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Evidence-Based Health Policy-Making and Health Outcomes Research

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Care Sciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2024 | Viewed by 23097

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Guest Editor
School of Health Sciences, Kristiania University College, 0152 Oslo, Norway
Interests: cost-effectiveness of health interventions; health outcomes measurement; global health; global burden of disease; comparative health policy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Health systems worldwide have contributed to better health and life expectancy with varying degrees of success for many years with limited resources. The primary purpose of any health system is to improve the health status of the population, protect society and people from possible financial risks with sustainable financing schemes, and maximize the health system users’ satisfaction with health care. In achieving this goal, it is crucial to allocate resources devoted to health efficiently. Estimating the costs of health interventions and health outcomes improvement is essential for policymakers for several reasons, including ensuring that results can be used to assess and improve health system performance and lower the burden of disease. Papers addressing the cost-effectiveness of health interventions at all levels, health-related quality of life, health technology assessment, the economic evaluation of health policies, the economic impact of health-related sustainable development goals, health outcomes measurement, the economic cost of chronic conditions, and pharmaco-economics are invited for this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Adnan Kisa
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • economic evaluation in health care
  • evidence-based decision-making in health policy
  • essential service packages
  • health outcomes measurement
  • patient-reported outcome
  • health technology assessment
  • rationing in health care delivery
  • health-related quality of life
  • DALYs
  • QALYs
  • health and development
  • pharmaco-economics

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 672 KiB  
Article
The Eastern Caribbean Health Outcomes Research Network (ECHORN) Cohort Study: Design, Methods, and Baseline Characteristics
by Terri-Ann M. Thompson, Mayur M. Desai, Josefa L. Martinez-Brockman, Baylah Tessier-Sherman, Maxine Nunez, O. Peter Adams, Cruz María Nazario, Rohan G. Maharaj and Marcella Nunez-Smith
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21010017 - 21 Dec 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2551
Abstract
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) account for a higher proportion of mortality and morbidity in the Caribbean and US territories—majority-minority communities—than in the United States or Canada. Strategies to address this disparity include enhancing data collection efforts among racial/ethnic communities. The ECHORN Cohort Study (ECS), [...] Read more.
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) account for a higher proportion of mortality and morbidity in the Caribbean and US territories—majority-minority communities—than in the United States or Canada. Strategies to address this disparity include enhancing data collection efforts among racial/ethnic communities. The ECHORN Cohort Study (ECS), a regional adult cohort study, estimates prevalence and assesses risk factors for NCDs in two United States territories and two Caribbean islands. Here, we describe the cohort study approach, sampling methods, data components, and demographic makeup for wave one participants. We enrolled ECS participants from each participating island using random and probability sampling frames. Data components include a clinical examination, laboratory tests, a brief clinical questionnaire, and a self-administered health survey. A subset of ECS participants provided a blood sample to biobank for future studies. Approximately 2961 participants were enrolled in wave one of the ECS. On average, participants are 57 years of age, and the majority self-identify as female. Data from the ECS allow for comparisons of NCD outcomes among racial/ethnic populations in the US territories and the US and evaluations of the impact of COVID-19 on NCD management and will help highlight opportunities for new research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evidence-Based Health Policy-Making and Health Outcomes Research)
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10 pages, 323 KiB  
Article
Using Simulations to Help Public Health Students Overcome Language Barriers for Better Health Outcomes
by Hilde Skjerve, Lars Erik Braaum, Ursula Småland Goth and Anette Sørensen
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(13), 6259; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20136259 - 30 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2151
Abstract
Growing migration into Norway has increasingly strained the country’s health services. Good communication is essential to ensure quality care. Often, healthcare workers and immigrant clients do not share a common language, and it is known that the conditions and expectations of immigrant clients [...] Read more.
Growing migration into Norway has increasingly strained the country’s health services. Good communication is essential to ensure quality care. Often, healthcare workers and immigrant clients do not share a common language, and it is known that the conditions and expectations of immigrant clients can be different from the majority population. This study aimed to explore the viability of utilizing simulations as a pedagogical tool for educating public health students in effectively navigating a multicultural environment to promote better health outcomes. This study is a component of an extra-curricular training project that utilized a convergent mixed-methods design. The present study focuses on reporting the qualitative component of the findings. The data collection process encompassed the implementation of a stepwise simulation exercise with case-based clinical scenarios focusing on three lifestyle diseases specifically designed for this study. Method triangulation was achieved by using different methodological approaches in the analysis. Our results show the importance of simulation training for healthcare students when working with clients who do not share the same language. Interactions with clients of different backgrounds must be practiced, and simulations can be used to improve healthcare students’ communication skills. The study highlights the need for healthcare education programs to integrate cultural competence simulation training and broaden the scope of medical training to address culturally challenging encounters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evidence-Based Health Policy-Making and Health Outcomes Research)
9 pages, 878 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Community-Based, Mobile HIV-Care, Peer-Delivered Linkage Case Management in Manzini Region, Eswatini
by Chutima Suraratdecha, Duncan MacKellar, Thabo Hlophe, Makhosazana Dlamini, Dawud Ujamaa, Sherri Pals, Lenhle Dube, Daniel Williams, Johnita Byrd, Phumzile Mndzebele, Stephanie Behel, Ishani Pathmanathan, Sikhathele Mazibuko, Endale Tilahun and Caroline Ryan
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(1), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010038 - 20 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1744
Abstract
The success of antiretroviral therapy (ART) requires continuous engagement in care and optimal levels of adherence to achieve sustained HIV viral suppression. We evaluated HIV-care cascade costs and outcomes of a community-based, mobile HIV-care, peer-delivered linkage case-management program (CommLink) implemented in Manzini region, [...] Read more.
The success of antiretroviral therapy (ART) requires continuous engagement in care and optimal levels of adherence to achieve sustained HIV viral suppression. We evaluated HIV-care cascade costs and outcomes of a community-based, mobile HIV-care, peer-delivered linkage case-management program (CommLink) implemented in Manzini region, Eswatini. Abstraction teams visited referral facilities during July 2019–April 2020 to locate, match, and abstract the clinical data of CommLink clients diagnosed between March 2016 and March 2018. An ingredients-based costing approach was used to assess economic costs associated with CommLink. The estimated total CommLink costs were $2 million. Personnel costs were the dominant component, followed by travel, commodities and supplies, and training. Costs per client tested positive were $499. Costs per client initiated on ART within 7, 30, and 90 days of diagnosis were $2114, $1634, and $1480, respectively. Costs per client initiated and retained on ART 6, 12, and 18 months after diagnosis were $2343, $2378, and $2462, respectively. CommLink outcomes and costs can help inform community-based HIV testing, linkage, and retention programs in other settings to strengthen effectiveness and improve efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evidence-Based Health Policy-Making and Health Outcomes Research)
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22 pages, 4869 KiB  
Article
The Perception of Health Professionals in Bangladesh toward the Digitalization of the Health Sector
by Md Shakhawat Hossain, M. M. Mahbubul Syeed, Kaniz Fatema and Mohammad Faisal Uddin
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(20), 13695; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192013695 - 21 Oct 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 6079
Abstract
Bangladesh is undertaking a major transformation towards digitalization in every sector, and healthcare is no exception. Digitalization of the health sector is expected to improve healthcare services while reducing human effort and ensuring the satisfaction of patients and health professionals. However, for practical [...] Read more.
Bangladesh is undertaking a major transformation towards digitalization in every sector, and healthcare is no exception. Digitalization of the health sector is expected to improve healthcare services while reducing human effort and ensuring the satisfaction of patients and health professionals. However, for practical and successful digitalization, it is necessary to understand the perceptions of health professionals. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional survey in Bangladesh to investigate health professionals’ perceptions in relation to various socio–demographic variables such as age, gender, location, profession and institution. We also evaluated their competencies, as digital health-related competencies are required for digitalization. Additionally, we identified major digitalization challenges. Quantitative survey data were analyzed with Python Pandas, and qualitative data were classified using Valence-Aware Dictionary and Sentiment Reasoner (VADER). This study found significant relationships between age χ2(12,N=701)=82.02,p<0.001; location χ2(4,N=701)=18.78,p<0.001; and profession χ2(16,N=701)=71.02,p<0.001; with technical competency. These variables also have similar influences on psychological competency. According to VADER, 88.1% (583/701) of respondents have a positive outlook toward digitalization. The internal consistency of the survey was confirmed by Cronbach’s alpha score (0.746). This study assisted in developing a better understanding of how professionals perceive digitalization, categorizes professionals based on competency, and prioritizes the major digitalization challenges. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evidence-Based Health Policy-Making and Health Outcomes Research)
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Review

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11 pages, 322 KiB  
Review
Universal Health Coverage and the Pacific Islands: An Overview of Senior Leaders’ Discussions, Challenges, Priorities and Solutions, 2015–2020
by Adam T. Craig, Kristen Beek, Katherine Gilbert, Taniela Sunia Soakai, Siaw-Teng Liaw and John J. Hall
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 4108; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19074108 - 30 Mar 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4116
Abstract
In 1995, Pacific Health Ministers articulated their vision of a healthy Pacific as ‘a place where children are nurtured in body and mind; environments invite learning and leisure; people work and age with dignity; where ecological balance is a source of pride; and [...] Read more.
In 1995, Pacific Health Ministers articulated their vision of a healthy Pacific as ‘a place where children are nurtured in body and mind; environments invite learning and leisure; people work and age with dignity; where ecological balance is a source of pride; and where the ocean is protected.’ Central to this vision is the achievement of universal health coverage (UHC). To provide an indication of the UHC-related priorities of Pacific health authorities and promote alignment of domestic and international investments in health sector development, we thematically analyzed the discussion, resolutions, and recommendations from 5 years (2015–2020) of senior-level Pacific health meetings. Five main themes emerged: (i) the Healthy Islands vision has (and continues to have) a unifying influence on action for UHC; (ii) adoption of appropriate service delivery models that support integrated primary health care at the community level are needed; (iii) human resources for health are critical if efforts to achieve UHC are to be successful; (iv) access to reliable health information is core to health sector improvement; and (v) while not a panacea for all challenges, digital health offers many opportunities. Small and isolated populations, chronic workforce limitations, weak governance arrangements, ageing and inadequate health facilities, and supply chain and logistics difficulties (among other issues) interact to challenge primary health care delivery across the Pacific Islands. We found evidence that the Healthy Islands vision is a tool that garners support for UHC; however, to realize the vision, a realistic understanding of needed political, human resource, and economic investments is required. The significant disruptive effect of COVID-19 and the uncertainty it brings for implementation of the medium- to long-term health development agenda raises concern that progress may stagnate or retreat. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evidence-Based Health Policy-Making and Health Outcomes Research)

Other

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13 pages, 340 KiB  
Brief Report
A Comparative Analysis of Public Hospital Pharmacy Systems in Norway and Pakistan: A Pilot Implementation of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists’ (ASHP) Guidelines
by Bilal Hasan Hashmi and Adnan Kisa
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(13), 7885; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19137885 - 27 Jun 2022
Viewed by 4339
Abstract
The objective of the study was to analyze and compare public hospital pharmacy practices in Pakistan and Norway. In addition, the study intended to identify the challenges to improving the public hospital pharmacy system and to propose recommendations that could help reform the [...] Read more.
The objective of the study was to analyze and compare public hospital pharmacy practices in Pakistan and Norway. In addition, the study intended to identify the challenges to improving the public hospital pharmacy system and to propose recommendations that could help reform the practice to enhance patient safety and compliance. A cross-sectional study was conducted to understand public hospital pharmacies’ organizational structure and determine their practices in Norway and Pakistan. The results of the research showed differences in 11 main areas of the pharmacy systems of the sampled hospitals. When compared to Norway, the study found that the public hospital pharmacy system in Pakistan could be improved in nine main areas. The results show that hospital pharmacies in Pakistan could benefit from the experience of similar international structures in relation to universal standards and practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evidence-Based Health Policy-Making and Health Outcomes Research)
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