Zoekresultaten

Health in all policies?

Abstract: To gather insight on how Health in All Policies (HiAP) is applied in practice, we carried out a case study on transport policies intended to stimulate a shift from car use to bicycling. We reviewed 3 years (2010, 2011, and 2012) of national budgets and policy documents in the Netherlands, followed by two focus group sessions and a second round of document analysis.

ACHALLENGEBASEDLEARNINGCOMMUNITYFORHYDROGEN DEVELOPMENT ANDAPPLICATION

TheUniversity of Twente, SaxionUniversityofAppliedSciences, ROCofTwente(vocationaleducation), centre of expertise TechYourFuture and the H2Hub Twente, in which various regional hydrogen interested corporations are involved, work together to shape a learning community (LC) for the development of innovative hydrogen technology. The cooperation between company employees, researchers and students provides a means to jointly work on solutions for real-life problems within the energy transition. This involves a cross-chain collaboration of technical programs, professorships and (field) experts, supported by human capital specialists. In the LC, a decentralized hydrogen production unit with storage of green hydrogen is designed and built. The main question for this research is: how can the design and construction process of an alkaline electrolyzer be arranged in a challenge based LC in which students, company employees (specialists) and researchers from the three educational institutions can learn, innovate, build-up knowledge and benefit? In this project the concept of a LC is developed and implemented in collaboration with companies and knowledge institutions at different levels. The concrete steps are described below: 1. Joint session between Human Resource and Development (HRD) specialists and engineers/researchers to explore the important factors for a LC. The results of this session will be incorporated into a blueprint for the LC by the human capital specialists. 2. The project is carried out according to the agreements of the blueprint. The blueprint is continuously updated based on the periodic reflections and observed points for improvement. 3. Impact interviews and periodic reflection review the proceeding of the LC in this engineering process. The first impact interview reveals that the concept of the LC is very beneficial for companies. It increases overall knowledge on hydrogen systems, promotes cooperation and connection with other companies and aids to their market proposition as well. Students get the opportunity to work in close contact with multiple company professionals and build up a network of their own. Also the cooperation with students from different disciplines broadens their view as a professional, something which is difficult to achieve in a mono-disciplinary project.

Module B – Health in strategic environmental assessment (SEA)

This three day module focuses on the role of strategic environmental assessment in relation to integrating health issues. During the module participants will be introduced to SEA concepts and process dynamics, as well as to health issues when considered from a strategic perspective. Participants will obtain a full understanding of SEA as a process and instrument by means of a policy case study which illustrates the need to look at health concerns in a strategic context.Mini-lectures will be supported by hands-on practical exercises and feed-back on exercises conducted. The cases used in these exercises focus on strategic energy policies. Participants are expected to actively participate in the module work and a final presentation of the groups’ work can be held during the last hour of the module.

Interprofessional cooperation between childcare and education in four European cities

Facilitators and barriers of intersectoral co-operation to promote healthier and more environmentally friendly behaviour: a qualitative evaluation through focus groups for the INHERIT project

BackgroundTackling challenges related to health, environmental sustainability and equity requires many sectors to work together. This “intersectoral co-operation” can pose a challenge on its own. Research commonly focuses on one field or is conducted within one region or country. The aim of this study was to investigate facilitators and barriers regarding intersectoral co-operative behaviour as experienced in twelve distinct case studies in ten European countries. The COM-B behavioural system was applied to investigate which capabilities, opportunities and motivational elements appear necessary for co-operative behaviour.MethodTwelve focus groups were conducted between October 2018 and March 2019, with a total of 76 participants (policymakers, case study coordinators, governmental institutes and/or non-governmental organisations representing citizens or citizens). Focus groups were organised locally and held in the native language using a common protocol and handbook. One central organisation coordinated the focus groups and analysed the results. Translated data were analysed using deductive thematic analysis, applying previous intersectoral co-operation frameworks and the COM-B behavioural system.ResultsAmongst the main facilitators experienced were having highly motivated partners who find common goals and see mutual benefits, with good personal relationships and trust (Motivation). In addition, having supportive environments that provide opportunities to co-operate in terms of support and resources facilitated co-operation (Opportunity), along with motivated co-operation partners who have long-term visions, create good external visibility and who have clear agreements and clarity on roles from early on (Capability). Barriers included not having necessary and/or structural resources or enough time, and negative attitudes from specific stakeholders.ConclusionsThis study on facilitators and barriers to intersectoral co-operation in ten European countries confirms findings of earlier studies. This study also demonstrates that the COM-B model can serve as a relatively simple tool to understand co-operative behaviour in terms of the capability, opportunity and motivation required amongst co-operation partners from different sectors. Results can support co-operators’ and policymakers’ understanding of necessary elements of intersectoral co-operation. It can help them in developing more successful intersectoral co-operation when dealing with challenges of health, environmental sustainability and equity.

Intersectoral cooperation in 12 European case studies aiming for better health, environmental sustainability, and health equity protocol for a qualitative evaluation

BACKGROUND: The INHERIT (INtersectoral Health and Environment Research for InnovaTion) project has evaluated intersectoral cooperation (IC) in 12 European case studies attempting to promote health, environmental sustainability, and equity through behavior and lifestyle changes. These factors are the concerns of multiple sectors of government and society. Cooperation of health and environmental sectors with other sectors is needed to enable effective action. IC is thus essential to promote a triple win of health, sustainability, and equity.OBJECTIVE: This paper describes the design of a qualitative study to gain insights into successful organization of IC, facilitators and barriers, and how future steps can be taken to improve IC in the evaluated case studies.METHODS: Each case study was assessed qualitatively through a focus group. A total of 12 focus groups in 10 different European countries with stakeholders, implementers, policymakers, and/or citizens were held between October 2018 and March 2019. Five to eight participants attended each focus group. The focus group method was based on appreciative inquiry, which is an asset-based approach focusing on what works well, why it is working well, and how to strengthen assets in the future. A stepped approach was used, with central coordination and analysis, and local implementation and reporting. Local teams were trained to apply a common protocol using a webinar and handbook on organizing, conducting, and reporting focus groups. Data were gathered in each country in the local language. Translated data were analyzed centrally using deductive thematic analysis, with consideration of further emerging themes. Analyses involved the capability, opportunity, motivation-behavior (COM-b) system to categorize facilitators and barriers into capability, motivation, or opportunity-related themes, as these factors influence the behaviors of individuals and groups. Web-based review sessions with representatives from all local research teams were held to check data analysis results and evaluate the stepped approach.RESULTS: Data collection has been completed. A total of 76 individuals participated in 12 focus groups. In December 2019, data analysis was nearly complete, and the results are expected to be published in fall 2020.CONCLUSIONS: This study proposes a stepped approach that allows cross-country focus group research using a strict protocol while dealing with language and cultural differences. The study generates insights into IC processes and facilitators in different countries and case studies to filter out which facilitators are essential to include. Simultaneously, the approach can strengthen cooperation among stakeholders by looking at future cooperation possibilities. By providing knowledge on how to plan for, improve, and sustain IC successfully to deal with today's multisectoral challenges, this study can contribute to better intersectoral action for the triple win of better health, sustainability, and equity. This protocol can serve as a tool for other researchers who plan to conduct cross-country qualitative research.INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR1-10.2196/17323.