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BMC Health Services Research Dec 2023Policymakers require precise and in-time information to make informed decisions in complex environments such as health systems. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a novel... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Policymakers require precise and in-time information to make informed decisions in complex environments such as health systems. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a novel approach that makes collecting and analyzing data in complex systems more accessible. This study highlights recent research on AI's application and capabilities in health policymaking.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Scopus, and the Web of Science databases to find relevant studies from 2000 to 2023, using the keywords "artificial intelligence" and "policymaking." We used Walt and Gilson's policy triangle framework for charting the data.
RESULTS
The results revealed that using AI in health policy paved the way for novel analyses and innovative solutions for intelligent decision-making and data collection, potentially enhancing policymaking capacities, particularly in the evaluation phase. It can also be employed to create innovative agendas with fewer political constraints and greater rationality, resulting in evidence-based policies. By creating new platforms and toolkits, AI also offers the chance to make judgments based on solid facts. The majority of the proposed AI solutions for health policy aim to improve decision-making rather than replace experts.
CONCLUSION
Numerous approaches exist for AI to influence the health policymaking process. Health systems can benefit from AI's potential to foster the meaningful use of evidence-based policymaking.
Topics: Humans; Artificial Intelligence; Health Policy; Policy Making; Medical Assistance
PubMed: 38102620
DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10462-2 -
Scandinavian Journal of Public Health Dec 2023Europe's Beating Cancer Plan set a goal of creating a Tobacco-Free Generation in Europe by 2040. Prevention is important for achieving this goal. We compare the Nordic... (Review)
Review
AIMS
Europe's Beating Cancer Plan set a goal of creating a Tobacco-Free Generation in Europe by 2040. Prevention is important for achieving this goal. We compare the Nordic countries' preventive tobacco policies, discuss the possible determinants for similarities and differences in policy implementation, and provide strategies for strengthening tobacco prevention.
METHODS
We used the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) to identify the key policies for this narrative review. We focused on Articles 6, 8, 9, 11, 13 and 16 of the WHO FCTC, and assessed the status of the required (core) and recommended (advanced) policies and their application to novel tobacco and nicotine products. Information on the implementation of strategies, acts and regulations were searched from global and national tobacco control databases, websites and scientific articles via PubMed and MEDLINE.
RESULTS
The WHO FCTC and European regulations have ensured that the core policies are mostly in place, but also contributed to the shared deficiencies that are seen especially in the regulations on smokeless tobacco and novel products. Strong national tobacco control actors have facilitated countries to implement some advanced policies - even as the first countries in the world: point-of-sale display bans (Iceland), outdoor smoking bans (Sweden), flavour bans on electronic cigarettes (Finland), plain packaging (Norway), and plain packaging on electronic cigarettes (Denmark).
CONCLUSIONS
Collaboration and participation in reinforcing the European regulations, resources for national networking between tobacco control actors, and national regulations to provide protection from the tobacco industry's interference are needed to strengthen comprehensive implementation of tobacco policies in the Nordic countries.
Topics: Humans; Nicotiana; Tobacco Control; Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems; Smoking Prevention; World Health Organization; Scandinavian and Nordic Countries; Tobacco Products
PubMed: 35799463
DOI: 10.1177/14034948221106867 -
Journal of Environmental Management Dec 2023In the USA, 8.66% of municipal solid waste (MSW) plastic was recycled and 75.9% landfilled (2018). Some critical challenges in widespread adoption of post-consumer... (Review)
Review
In the USA, 8.66% of municipal solid waste (MSW) plastic was recycled and 75.9% landfilled (2018). Some critical challenges in widespread adoption of post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic include high collection costs, sortation complexity, inconsistent feedstock properties, and unknown contamination leading to safety considerations. The objective of this review is to discuss global Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies/regulations and their ability to facilitate coordination of domestic/international policies and business to overcome critical recycling complications. Global EPR and recycling laws were examined to compare and contrast initiatives to increase recycling and avoid plastic waste generation. EPR laws increase producers' liability towards product generation, marketing, and disposal by applying fees and taxes on products depending on product recyclability and volume generation. Countries with established plastic EPR regulations and landfill bans often possess higher recycling rates. The results of this research can facilitate development of local regulatory mandates to increase recycling rates.
Topics: Waste Disposal Facilities; Solid Waste; Recycling; Public Policy; Taxes; Waste Management; Plastics
PubMed: 37832296
DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119242 -
Public Health Research & Practice Apr 2024Objectives and importance of study: For public policy to respond effectively to social, economic, and health challenges, there is an urgent need for research-policy...
Objectives and importance of study: For public policy to respond effectively to social, economic, and health challenges, there is an urgent need for research-policy collaboration to advance evidence-informed policy. Many organisations seek to promote these engagement activities, but little is known about how this is experienced by researchers and policy actors. This study aimed to understand how policy actors and researchers in Australia experience collaboration and the impediments and enablers they encounter. Study type and methods: An online survey was developed, and using convenience sampling, self-identified Australian policy actors and researchers were invited to participate. Results: In total, 170 responses were analysed, comprising 58% policy actors and 42% researchers. Respondents reported the primary purpose for collaboration was evidence-informed policy making. Policy actors reported that the most common barrier to collaboration with academics was 'budget constraints' while academics reported 'budget, 'political risk' and 'structural barriers'. Reported enablers were 'leadership' and 'connections'. Conclusions: Our findings build upon existing evidence that highlights the importance of collaboration for facilitating evidence-informed policy. Structural deficits in both policy agencies and research funding systems and environments continue to present challenges to policy-research partnerships. Future initiatives could use these findings to implement preferred collaboration methods, alongside rigorous evaluation, to explore 'what works' in promoting engagement for evidence-informed policy.
Topics: Humans; Australia; Policy Making; Public Policy; Leadership; Research Design; Health Policy
PubMed: 37559184
DOI: 10.17061/phrp33232308 -
International Journal For Equity in... Jul 2023To evaluate if existing Australian public policy related to screening, diagnosis, treatment and follow up care for breast cancer addresses the needs of and outcomes for... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate if existing Australian public policy related to screening, diagnosis, treatment and follow up care for breast cancer addresses the needs of and outcomes for Indigenous women?
METHODS
This review of policy employed a modified Delphi method via an online panel of experts (n = 13), who were purposively recruited according to experience and expertise. A series of online meetings and online surveys were used for data collection. The aims of the study were to: Identify all existing and current breast cancer policy in Australia; Analyse the extent to which consideration of Indigenous peoples is included in the development, design and implementation of the policy; and Identify policy gaps and make recommendations as to how they could be addressed. The policies were evaluated using 'A Guide to Evaluation under the Indigenous Evaluation Strategy, 2020'.
RESULTS
A list of current breast cancer policies (n = 7) was agreed and analysed. Five draft recommendations to improve breast cancer outcomes for Indigenous women were developed and refined by the panel.
CONCLUSIONS
Current breast cancer policy in Australia does not address the needs of Indigenous women and requires change to improve outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Female; Breast Neoplasms; Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples; Australia; Surveys and Questionnaires; Policy; Health Services, Indigenous
PubMed: 37408069
DOI: 10.1186/s12939-023-01941-3 -
International Journal of Environmental... Sep 2023The need for systemic healthcare policies to systematically eliminate NTDs globally and in India has been stressed for more than two decades. Yet, the present policies... (Review)
Review
The need for systemic healthcare policies to systematically eliminate NTDs globally and in India has been stressed for more than two decades. Yet, the present policies and the research on them do not meet the need. We present an ontological framework, a research roadmap, and a policy brief to address the gap. The ontology clearly, concisely, and comprehensively represents the combinations of diseases, the objectives regarding the diseases, the entities to address them, the outcomes sought, and the potential policy instruments to invoke. The paper explicates the state of the-policies and state of the research on policies to eliminate NTDs in India. It highlights the significant gaps in the diseases covered, balance in the objectives, comprehensiveness of policies, portfolio of outcomes, and involvement of entities. Last, it presents a set of systemic policies congruent with the ontology to systematically address the gaps. The recommendations are aligned with the present research, policies, practices, and recommendations in India and of the WHO, UN agencies, and other similar bodies. The approach can be generalized to provide roadmaps for other countries facing a similar challenge and for other diseases of similar complexity. The roadmaps, with continuous feedback and learning, can help navigate the challenge efficiently and effectively.
Topics: Humans; Global Health; Tropical Medicine; Health Policy; Neglected Diseases; India
PubMed: 37835112
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20196842 -
F1000Research 2023This article aims to synthesize the existing literature on the implementation of public policies to incentivize the development of treatments for rare diseases,... (Review)
Review
This article aims to synthesize the existing literature on the implementation of public policies to incentivize the development of treatments for rare diseases, (diseases with very low prevalence and therefore with low commercial interest) otherwise known as orphan drugs. The implementation of these incentives in the United States (US), Japan, and in the European Union (EU) seems to be related to a substantial increase in treatments for these diseases, and has influenced the way the pharmaceutical research & development (R&D) system operates beyond this policy area. Despite the success of the Orphan Drug model, the academic literature also highlights the negative implications that these public policies have on affordability and access to orphan drugs, as well as on the prioritization of certain disease rare areas over others. The synthesis focuses mostly on the United States' Orphan Drug Act (ODA) as a model for subsequent policies in other regions and countries. It starts with a historical overview of the creation of the term "rare diseases", continues with a summary of the evidence available on the US ODA's positive and negative impacts, and provides a summary of the different proposals to reform these incentives in light of the negative outcomes described. Finally, it describes some key aspects of the Japanese and European policies, as well as some of the challenges captured in the literature related to their impact in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).
Topics: Rare Diseases; Humans; Orphan Drug Production; United States; European Union; Health Policy; Japan
PubMed: 38778810
DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.130809.2 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2023This study aimed to review health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA) policies and initiatives introduced in Saudi Arabia (SA) since 2016 and identify the gaps in their... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to review health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA) policies and initiatives introduced in Saudi Arabia (SA) since 2016 and identify the gaps in their design and implementation.
METHODS
A combination of methods was used, including semi-structured interviews with key informants from relevant entities (such as those from the ministries of health, education, sports, tourism, and other regulatory bodies) and a review of policy/initiative documents provided by them. Stakeholder mapping led by local experts and snowball sampling supported the identification of key informants. Three existing frameworks-the World Health Organization's HEPA Policy Audit Tool, the Global Observatory for Physical Activity (PA) Policy Inventory, and the European Monitoring Framework for PA Indicators-were used to develop data collection instruments.
RESULTS
The review identified 44 policies/initiatives from different sectors. The Saudi Sports for All Federation is the leader in PA promotion and community sports development. However, there is a lack of multisectoral agenda and governance structures for PA promotion. The overlap between initiatives by different key informants results in duplication of efforts, including initiatives to promote PA among the general public led by competitive professional sports and community-based sports.
CONCLUSION
The study findings indicate that several policies/initiatives have been implemented in SA since 2016. However, there is a need to focus on the challenges or barriers that affect the sustainability of policies/initiatives. A system-based approach can help build on sectoral synergies, thereby accelerating progress in engaging the Saudi population with PA.
Topics: Saudi Arabia; Exercise; Sports; Health Policy; Educational Status
PubMed: 37614443
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1236287 -
PloS One 2023This study investigated the linkage between fiscal policy-governance indicators interaction and economic growth in 36 Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries from the periods...
This study investigated the linkage between fiscal policy-governance indicators interaction and economic growth in 36 Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries from the periods of 2011-2021 inclusive. The study employed two-step system Generalized Method of Moment (GMM) estimation technique due to its practical relevance in panel data analysis. The data obtained from World Bank and World governance indicator was checked for unit root through the help of Im Pesaran Shin and Levin-Lin-Chu unit-root tests, and the result revealed that data was stationary and safe for further analysis. The result of the study also presented that direct economic effect of fiscal policy is negative and significant in SSA countries. However, the interaction of fiscal policy with governance indicators has positive and significant effect on economic growth. Accordingly, before interacting with governance indicators, a percentage change in fiscal policy leads to a 0.20 percent decline in economic growth of SSA countries. Contrary to this, the interactive coefficient of fiscal policy and government effectiveness (0.019) and interactive coefficient of fiscal policy and corruption control (0.0046) are found to be positive and significant. Further, the finding of the study revealed that fiscal policy-voice and accountability interaction coefficient (0.011) and interactive coefficient of fiscal policy-regulatory qualities (0.014) are positively and significantly affecting economic growth of SSA countries. The policy implication is that policy makers in SSA countries should encourage economic policies that improve government effectiveness, strong corruption control, clean public services and better regulatory qualities.
Topics: Economic Development; Developing Countries; Fiscal Policy; Government; Social Responsibility
PubMed: 38011107
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293188 -
BMJ Global Health Nov 2023International financing for health has been high on the political and global health agenda since COVID-19. The recent launch of the Pandemic Fund represents the first... (Review)
Review
International financing for health has been high on the political and global health agenda since COVID-19. The recent launch of the Pandemic Fund represents the first consolidated effort of the international community to mobilise additional voluntary financial resources for the purpose of strengthening global efforts in pandemic prevention, preparedness and response (PPR). Against such a dynamic landscape, building on recent critiques and new policy proposals, we propose a new generation of more equitable, effective and coordinated financing arrangements for pandemic PPR and for global health and development more broadly: lessons that could be applied in the ongoing endeavour of the Pandemic Fund. We also explore the principles of Global Public Investment and consider their potential to achieve greater inclusiveness in governance, diversity in financing, and transparency and performance in operations. The Pandemic Fund could become the first example of a global health initiative based on innovative concepts. It needs to be broad based, more flexible, leverage a great variety of funding sources and join forces with multiple stakeholders to maximise the impact.
Topics: Humans; Pandemics; International Cooperation; Global Health; Policy
PubMed: 38007225
DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-012988