Challenges of biomedical research collaboration in India: Perceptions of Indian and international researchers.

Biomedical research collaborations are to be contextualized in the larger global health agenda which also opens up new information pathways, expands research networks, and brings additional resources. A qualitative inquiry was employed to understand the perceived benefits and challenges of research collaborations by biomedical scientists from India (Global South [GS] country) and the Global North (GN). In-depth interviews were conducted with 47 biomedical scientists from India and 06 from the GN.

A comparative assessment of major international disasters: the need for exposure assessment, systematic emergency preparedness, and lifetime health care.

Background: The disasters at Seveso, Three Mile Island, Bhopal, Chernobyl, the World Trade Center (WTC) and Fukushima had historic health and economic sequelae for large populations of workers, responders and community members.

Methods: Comparative data from these events were collected to derive indications for future preparedness. Information from the primary sources and a literature review addressed: i) exposure assessment; ii) exposed populations; iii) health surveillance; iv) follow-up and research outputs; v) observed physical and mental health effects; vi) treatment and benefits; and vii) outreach activities.

Quality of training in public health in the UK: results of the first national training audit.

Objectives: Since 1997, UK public health training has undergone major changes, including the creation of specialist registrars (SpRs), introduction of a competency framework, admission of non-medical (specialist) trainees and National Health Service organizational change. It was therefore considered timely to audit the quality of this training.

Study Design: Cross-sectional survey of all UK public health trainees, conducted in April 2003.

Insights into training and examination performance from the first UK National Public Health Training Audit.

Objectives: To investigate predictors of a supportive training relationship and examination success using data from the first UK Public Health Training Audit.

Study Design: Secondary analysis of data from a national cross-sectional survey of UK public health trainees, conducted in April 2003.

Methods: All UK public health trainees were sent a questionnaire including questions on training experience and examination performance.

Personal exposure and long-term health effects in survivors of the union carbide disaster at bhopal.

Nine years after the Bhopal methyl isocyanate disaster, we examined the effects of exposures among a cross-section of current residents and a subset of those with persistent symptoms. We estimated individual exposures by developing exposure indices based on activity, exposure duration, and distance of residence from the plant. Most people left home after the gas leak by walking and running.

Analysing spatially referenced public health data: a comparison of three methodological approaches.

In the analysis of spatially referenced public health data, members of different disciplinary groups (geographers, epidemiologists and statisticians) tend to select different methodological approaches, usually those with which they are already familiar. This paper compares three such approaches in terms of their relative value and results. A single public health dataset, derived from a community survey, is analysed by using 'traditional' epidemiological methods, GIS and point pattern analysis.

'Not too much, not too little, but just enough?': observations on continuing professional development in Public Health in the north of England.

Three inquiries about Public Health continuing professional development were undertaken in the Northern and Yorkshire Region of the National Health Service during 1995-96. Public Health Physicians were asked about their experience of continuing education and for their views on a regional policy for continuing professional development. Health Authority Chief Executives were asked about their reactions to Public Health Physicians continuing educational needs.

Respiratory morbidity 10 years after the Union Carbide gas leak at Bhopal: a cross sectional survey. The International Medical Commission on Bhopal.

Objective: To examine the role of exposure to the 1984 Bhopal gas leak in the development of persistent obstructive airways disease.

Design: Cross sectional survey.

Setting: Bhopal, India.

Long term morbidity in survivors of the 1984 Bhopal gas leak.

Background: The extent and nature of long term health sequelae among survivors of the Bhopal gas disaster are not known. In 1994 an International Medical Commission was set up with the aim of assessing respiratory, neurological and other health effects attributable to gas exposure.

Methods: An epidemiological survey of a representative sample of gas-exposed inhabitants of Bhopal was conducted in January 1994; for reference, a group of unexposed persons in the same city were surveyed.

Asthma and factory emissions in northern England: addressing public concern by combining geographical and epidemiological methods.

Study Objective: The prevalence of asthma was assessed to investigate respiratory health effects of airborne emissions from a factory. A geographical information system allowed flexible definition of study areas in terms of their size, distance, and location in relation to the factory. The value of the approach for this type of investigation is focussed on.

Establishing baseline data in cancer registration in northern England: implications for Health of the Nation targets.

Objective: To assess the completeness and accuracy of cancer surveillance data relevant to Health of the Nation targets.

Design: A comparison of locally ascertained data on cancer with recorded cancer registry sources in selected diagnoses.

Setting: The district of South West Durham within the Northern Regional Health Authority.

Public health medicine training and the NHS changes.

The current round of mergers between Health Authorities and Family Health Service Authorities (FHSAs), when set in the competitive context of markets, has profound implications for training in Public Health Medicine. This paper considers the phases in the management of change and the costs, benefits and principles for trainers, trainees and organisations as mergers take place. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding the motives of and learning from the change that is taking place.