In this commentary, we propose four principles for health policy and systems research in low- and middle-income countries that we think should be ingrained in research practices in this field. These principles are: complementarity of analytical perspectives; interdisciplinarity; cross-cutting knowledge; and theoretical and conceptual foundations. We illustrate each principle with the study of two reforms implemented in sub-Saharan Africa: user fee exemption policies and results-based financing. Taking these four principles into account allows a broader understanding of health systems challenges, and a nuanced approach to reflecting on each of the investigated dimensions. The examples demonstrate the interest of adopting a holistic and systemic approach to researching health systems and policies to go beyond the dominant technocratic vision, often focused on their performance and financing.
It is now understood that brain metastases do not occur randomly but have distinct spatial patterns depending on the origin of the cancer. According to the "seed and soil" hypothesis, the final colonization of metastatic cells is the result of their adaptation to the altered environment. To investigate the most favorable microenvironment for brain metastasis, we analyzed neuroimaging data from 177 patients with breast cancer brain metastasis and 548 patients with lung cancer brain metastasis to create a replicable probabilistic map of metastatic locations.
Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Hudson College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences, Oklahoma City, OK, United States.
Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), mainly caused by cigarette smoking, is one of the leading causes of death in the United States (US) and frequent asthma attacks are often exacerbated by cigarette use. Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are often used to quit cigarette smoking. Prevalence of COPD, asthma, cigarette use, and e-cigarette use differs between racial/ethnic groups.
Botswana, like the rest of the world, has been significantly impacted by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In December 2022, we detected a monophyletic cluster of genomes comprising a sublineage of the Omicron variant of concern (VOC) designated as B.1.
Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) is a minimally invasive approach for treating early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer. Optimal trocar placement during VATS ensures comprehensive access to the thoracic cavity, provides a panoramic endoscopic view, and prevents instrument crowding. While established principles such as the Baseball Diamond Principle (BDP) and Triangle Target Principle (TTP) exist, surgeons mainly rely on experience and patient-specific anatomy for trocar placement, potentially leading to sub-optimal surgical plans that increase operative time and fatigue.
Electronic health records are one of the essential components of health organizations. In recent years, there have been increased concerns about privacy and reputation regarding the storage and use of patient information. In this regard, the information provided as a part of medical and health insurance, for instance, can be viewed as proof of social insurance and governance.
