scholarly journals Best Practice Guidance for Digital Contact Tracing Apps: A Cross-Disciplinary Review of the Literature. (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
James O'Connell ◽  
Manzar Abbas ◽  
Sarah Beecham ◽  
Jim Buckley ◽  
Muslim Chochlov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Data Protection ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Free Text ◽  
User Engagement ◽  
Interface Elements

BACKGROUND Digital contact tracing apps (DCTAs) have the potential to augment contact tracing systems and disrupt Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) transmission. Despite many countries deploying DCTAs, few have disrupted COVID-19 transmission sufficiently to avoid the most restrictive social distancing measures. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to describe and provide best practice guidance on the design considerations of the ideal digital contact tracing app (IDCTA). METHODS We identified key considerations from the literature and used a cross disciplinary approach to develop best practice guidance for the development of the IDCTA. We conducted a search of the indexed and grey literature to identify articles describing or evaluating DCTAs. We searched Ovid Medline using a combination of free text terms and MeSH search terms. We performed a search of the grey literature using the World Health Organisation (WHO) Institutional Repository for Information Sharing, the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) publications library and Google, including the websites of many health protection authorities. Articles which were acceptable for inclusion in our evidence synthesis were peer-reviewed publications cohort studies, randomised trials, modelling studies, technical reports, white papers and media reports which related to digital contact tracing. RESULTS Ethical, user experience, privacy and data protection, technical, clinical, societal and evaluation considerations were identified from the literature. The IDCTA should be voluntary and should be equitably available and accessible. Therefore. the IDCTA should be disseminated, free of charge and free smart-phones or monofunctional digital contact tracing devices should be deployed in parallel to groups who may not otherwise have access to DCTAs. The IDCTA interface elements should enable multi-modal interaction (e.g., supported by voice control), with comprehensive contents that are available in different languages. Dynamic, consistently updated information on confirmed cases, testing sites, vaccination sites, current government restrictions and state preventive strategies could enhance user engagement. The IDCTA should be adherent to data protection regulation and follow the principles of privacy by design. Bluetooth LE is recommended for DCTA contact event detection but combining it with ultrasound technology may improve DCTA accuracy without significant compromises on privacy preservation and availability. A decentralised privacy preserving protocol should be followed to enable DCTA users exchange and record temporary contact numbers during contact events. The IDCTA should define and risk stratify contact events according to proximity, duration of contact and the infectiousness of the case at the time of contact. Function creep should be prevented by defining at the outset the limits of the DCTA. Defining from DCTA lauch how its effectiveness will be evaluated is important from an ethical point of view. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, we identified from the literature key considerations when developing the IDCTA and provide a best practice approach to these considerations.

scholarly journals Exit and Entry Screening Practices for Infectious Diseases among Travelers at Points of Entry: Looking for Evidence on Public Health Impact

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (23) ◽  
pp. 4638 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mouchtouri ◽  
Christoforidou ◽  
an der Heiden ◽  
Lemos ◽  
Fanos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Influenza Pandemic ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
World Health ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Entry And Exit ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Published Evidence ◽  
Screening Measures

A scoping search and a systematic literature review were conducted to give an insight on entry and exit screening referring to travelers at points of entry, by analyzing published evidence on practices, guidelines, and experiences in the past 15 years worldwide. Grey literature, PubMed. and Scopus were searched using specific terms. Most of the available data identified through the systematic literature review concerned entry screening measures at airports. Little evidence is available about entry and exit screening measure implementation and effectiveness at ports and ground crossings. Exit screening was part of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) temporary recommendations for implementation in certain points of entry, for specific time periods. Exit screening measures for Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the three most affected West African countries did not identify any cases and showed zero sensitivity and very low specificity. The percentages of confirmed cases identified out of the total numbers of travelers that passed through entry screening measures in various countries worldwide for Influenza Pandemic (H1N1) and EVD in West Africa were zero or extremely low. Entry screening measures for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) did not detect any confirmed SARS cases in Australia, Canada, and Singapore. Despite the ineffectiveness of entry and exit screening measures, authors reported several important concomitant positive effects that their impact is difficult to assess, including discouraging travel of ill persons, raising awareness, and educating the traveling public and maintaining operation of flights from/to the affected areas. Exit screening measures in affected areas are important and should be applied jointly with other measures including information strategies, epidemiological investigation, contact tracing, vaccination, and quarantine to achieve a comprehensive outbreak management response. Based on review results, an algorithm about decision-making for entry/exit screening was developed.

scholarly journals A holistic risk management framework to address the global noise-induced hearing loss pandemic

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 295-303 ◽  
Author(s):  
Riaan Dirkse van Schalkwyk ◽  
Rigard J. Steenkamp
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
Modern Technology ◽  
World Health ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Management Framework ◽  
Risk Management Framework

The paper presents a holistic risk management framework based on the core corporate governance principles and best-practice technology for addressing the global NIHL (noise-induced hearing loss) pandemic. While some await the announcement of a pharmaceutical drug therapy for hearing loss treatment and prevention, the challenges of noise control continue. Although preventable, the scenario remains tragic in terms of the statistics provided by the World Health Organisation (WHO). NIHL is among the most critical global health risks in terms of productivity, compensation statistics and noise-related deaths every year. Prevention of hearing loss remains the biggest challenge regardless of the availability of modern technology and best practice hearing conservation programmes (HCPs). An explorative research methodology was used to indicate a framework combining best practice with a diligent (bold) corporate and holistic approach to the NIHL problem. In essence, the paper therefore provides a thorough background to the global NIHL pandemic and presents a holistic risk management framework to address the problem

scholarly journals Burden and risk factors for snakebite in India: protocol for a systematic review

F1000Research ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 25
Author(s):  
Soumyadeep Bhaumik ◽  
Robyn Norton ◽  
Jagnoor Jagnoor
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
World Health ◽  
Individual Risk ◽  
Funnel Plot ◽  
Hand Search ◽  
The World

Introduction: Snakebites are a neglected tropical disease with a high burden in South and South-East Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a roadmap which aims for a 50% reduction in death and disability due to snakebite globally by 2030. It is estimated that India has the highest number of snakebite deaths in the world. Objective: To synthesize evidence on the burden (incidence/ prevalence, mortality, morbidity, health facility and economic), and risk factors for snakebite in India. Methods: We will search for peer-reviewed literature and grey literature in six electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health, PsychInfo, CENTRAL, SafetyLit) and hand-search IndMed, conference abstracts, relevant websites and citation tracking. Two reviewers will screen and extract data independently with a third reviewer acting as an arbiter for any inconsistencies. Quality of the included studies will be assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools. For burden, data from facility based and community-based studies will be synthesised and reported separately, except in the case of studies conducted concurrently. We will conduct narrative analyses with the aim of understanding patterns in data through tabulation for both burden and risk factors evidence synthesis. The PROGRESS Plus lens will be used to explore equity pertaining to burden of snakebites. Analyses for each individual risk factor-outcome pair will be conducted and reported separately. If appropriate, meta-analyses will be conducted as per JBI guidelines, assessing heterogeneity using Tau-squared, Cochran’s Q test and Chi-squared (p > 0.05) tests. We plan to conduct sub-group analyses based on setting, study design, sex/gender, age-groups, tribal people and occupation. A funnel plot will be generated if there are more than nine studies included in a specific meta-analysis, to assess publication bias. Asymmetry of the funnel plot will be adjudged using the Egger, Begg and Harbord tests.

scholarly journals History of malaria control in Rwanda: implications for future elimination in Rwanda and other malaria-endemic countries

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Corine Karema ◽  
Shawn Wen ◽  
Abigail Sidibe ◽  
Jennifer L. Smith ◽  
Roly Gosling ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Malaria Control ◽  
Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Control Programme ◽  
World Health ◽  
Malaria Control Programme ◽  
Significant Heterogeneity ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Malaria was first reported in Rwanda in the early 1900s with significant heterogeneity and volatility in transmission over subsequent decades. Here, a comprehensive literature review of malaria transmission patterns and control strategies in Rwanda between 1900 and 2018 is presented to provide insight into successes and challenges in the country and to inform the future of malaria control in Rwanda. Methods A systematic literature search of peer-reviewed publications (Web of Knowledge, PubMed, Google Scholar, and the World Health Organization Library (WHOLIS) and grey literature on malaria control in Rwanda between 1900 and 2019 was conducted with the following search terms: “malaria”“, “Rwanda”, “epidemiology”, “control”, “treatment”, and/or “prevention.” Reports and other relevant documents were also obtained from the Rwanda National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP). To inform this literature review and evidence synthesis, epidemiologic and intervention data were collated from NMCP and partner reports, the national routine surveillance system, and population surveys. Results Two hundred sixty-eight peer-reviewed publications and 56 grey literature items were reviewed, and information was extracted. The history of malaria control in Rwanda is thematically described here according to five phases: 1900 to 1954 before the launch of the Global Malaria Eradication Programme (GMEP); (2) Implementation of the GMEP from 1955 to 1969; (3) Post- GMEP to 1994 Genocide; (4) the re-establishment of malaria control from 1995 to 2005, and (5) current malaria control efforts from 2006 to 2018. The review shows that Rwanda was an early adopter of tools and approaches in the early 2000s, putting the country ahead of the curve and health systems reforms created an enabling environment for an effective malaria control programme. The last two decades have seen unprecedented investments in malaria in Rwanda, resulting in significant declines in disease burden from 2000 to 2011. However, in recent years, these gains appear to have reversed with increasing cases since 2012 although the country is starting to make progress again. Conclusion The review shows the impact and fragility of gains against malaria, even in the context of sustained health system development. Also, as shown in Rwanda, country malaria control programmes should be dynamic and adaptive to respond and address changing settings.

scholarly journals Healthcare Workforce in Indonesia

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 32-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suryanto Suryanto ◽  
Malcolm Boyle ◽  
Virginia Plummer
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Service Provision ◽  
Ovid Medline ◽  
The World ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: Imbalanced distribution of healthcare providers between urban and rural areas is one of the difficulties facing health service provision in Indonesia. Several regulations have been made by the governmentto solve the problem. The objective of this paper is to describe the provision of human resources for healthcare services in Indonesia. Methodology: A review of medical related electronic databases, CINAHL and Ovid MEDLINE, was undertaken from their commencement date until the end of January 2017. The grey literature from the Indonesian government, the World Health Organisation and the World Bank websites was also searched. Results: There were 92 articles identified from the CINAHL and 222 articles from the Ovid MEDLINE databases. Five articles were included from the two databases and five documents from grey literature with ten articles to be reviewed.  Discussion: Nurses and midwives account for the largest proportion of healthcare providers in Indonesia. The ratio of healthcare providers in Indonesia is lower than the average of South-East Asian and other lower middle income countries. More than half of the healthcare providers in Indonesia provide care in community health centres. Several regulations have been proclaimed to improve the imbalanced proportion of healthcare providers across the country. Conclusion: Indonesia continues to develop strategies towards successful distribution of healthcare providers across the country. A study investigating the impact of the programs reducing the imbalanced distribution of healthcare providers on health outcomes is essential for Indonesia.

scholarly journals 435 - Perspectives of the general public on dementia risk reduction (DRR) and implications for implementation: a qualitative evidence synthesis

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (S1) ◽  
pp. 152-153
Author(s):  
Eleanor Curran ◽  
Kali Godbee ◽  
Terence W.H. Chong ◽  
Charles Abraham ◽  
Nicola T. Lautenschlager ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Risk Reduction ◽  
General Public ◽  
Evidence Synthesis ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Qualitative Evidence Synthesis ◽  
List Type ◽  
Thematic Synthesis ◽  
Qualitative Evidence

There is limited understanding of which factors most influence take-up of DRR behaviour in the general population. This evidence gap may limit the effectiveness of DRR implementation and, hence, impede translation of increasing evidence for DRR1 into real-world public health benefits.Reviews of quantitative studies have identified poor knowledge and persistence of myths about ageing2,3 as important. However, these findings are limited by the scope of included questionnaires.Qualitative literature reporting the perspectives of the general public offers an opportunity to increase this understanding. Qualitative studies can examine poorly understood phenomena in greater depth and with fewer a priori assumptions. Qualitative evidence synthesis (QES) is increasingly recognised as valuable, particularly in relation to complex interventions like DRR.We will present a QES regarding the perspectives of dementia- free members of the general public towards DRR. Searches indicate that no QES for this topic currently exists.Systematic searches of Medline, PsycINFO, Embase and CINAHL for studies published since 1995 that have used qualitative methods to explore DRR perspectives in the general public were undertaken, supplemented by hand searches of included studies’ reference lists. Following independent screening by two reviewers, 41 publications based on 37 individual studies meeting inclusion criteria have been identified.Data will be analysed using thematic synthesis, as outlined by Thomas and Harden (2008)4 and recommended for QES regarding complex health interventions5. ‘Line-by-line’ inductive coding and development of descriptive themes across studies will produce a summary of the perspectives of the general public for DRR. A conceptual framework explaining the relationships between key themes and considering the implications for implementation will be proposed.The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool will be used to appraise included studies. Rather than imposing an arbitrary quality cut-off point for inclusion, sensitivity analyses will be used to examine the influence of lower quality studies on review findings. Finally, the Confidence in the Evidence from Qualitative Reviews (CERQual) approach will facilitate assessment of confidence in review findings to aid future use. Data extraction is ongoing.Findings from this synthesis will support better targeted quantitative examination of DRR implementation determinants and more strategic intervention design. 1.World Health Organisation. Risk reduction of cognitive decline and dementia: WHO guidelines. World Health Organisation. 2019. Geneva. Licence CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO2.Cahill, S., Pierce, M., Werner, P., Darley, A., Bobersky, A. A systematic review of the public’s knowledge and understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Alz Dis Assoc Disord. 2015; 29:255-2753.Cations, M., Radisic, G., Crotty, M., Laver, K.E. What does the general public understand about prevention and treatment of dementia? A systematic review of population-based surveys. PLoS One. 2018, 13(4):e01960854.Thomas, J. and Harden, A. (2008). Methods for the thematic synthesis of qualitative research in systematic reviews, BMC Medical Research Methodology. 2008 July; 8:45. doi 10.1186/1471-2288-8-455.Noyes, J., Booth, A., Cargo, M., et al. (2018). Cochrane Qualitative and Implementation Methods Group guidance series – paper 1: introduction. J of Clin Epidemiol. 2018; 97:35-38

scholarly journals School-Based Nutrition Interventions in Children Aged 6 to 18 Years: An Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 4113
Author(s):  
Kate M. O’Brien ◽  
Courtney Barnes ◽  
Serene Yoong ◽  
Elizabeth Campbell ◽  
Rebecca Wyse ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Food Environment ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Umbrella Review ◽  
Nutrition Interventions ◽  
School Based

Schools are identified as a key setting to influence children’s and adolescents’ healthy eating. This umbrella review synthesised evidence from systematic reviews of school-based nutrition interventions designed to improve dietary intake outcomes in children aged 6 to 18 years. We undertook a systematic search of six electronic databases and grey literature to identify relevant reviews of randomized controlled trials. The review findings were categorised for synthesis by intervention type according to the World Health Organisation Health Promoting Schools (HPS) framework domains: nutrition education; food environment; all three HPS framework domains; or other (not aligned to HPS framework domain). Thirteen systematic reviews were included. Overall, the findings suggest that school-based nutrition interventions, including nutrition education, food environment, those based on all three domains of the HPS framework, and eHealth interventions, can have a positive effect on some dietary outcomes, including fruit, fruit and vegetables combined, and fat intake. These results should be interpreted with caution, however, as the quality of the reviews was poor. Though these results support continued public health investment in school-based nutrition interventions to improve child dietary intake, the limitations of this umbrella review also highlight the need for a comprehensive and high quality systematic review of primary studies.

scholarly journals Self-Sampling Interventions for Sexually Transmitted Infections in Women: A Scoping Review Protocol

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ziningi Nobuhle Jaya ◽  
Tivani P Mashamba-Thompson ◽  
Raveen Parboosing
Keyword(s):  
Scoping Review ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
Open Science ◽  
World Health ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Scoping Reviews ◽  
Science Framework ◽  
Meta Analyses

Abstract Background: Research shows a high prevalence of sexual transmitted infections (STIs) among sexually active women throughout the world. Patient self-testing and self-sampling strategies are pivotal to facilitate rapid diagnosis of disease among key populations. The main objective of this study is to map evidence on self-sampling methods utilised to facilitate STIs diagnosis among women. Methods: We propose to conduct a scoping review, which will be guided by Arksey and O’Malley framework, Levac et al, 2010 and the Joanna Briggs Institution 2015 recommendations. We will conduct a database search for relevant peer-reviewed articles to answer our research question. We will search the following databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, Journal Storage, Science Direct, Web of Science, and MEDLINE (via EBSCOHost). We will also search for grey literature from World Health Organisation (WHO) and Department of Health websites. We will present the results of the review following the Preferred Resulting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR). We will employ Nvivo version 12 for thematic content analysis of the included studies. We will conduct quality appraisal of the included studies using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT)-version 2018.Discussion: It is anticipated that findings of this scoping review will highlight gaps for further investigation to address the global burden of STIs. This could assist policy makers and developers of diagnostic equipment to develop evidence-based interventions to enable self-sampling and early diagnosis of STIs among women. Systematic Review Registration Submitted to Open Science Framework on 25 July 2020.

Antimicrobial stewardship in Tanzania

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 150-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eliudi Eliakimu
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Antimicrobial Stewardship ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
World Health ◽  
African Region ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Laboratory Services ◽  
Antibiotics Use

Purpose – Worldwide situation analysis on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) released in 2015 by the World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed inadequate capability to respond to AMR in African region. Report of antibiotics use and resistance in Tanzania revealed rising levels of healthcare associated Methicilin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections; while other studies have reported high prevalence of Expanded Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL). The purpose of this paper is to review the current situation of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in Tanzania using strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges (SWOC) analysis. Design/methodology/approach – General literature review was done on use of antimicrobials in Google Scholar, websites of key organisations including WHO, and grey literature. Conceptual framework designed by the authors was used to inform SWOC analysis of the Tanzanian health sector. Findings – The SWOC analysis has revealed much strength in the Tanzanian health sector indicating that increasing investments in laboratory services, in medicines Regulatory Authority and Pharmacy Council, and strengthening management teams at all levels of service delivery, including Medicines and Therapeutics Committees; and strengthening advocacy on rational use of antimicrobials both in humans and livestock will improve AMS. Research limitations/implications – This is a general literature review. No interview of experts or use of questionnaires was used. However, based on the literature found and author’s experience in the health sector, the information contained is valid for consideration in making policy decisions about AMR in Tanzania. Practical implications – Designing policy interventions to prevent development of AMR to commonly used antimicrobials. Social implications – Improving social wellbeing in the community through prevention of morbidity and mortality resulting from multi-resistant pathogens. Originality/value – This is the authors original idea backed by available literature.

A Collaborative Study to Establish the Second International Standard for Streptokinase

1990 ◽  
Vol 64 (02) ◽  
pp. 267-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
A B Heath ◽  
P J Gaffney
Keyword(s):  
High Purity ◽  
Collaborative Study ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Clot Lysis ◽  
Current Standard ◽  
International Standard ◽  
Accelerated Degradation ◽  
The World ◽  
International Collaborative Study

SummaryAn International Standard for Streptokinase - Streptodomase (62/7) has been used to calibrate high purity clinical batches of SK since 1965. An international collaborative study, involving six laboratories, was undertaken to replace this standard with a high purity standard for SK. Two candidate preparations (88/826 and 88/824) were compared by a clot lysis assay with the current standard (62/7). Potencies of 671 i.u. and 461 i.u. were established for preparations A (88/826) and B (88/824), respectively.Either preparation appeared suitable to serve as a standard for SK. However, each ampoule of preparation A (88/826) contains a more appropriate amount of SK activity for potency testing, and is therefore preferred. Accelerated degradation tests indicate that preparation A (88/826) is very stable.The high purity streptokinase preparation, coded 88/826, has been established by the World Health Organisation as the 2nd International Standard for Streptokinase, with an assigned potency of 700 i.u. per ampoule.

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