‐69%) in questionnaire surveys, and 75% (IQR: 58%‐85%) in surveys of their websites. Among organizations for which there was evidence of industry funding, a median proportion of 29% (IQR: 27%‐44%) acknowledged on their websites receiving that funding. Conclusion Financial relationships between the health industry and patient and consumer representatives and their organizations are common and may not be disclosed. Stricter regulation on disclosure and management is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Khabsa
- Clinical Research Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Aline Semaan
- Center for Research on Population and Health, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Amena El-Harakeh
- Clinical Research Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.,Center for Systematic Reviews on Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Assem M Khamis
- Clinical Research Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Serena Obeid
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Elie A Akl
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.,Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (HE&I), McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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16
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El-Harakeh A, Morsi RZ, Fadlallah R, Bou-Karroum L, Lotfi T, Akl EA. Prioritization approaches in the development of health practice guidelines: a systematic review. BMC Health Serv Res 2019; 19:692. [PMID: 31615509 PMCID: PMC6792189 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-019-4567-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Given the considerable efforts and resources required to develop practice guidelines, developers need to prioritize what topics and questions to address. This study aims to identify and describe prioritization approaches in the development of clinical, public health, or health systems guidelines. Methods We searched Medline and CINAHL electronic databases in addition to Google Scholar. We included papers describing prioritization approaches in sufficient detail allowing for reproducibility. We synthesized findings in a semi-quantitative way. We followed an iterative process to develop a common framework of prioritization criteria that captures all of the criteria reported by each included study. Results Our search captured 33,339 unique citations out of which we identified 10 papers reporting prioritization approaches for guideline development. All of the identified approaches focused on prioritizing guideline topics but none on prioritizing recommendation questions or outcomes. The two most frequently reported steps of the development process for these approaches were reviewing the grey literature (9 out of 10, 90%) and engaging various stakeholders (9 out of 10, 90%). We derived a common framework of 20 prioritization criteria that can be used when prioritizing guideline topics. The most frequently reported criteria were the health burden of disease which was included in all of the approaches, practice variation (8 out of 10, 80%), and impact on health outcomes (7 out of 10, 70%). Two of the identified approaches stood out as being comprehensive and detailed. Conclusions We described 10 prioritization approaches in the development of health practice guidelines. There is a need to assess the effectiveness, efficiency and transparency of the identified approaches and to develop standardized and validated priority setting tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amena El-Harakeh
- Center for Systematic Reviews on Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.,Clinical Research Institute (CRI), American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rami Z Morsi
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Racha Fadlallah
- Center for Systematic Reviews on Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.,Department of Health Management and Policy, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Lama Bou-Karroum
- Center for Systematic Reviews on Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.,Department of Health Management and Policy, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Tamara Lotfi
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.,Global Evidence Synthesis Initiative (GESI) Secretariat, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Elie A Akl
- Center for Systematic Reviews on Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon. .,Clinical Research Institute (CRI), American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon. .,Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (HEI), McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada. .,Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, P.O. Box: 11-0236, Riad-El-Solh Beirut 1107 2020, Beirut, Lebanon.
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