Experience Of Countries Research Articles

METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO ASSESSING THE DEVELOPMENT OF CROSS-BORDER CO-OPERATION OF UKRAINIAN REGIONS

The research highlights the objective need and the problems of assessing the development of cross-border co-operation in Ukraine, especially in the conditions of critical economic and social instability caused by a full-scale invasion and its consequences. The purpose of the article is to scientifically substantiate methodological approaches to the assessment of cross-border territorial co-operation and the construction of a balanced and multi-level information and analysis system. In order to achieve this goal, the methods of analysis and synthesis, grouping of indicators, theoretical generalisation and content analysis were used. It has been established that there is no generally accepted methodology for evaluating these processes. Furthermore, the methodologies that do exist cover a range of spheres and mechanisms of interaction with European countries, with a particular focus on specific programmes and initiatives. Additionally, it was determined that Ukraine lacks a systematic approach to monitoring the aforementioned processes, despite the Ministry of Community and Territorial Development of Ukraine's obligation to regularly furnish data on the advancement of the goals set forth in the State Program for the Development of Cross-Border Co-operation of Ukraine for the 2021-2027 period. It is proposed to expand the system of indicators for relevant monitoring by adding a number of basic indicators (GRP, investment activity, international image of the territory). The findings of the study substantiate the issue of inadequate substantiation of the theoretical and methodological foundations of cross-border co-operation of Ukrainian territories in the context of war and the challenges posed by European integration. This proves the need to develop a multi-level system for monitoring cross-border co-operation at the level of the state, macro-raions, oblasts and hromadas (raions) with a list of clear criteria and evaluation indicators that would take into account the basic principles, main tasks and risks of such co-operation. It is of the utmost importance to acknowledge the invaluable experience of European countries in the assessment of cross-border relations, particularly in the construction of domestic methodology and the search for additional data sources. The foundation for future research in this area can be an evaluation of the extent to which the objectives set out by the Ukrainian state for the development of cross-border co-operation have been met, and an assessment of the potential for further progress.

The Pan-African Surgical Healthcare Forum: An African qualitative consensus propagating continental national surgical healthcare policies and plans.

Access to equitable, safe, affordable, timely, and quality surgical healthcare in Africa remains limited. Few African countries have surgical healthcare plans or policies. Where these exist, there are significant gaps in dissemination, funding, and implementation. A Pan-African Surgical Healthcare Forum (PASHeF) was initiated to address this. The inaugural forum was a two-day consensus conference of technocrats from African Ministries of Health hosted by the Honorable Minister for Health of Rwanda in Kigali. Through coordinated discussions, plenary sessions, working groups, and technocrat networking, they charted the path forward for national surgical healthcare policies and plans. Discussions were sparked by country experiences, and working groups focused on curated context-specific, face-validated questions. Documentation involved field notes, audio recordings, and artificial intelligence transcription. Data was coded using a constant comparative method to itemize delegates' observations, declarations, and recommendations, with member checking. A consensus statement was generated using an inclusive decision-making model. Thirty-two Ministries of Health were represented by 42 delegates who drafted and unanimously adopted the PASHeF 2023 Consensus Statement. This was a 50-point consensus addressing country commitment, leadership, financing, stakeholder mobilization, monitoring and evaluation, partnerships, and other aspects of national surgical healthcare planning in Africa. This consensus is the African roadmap and emphasizes implementation, the need for flexibility in policy development, and current opportunities and barriers. It emphasizes that community involvement and sustainability should undergird this planning, in addition to a focus on the entire spectrum of surgical healthcare, including prevention and rehabilitation. Delegates endorsed PASHeF as an annual event with a secretariat and recommended the creation of a Pan-African Surgical Healthcare Policy monitoring system, and that issues of surgical healthcare should be escalated as an agenda item on African Union and sub-regional ministerial meetings. African nations have embraced surgical healthcare policy as an imperative on their journey towards Universal Health Coverage.

Blockchain in digital notary services

The purpose of the study is to determine the future application of blockchain technology. Protection of rights, as well as legal interests of citizens and legal entities is the main postulate of notary activity. Only through the prism of this provision should one consider the possible application of blockchain technology in the notary. This includes studying the possibilities of the blockchain for verifying the authenticity of documents, automating registration actions. The relevance of the study is related to the need for modern notaries to meet the requirements of the digital world. The research is based on the application of an interdisciplinary approach, civil law and information technology, which combines the analysis of legal aspects with modern technological research. To study legislative aspects, methods of comparative analysis and synthesis were used, which includes an analysis of the legislation of Ukraine and other countries. The empirical method consists in researching existing examples of implementation of blockchain projects in EU and US notary offices. Analysis and modeling were carried out taking into account the architecture of blockchain networks, their capabilities in terms of information protection, authentication and legal validity of digital records. The study found that blockchain technology has significant potential for the notary industry due to its decentralized nature and high level of data protection. It has been established that the implementation of the blockchain allows for the creation of a reliable database for recording notarial actions, ensuring the impossibility of forgery or loss of information. The results of the study confirmed the possibility of using blockchain for digital recording of documents and automation of notarial procedures, which allows to reduce time costs and the risk of human errors. The experience of countries that have already implemented blockchain in the notary office indicates an increase in the level of trust in notary services and a reduction in bureaucratic procedures. The application of blockchain in the notarial sphere can fundamentally change the mechanisms of notarial actions, increasing security, convenience and speed of service. The use of decentralized networks ensures the reliability of data, which makes it impossible to forge them and makes procedures transparent. However, for the full implementation of such decisions, it is necessary to create an appropriate regulatory framework, adapt Ukrainian legislation and ensure the training of specialists for work in the conditions of digital notary.

Global maternal health country typologies: A framework to guide policy.

Maternal mortality remains a large challenge in global health. Learning from the experience of similar countries can help to accelerate progress. In this analysis we develop a typology of country groupings for maternal health and provide guidance on how policy implications vary by country typology. We used estimates from the Global Maternal Health (GMatH) microsimulation model, which was empirically calibrated to a range of fertility, process, and mortality indicators and provides estimates for 200 countries and territories. We used the 2022 estimates of the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) and lifetime risk of maternal death (LTR) and used a k-means clustering algorithm to define groups of countries based on these indicators. We estimated the means of other maternal indicators for each group, as well as the mean impact of different policy interventions. We identified 7 groups (A-G) of country typologies with different salient features. High burden countries (A-B) generally have MMRs above 500 and LTRs above 2%, and account for nearly 25% of global maternal deaths. Countries in these groups are estimated to benefit most from improving access to family planning and increasing facility births. Middle burden countries (C-E) generally have MMRs between 100-500 and LTRs between 0.5%-3%. Countries in these groups account for 55% of global maternal deaths and would benefit most from increasing facility births and improving quality of care. Low burden countries (F-G) generally have MMRs below 100 and LTRs below 0.5%, account for 20% of global maternal deaths, and would benefit most from improving access to family planning and community-based interventions and linkages to care. Indicators vary widely across groups, but also within groups, highlighting the importance of considering multiple indicators when assessing progress in maternal health. Policy impacts also differ by country typology, providing policymakers with information to help prioritize interventions.

A Call for Afrocentric Decolonial Endogenous Marketing and Public Policy Research and Practice: Toward Sustainable Peace and Well-Being in African Societies

Africa experiences one-third of all conflicts globally, resulting in the diminishment of human, social, and economic well-being; high levels of insecurity; poverty; and disrupted marketing systems. Drawing on the experiences of African countries, the article illuminates the ways in which the slave trade and, later, the colonization of the African continent fomented the social and economic convulsions that continue to erupt into continuing cycles of social conflict. Today these are manifested in the neocolonial influence of public policy on the continent by international organizations, funding bodies, and local and international institutions that control the public policy discourse and resources. The authors argue that if marketing systems are to enhance well-being and reduce social conflict, marketing policy makers need to contest failed “external to Africa” policy frameworks and look to endogenous policies better suited to contemporary African challenges. A case study of Rwanda illuminates how endogenous, “home-grown” decolonial and Afrocentric policy can create enduring peace and improve marketing systems and well-being. The authors call for research at the nexus of public policy and African marketing systems that adopts decolonized, endogenous, and Afrocentric perspectives to address this lacuna in marketing and public policy research and practice.

Innovative approaches to reforming the pension insurance system of Ukraine: background of foreign countries

One of the most important tasks for any civilized state is to care for the elderly. The collection of various forms of financial support for individuals who have reached the retirement age set by law or have lost their ability to work through centralized insurance or budgetary funds has existed for a long time. This led to the creation of a pension insurance system covering all citizens. The primary goal of such a system is to prevent poverty due to the loss of working ability due to age. Reforming the domestic pension system has been ongoing for more than 20 years. However, it has not yet ensured the implementation of a three-pillar pension system in Ukraine. This requires a more detailed study of the successful experiences of other countries in this field. This is of particular importance in light of the upcoming post-war reconstruction of our country. All sectors of the economy will undergo reconstruction, and it seems entirely likely that radically new paths for rebuilding will be considered, especially for the population’s social insurance system. Modern pension insurance systems operating in different countries are not alike [1]. They differ in principles and organizational foundations of functioning, coverage of participants, taxation methods and rules governing pension contributions and payments. Each pension system depends on the level and stability of the country’s economic development, traditions, social security experience, labor motivation system, tax, and labor legislation. The article is dedicated to analyzing pension systems in industrially developed countries. Studying the experience of such countries is important for Ukraine due to the necessity of creating an efficient national pension system. The article explores the current challenges and opportunities for reforming Ukraine’s pension insurance system using innovative approaches. Particular attention is paid to analyzing the experiences of foreign countries that have successfully reformed their pension systems and introduced modern pension management methods. In light of rapid demographic aging and increasing financial pressure on pension funds, the article justifies the need to transition to a multi-tiered pension insurance system.

Veterinary clinics and animal shelters in the planning structure of cities. Experience of different countries

The features of the placement of veterinary clinics and animal shelters in the planning structure of cities in different countries and various methods of spatial organization of veterinary space in their implemented design practice are considered.

External Debt and Economic Growth of BRICS Nations: How can BRICS Integration help them?

This study examines the relationship between external debt and economic growth in the BRICS countries. It explores how BRICS integration can aid these economies and newly joined countries in solving the debt problem. Using the latest panel data techniques and country experiences, we employed the panel mean group method (PMG) and interrupted time series analysis (ITSA) for South Africa, who joined in 2010. Results show a negative relationship between external debt and economic growth at the group level, with mixed results for individual countries. Using individual country experiences, valid implications are drawn for debt-stressed countries like Ethiopia and oil-rich nations like Saudi Arabia. Integrating new member countries in BRICS can overhaul the existing system towards broader perspectives of reforms in global financial institutions. Integration into the BRICS association can benefit these countries through reforms in global financial institutions, fairer debt restructuring, joint investment projects, macroeconomic coordination, debt management knowledge sharing, innovative financing, and collective advocacy for debt relief to enhance stability and resilience.

Cross-country comparison of the esports industry in China, South Korea and Japan

China, South Korea and Japan are called ‘Big 3’ of esports in Asia based on earnings for players, online audience penetration and game revenue. This article compares the ‘Big 3’ of esports in Asia with reference to the esports development ecosystem by applying systems thinking literacy approach as the interaction of six macro systems: information and communications technology, education, social acceptance, government roles, nongovernmental organizations and industry configuration. The comparative findings consistently show the interrelatedness of six macro systems. While information and communications technology infrastructure lay the backbone of esports industry, government plays the major role in initiating the esports development and fostering collaboration with nongovernmental organizations, which further in turn stimulates social acceptance and industry configuration. To facilitate further esports growth in the other regions, the successful experience of other Asian countries should be used as reference points for policies that can reinforce and promote industry development.

Overcoming Barriers of Cervical Cancer Elimination in India: A Practice to Policy Level Advocacy.

India's ambitious goal of eliminating cervical cancer by 2030 faces significant challenges due to the high burden of disease, low screening rates, and sociocultural barriers. Despite the Government's focus on vaccination, addressing cervical cancer requires a more comprehensive approach that is multisectoral and consider practice to policy engagement. Addressing not only vaccination but also social barriers, healthcare infrastructure, and research is key to preventing and controlling this preventable disease. Fragmented health policies with limited coverage for cervical cancer, coupled with societal issues like stigma and limited access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas, pose significant challenges. Moreover, limited awareness of HPV and vaccines hinders progress. To effectively combat cervical cancer, India must prioritize a readiness assessment to evaluate past interventions, economic feasibility, and social issues before launching new programs. Improving healthcare infrastructure, training healthcare workers, and utilizing innovative models like mobile clinics can expand access to care. Public-private partnerships with incentives can also play a crucial role in mobilizing resources. Investing in culturally appropriate public awareness campaigns is essential to educate the population about HPV, cervical cancer, and prevention strategies. A robust pharmacovigilance program is necessary to ensure vaccine safety. Additionally, India should invest in science and technology to support long-term research efforts, while increasing understanding of population-specific predisposing factors for broader-spectrum vaccines and personalized approaches. A dedicated national policy with clear objectives, strategies, and accountability mechanisms is crucial for successful cervical cancer control. Learning from the experiences of other countries can inform policy development.

Designing and Evaluating a Web-Based Training Program for Medical Record Documentation: Insights from a Developing Country Experience

BackgroundThe quality of medical documentation is crucial for enhancing patient care, as accurate records reduce medical errors and improve patient safety. Given the pivotal role of medical records in delivering high-quality healthcare services, effective training in documentation skills is essential. Whence, this study aimed to design and evaluate a web-based training program focused on medical record documentation, specifically for medical students in Iran (West Azerbaijan province, Urmia), but can be easily adapted to other pertinent cases. MethodThis semi-experimental study was conducted in 2023 and comprised three main phases: pre-intervention, intervention, and post-intervention. In the first phase, an online questionnaire assessing knowledge, attitudes, and performance was developed and integrated into the web-based education program. During the second phase, multimedia electronic content was created and made accessible to students for two months. In the final phase, the same online questionnaire was administered to the students again. The study involved 114 medical students from Urmia University of Medical Sciences. Among the 114 medical students (61 externs and 53 interns), 53.4% were male, and 46.6% were female. The data were analyzed using SPSS 16 software. ResultsFollowing the intervention, students’ knowledge scores are seen increase from 76.50 to 86.30, attitudes improved from 79.33 to 85, and performance enhanced from 74.92 to 81.40. Further statistical analysis reveals that the web-based training significantly impacted the knowledge, attitudes, and performance of the medical students regarding documentation, with a p-value less than 0.05. ConclusionThe findings of this specific study indicate that web-based education, supplemented with multimedia content, has led to significant improvements in the knowledge, attitudes, and performance of medical students in medical record documentation. While these positive outcomes suggest that the course characteristics played an important role, further investigation is no doubt needed to establish a direct causal relationship. Ongoing studies are surely recommendable. Nonetheless, implementing such educational approaches appears to be an essential ingredient for enhancing the documentation skills of future healthcare professionals. The study may open educational perspectives and inspire further ad hoc research in nearby domains making use of complex documentation.

ECONOMIC AND LEGAL TRENDS OF EUROPEANIZATION OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW OF UKRAINE

Today, it is appropriate to talk about cooperation between Ukraine and EU member states in matters that are functional for their legal systems. The first is the protection of the rights and freedoms of citizens; providing asylum to refugees from other countries; adaptation of legislation on the regulation of relations in the field of migration, both legal and illegal; fight against illegal employment; and others. It was found that the administrative law of Ukraine is developing in complex political-economic and social-legal conditions. Therefore, the use of European experience in the field of administrative and legal regulation of social relations in Ukraine should not imply mindless copying, which can negatively affect society and the state. The topic of the research should be the creation of national methodological recommendations on quality indicators of individual branches of law in accordance with the quality standards of legislation and law of the countries of the European Union. The introduction of European approaches to the regulation of social relations at the administrative and legal level in Ukraine must be balanced and adapted so that there is no negative impact on the development of society and the process of state formation. At the same time, the comparative legal study and rational use of foreign experience in the development of administrative law allows to significantly expand the so-called "legal field", enriching it with the experience of foreign countries. The current conditions for the development of administrative law in Ukraine depend on globalization, which affects all spheres of life, affecting the development of unified legal values and democratic principles of European administrative law, and the national administrative law system of individual European countries. In fact, there are two parties of subjects endowed with the corresponding rights and obligations in the field of administrative-legal relations.

Experiential Learning and Peacekeeping

ABSTRACT Experiential learning, at its core, is a self-driven process of acquiring knowledge from past experiences and applying it to new situations. This study delves into this process within the realm of peacekeeping, where the learning experiences of troop-contributing countries are particularly unique. These peacekeepers navigate the dual role of countering armed insurgencies through UN peacekeeping missions abroad while simultaneously addressing domestic security challenges through counterinsurgency (COIN) operations. Although extensive research has examined how COIN experiences shape peacekeeping strategies, the translation of peacekeeping experiential learning to domestic contexts remains to be determined. By focusing on India as a case study, this research illustrates that peacekeepers are open to learning from their peacekeeping experiences. However, the successful application of this learning in domestic settings is determined by more than just their capacity to learn. It is also shaped by the nature of the supportive learning environment that may sometimes create a gap between international peacekeeping and its application to domestic operations.

Analysing forced migration’s impact on Ukraine’s economic sustainability

Purpose. To characterize consequences of forced migration from Ukraine to European countries, quantifying its impact on economic growth, the number, income of the economically active population, investment and industry of Ukraine, and to develop recommendations for overcoming the negative economic effect of migration. Methodology. The methods of analysis and synthesis, scientific abstraction, statistical analysis, economic and mathematical modeling, and graphical analysis were used. Findings. The article studies the factors that caused forced migration from Ukraine’s to European countries as well as the main differences in migration processes provoked by Russia’s war against Ukraine are substantiated. The economic effects and consequences of its impact on the Ukrainian economy are analyzed. The study is based on statistical data characterizing economic growth (GDP) and the factors that determine it (capital investment, economically active population). On the basis of the Cobb-Douglas production function with neutral scientific and technological progress or Hicks scientific and technological progress and the use of linear regression analysis methods, the relationship between changes in the number of economically active population and economic growth is established. Originality. A forecast of changes in GDP under the influence of forced migration of the economically active population of Ukraine in 2023 is calculated and three main scenarios of GDP dynamics are developed in accordance with these forecasts. Each of them envisages a significant drop in output under the influence of migration. Practical value. The article proposes ways to address the problem of forced migration in Ukraine’s economy and the consequences of its negative impact on sustainable development based on the experience of European countries. Ways to restore industry and attract investments to Ukraine are substantiated.

The effect of administration of green coconut (Cocos nucifera Linn Viridis Variety) water on reducing dysmenorrhea primary for teenage women in class X at State High School 1 Deli Tua Year 2024

Primary Dysmenorrhea is menstrual pain that occurs in teenagers, which is usually not associated with other diseases. According to WHO, in 2018 the incidence of primary dysmenorrhoea was very high in the world. On average, more than 50% of women in each country experience primary dysmenorrhoea. One way to treat primary dysmenorrhoea is non-pharmacological therapy, namely using green coconut water. Green coconut water contains calcium and magnesium which can reduce muscle tension. Vitamin C, which is a natural anti-inflammatory, relieves menstrual pain by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase enzyme which plays a role in the process of forming prostaglandins. This study aims to determine the effect of giving green coconut water on reducing primary dysmenorrhoea in adolescent girls. The research will be carried out at SMA Negeri 1 Deli Tua starting in April-May 2024. The research design uses a quasi-experiment method with one group pretest -posttest design. The sample in this study consisted of 22 respondents who were given green coconut water using a purposive sampling technique. The primary data used in this research was an observation sheet on the primary dysmenorrhoea pain scale before and after being given green coconut water as a research instrument. Based on the results of bivariate analysis using the Chi Square test, it shows that the p-value is 0.000. So it can be concluded that p <0.005, which means there is an effect of giving green coconut water on reducing primary dysmenorrhoea in young women.

Modulating the organization of medical care and early diagnosis of prostate cancer

Aim. To analyze the existing system of medical care organization and timely diagnostics for prostate cancer (PC).Materials and Methods. The study utilized data from official statistics to analyze the system of medical care organization and the diagnostic methods applied for prostate cancer at different stages.Results. In the country, medical care for patients with prostate cancer is organized into three levels. The first level involves family physicians, urologists, and oncologists in oncology clinics, where access to modern diagnostic facilities is limited. The second level provides advanced diagnostic services through regional oncology centers and major urology departments. The third level offers specialized care at the National Cancer Research Center (NCRC) and select urology clinics. Based on the experience of other countries, it is recommended to improve the system of medical care for prostate cancer by establishing four stages of care. The proposed model takes into account the real situation, emphasizing the need for prevention, timely diagnosis, and effective treatment in accordance with clinical protocols, as well as the coordinated use of human and technological resources from oncology, urology, and morphological services at all stages.Conclusions. The proposed model for organizing medical care, based on evidence-based practices, aims to improve early detection of prostate cancer, enhance the clinical effectiveness of treatment, and optimize the use of resources.

STRATEGIES FOR USING SOCIAL PLATFORMS TO ATTRACT INVESTMENTS IN THE RECOVERY OF DEOCCUPIED TERRITORIES

The article addresses the complex issue of restoring Ukraine's de-occupied territories, which have suffered significant damage due to military actions. It emphasizes that the scale of destruction goes beyond ordinary material losses, encompassing both social and economic spheres, which significantly complicates the processes of restoration and reintegration of these territories. The recovery of regions left without proper infrastructure, damaged roads, bridges, and residential buildings requires a strategic approach that goes beyond physical rebuilding and includes long-term economic planning, social stabilization, and the integration of innovative solutions. The focus is on the role of economic revival as a key element of sustainable regional development. Given the limited state resources, attracting investments becomes a necessary tool for initiating economic processes, such as the restoration of production capacities, the creation of new enterprises, and the introduction of foreign technologies. The article also highlights the importance of the social aspect of recovery, including the reintegration of people who have lost their homes, jobs, or loved ones, which seriously affects their psychological well-being. The restoration of social infrastructure, education, and healthcare facilities is considered critical for ensuring basic living conditions and stability in the region. The work emphasizes the importance of implementing innovative solutions in the reconstruction process. Specifically, it explores the potential for developing "green" technologies and renewable energy, which could contribute to environmental sustainability and the region's energy independence. The authors propose the active use of digital technologies to increase the efficiency and transparency of recovery management processes, as well as to attract investments. Special attention is given to the use of social platforms as a tool for attracting investments and creating a positive image of the de-occupied territories on the international stage. The article analyzes the experience of other countries, such as the Balkan states, Colombia, and Iraq, which have used social media to promote their regions, attract investors, and enhance transparency. Based on this experience, the authors suggest creating special social media campaigns that may include webinars, online conferences, promotional videos, and infographics aimed at attracting investors' attention. The conclusions emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to recovery, which includes economic, social, and technological aspects, as well as an effective communication strategy involving social platforms. Such an approach will ensure sustainable economic growth, social stability, and the integration of innovative technologies, which, in the long term, will contribute to the successful restoration of Ukraine’s de-occupied territories.

6.Y.1. Defining, measuring, and reducing low-value care in Europe - proposing a new definition and framework

Abstract The EU Expert Group on Health Systems Performance Assessment (HSPA) selected value-based healthcare, with a focus on low-value care, as the work topic for 2023-2024. Against the backdrop of increasing healthcare expenditures and the overall aim to deliver high quality and efficient healthcare, efforts to reduce waste and inefficiencies have long been emerging in health systems worldwide. Value-based healthcare shifts the focus towards improving patient outcomes; the concept of low-value care in particular aims to identify health services that provide little or no health benefits but expose patients to potential harm. The COVID-19 pandemic clearly demonstrated that value-based healthcare is a prerequisite for high-performing health systems and the need to steer resource allocation to those services that maintain or improve health. The reduction in certain elective services observed during the pandemic (e.g. tonsillectomies) indicates that there may be areas for potential dis-investment and reallocation of resources to higher-value care. The pandemic has thereby emphasized the need for identifying and systematizing measurable efforts directed at reducing low-value care. Tackling low-value care can contribute to alleviating health workforce constraints by ensuring that efforts are focused where they are most beneficial, and not on unnecessary services. Engaging and educating the health workforce about low-value care and how to reduce it is a key measure in this direction. What is more, there is increasing awareness about the health sector’s considerable environmental footprint. Reducing low-value care would contribute to less greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption and air pollution from the delivery of health services. Despite intensified efforts to address waste and inefficiencies in healthcare in the last decade, the ability of health systems in Europe to identify and reduce low-value care varies. Through the Expert Group’s work, a new comprehensive definition was proposed and a framework to distinguish different types of low-value care was developed as a basis for identifying and tackling low-value care in EU Member States. Indicators to measure low-value care as well as measures to reduce it were collected. This workshop aims to present the findings of the Expert Group´s work on low-value care and to discuss them with conference participants to both raise awareness and identify priority elements for future activities. After a brief introduction on the definition, framework, obstacles and solutions, the panelists will share their views and experiences, followed by a facilitated discussion with the audience. Key messages • A comprehensive definition of low-value care and an accompanying framework for categorizing and identifying low-value care is proposed. • Country experiences with indicators to measure low-value care and strategies to reduce it, as well as related methodological obstacles, offer substantial opportunities for cross-country learning.

11.H. Round table: Making the case for public investment in health

Abstract Across the European Union (EU), public budgets are facing pressures and policy makers are becoming increasingly concerned about how to adequately and sustainably fund their health systems to keep up with need and demand. In recognition of this, in 2022 a Technical Support Instrument (TSI) project funded by the Directorate-General for Structural Reform Support (DG REFORM) was launched together with three European Union (EU) Member States with the goal of strengthening capacity to make the case for public investments in health. To support these efforts, the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies (OBS) conducted an exercise to map relevant analytical approaches and tools for making the case for public investment in health. As a contribution to this workshop, OBS will present the key results from this exercise, including a framework that has been designed to support health policy makers, advisors and advocates by providing five key lines of argument and selected examples of tools, data, indicators and methods that can be used to successfully make the case for public funding for health. This will be complemented by two presentations on country experiences (in Austria and Malta) of navigating negotiations between health and finance and securing public funding for health. These will highlight both successes and challenges in practice. By looking at examples from MS on making the case for public investment in health, these presentations will frame the panel discussion that follows. The chairs will facilitate a discussion closely engaging the audience on how to build better narratives and exchanges which facilitate trust and alignment between health and finance stakeholders in the pursuit of strengthening the capacity to make the case for public investment in health. The workshop will highlight five lines of argument and practical examples of tools, data, indicators and methods that can be used to support the case for public investment in health. It will also focus on the important enablers (e.g. cooperation, communication, transparency, accountability, trust) for successful budget negotiations and discuss how these can be facilitated. Key messages • Budget cases for public funds for health tend to be most successful when they align well with the goals and objectives of finance stakeholders, and certain narratives and arrangements can foster this. • Data and evidence can help steer decision makers to make good choices (or at least avoid bad ones), but other factors serve as the fuel to push the budget case for health forward successfully. Speakers/Panelists Rebecca Forman European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, London, UK Jonathan Cylus European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, London, UK Stefan Eichwalder Ministry of Health, Vienna, Austria Neville Calleja Department of Health Information and Research, G’Mangia, Malta

2.H. Round table: Health system description and comparison: lessons from the WHO/Observatory Insights series

Abstract The European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies has been working for more than 25 years on the systematic description, analysis and comparison of health systems in Europe. This workshop explores experiences so far with a new series of health system profiles, the Health Systems in Action (HSiA) Insights, launched in 2021 in collaboration with the WHO Regional Office for Europe. The first round of the Insights in 2021 was a pilot series, covering just five countries (Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, North Macedonia, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan). Since then, the series has grown to 13 countries in 2022 and in 2024 is covering almost all WHO Member States that are outside of the European Union (EU). The Insights aim to provide short and easily accessible documents that provide core information on a country’s health system, its key strengths and challenges, how it compares to other health systems in Europe, and how it impacts on the health of its population. This roundtable provides a platform for sharing experiences with devising, writing and using the series so far, bringing in country and comparative perspectives and involving the audience. The objectives of the roundtable are to a) identify best practices for the comparative description and analysis of health systems in the form of a series of country profiles; b) explore the challenges of drawing up country profiles where comparative data are lacking, incomplete or politicized; c) identify ways of disseminating and using country profiles; d) establish an opportunity for cross-country learning and skills development for the writing of health system descriptions and analyses. The roundtable will consist of four speakers. It will start with three very brief country presentations on the Insights for Israel, North Macedonia and Kazakhstan, followed by a brief comparative perspective on how to capture, compare and analyse health workforce trends across a broad set of countries, which is the Spotlight section of the 2024 round of Insights. This will be followed by a broad discussion with audience interventions to bring in the experience of other experts and countries. The moderated discussion will emphasise key learning points on how to devise a comparative series, how to write health system profiles and how best to use them to inform health policy-making. Key messages • The regular monitoring of health systems and policies is challenging, but essential for improving them. • Health system summaries require systematised approaches and up-to-date comparative data. Speakers/Panelists Ruth Waitzberg Technische Universitat Berlin, Berlin, Germany Yerbol Spatayev WHO Country Office Kazakhstan, Astana, Kazakhstan Simona Atanasova WHO Country Office North Macedonia, Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia Tomas Zapata WHO/Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark