Intersectoral Cooperation Research Articles

Activating the resources of families raising children with autism spectrum disorders

Introduction. Modern family resources in terms of supporting children with autism spectrum disorders are increasingly becoming a subject of discourse at the level of interdepartmental and intersectoral cooperation. At the same time, a large-scale investigation of parental expertise and inclusiveness as basic family resources is required. Metaprofessional qualities of parents’ personality, being a backbone characteristic, are considered as a component of their expertise and inclusiveness. The aim of the article is the analysis of deficiencies and potentialities of families raising children with autism spectrum disorders in terms of personal metaprofessional competence. Materials and methods. The study covered 160 families raising children with autism spectrum disorders and 164 assisting experts. The diagnostic material was grounded on the basic data obtained through the results of parents’ completion of a special document “Personal Card” and following the survey of families and specialists entrusted with upbringing, education, psychological and pedagogical support of children with autism spectrum disorders (the section for assessing the educative competencies group in the structure of the author’s questionnaires: “Self-assessment of parental inclusiveness” and “Expert assessment of inclusive potential”). The significance of the obtained results was evaluated through the analysis of contingency tables based on Pearson’s chi-squared test. Results. The quantitative/qualitative characterisation of resources of families raising children with autism spectrum disorders was derived, demonstrating parental expertise and inclusiveness. The relationship between the category of children and the level of education was established, which level is higher in parents bringing up children with autism spectrum disorders (χ2 = 14.655; p=0.006); in addition, significant differences in professional employment of parents bringing up children with autism spectrum disorders, mental retardation and visual impairment were established. Some differences in the extent of satisfaction with the quality and nature of assistance received by the parents were identified (χ2 = 8.433; p<0.05). The parents of children with autism spectrum disorders, unlike control groups, preferred private educational centres as the main sources of help, support and assistance. The survey established a pronounced deficit of active and effective participation of the second parent, grandparents and people from the immediate environment in the upbringing of a child (more than 26% of the respondents). The shortcomings in the mastery of special methods and techniques of interaction with a child with autism spectrum disorders were highlighted, as well as the lack of a unified, effective and sustainable system of stimulating and encouraging a child within the family. Conclusion. The obtained results are significant for further comprehensive elaboration and comprehension of the inclusive potential of families raising children with autism spectrum disorders. The most important guideline is the adoption of metaprofessional solutions designed to significantly complement the existing applied methods within the framework of realising the strategy for comprehensive support of persons with autism spectrum disorders, their parents and the immediate environment.

The Digitalization Imperative: Unveiling the Impacts of Eco-Industry Integration on Sectoral Growth and Transformation

In the context of the global shift toward sustainable development, ecosystem-based ecological industries have become a critical area of focus for achieving green economic transformation and promoting the harmonious development of both society and the environment. This paper aims to explore the impact of industrial integration on the progression of ecological production within the framework of digitalization, with a particular emphasis on key sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and tourism. Utilizing multi-group data from 284 cities spanning the period 2011 to 2020, the study establishes a relationship between industrial integration and the growth of ecological industries, employing a two-way fixed effects model for analysis. The results demonstrate that industrial integration within ecological sectors significantly fosters sectoral development through two main mechanisms: the extension of industrial value chains and cross-sectoral synergies. Moreover, in the era of the digital economy, digitalization plays a pivotal role in facilitating the integrated development of ecological industries. The study further identifies that digital technology, digital finance, and digital expertise serve as mediating factors in this integration process. It is recommended that future initiatives focus on leveraging digital tools to enhance the integration of ecological industries, thereby advancing industrial growth. Furthermore, China is encouraged to continue promoting the integrated development of ecological industries by supporting the expansion of industrial value chains and fostering intersectoral cooperation. Simultaneously, the role of digitalization should be emphasized, with particular attention to the incorporation of relevant digital components into the industrial integration process moving forward.

Smoking, alcohol, substance, technology, and gambling addiction among university students

Abstract Background University students turn to addictive substances to cope with the anxiety and stress caused by separation from family, adaptation to a new environment, as well as many economic and social problems. This study aimed to examine smoking, alcohol, substance, technology, and gambling addiction among university students. Methods The data of this cross-sectional study were collected between February and March 2024. The study population consisted of 23,446 people studying at Ä°nonu University, and the sample size was calculated as 346 based on a smoking rate of 35.6% among university students. A stratified sampling method was adopted according to the faculty of study, and 366 people were approached regarding the study. The independent variables were age, gender, faculty of study, and smoking status, while the dependent variables were alcohol and substance use status. Descriptive data were expressed in numbers and percentages, and a Chi-square test was used in the statistical analysis. Results Of the students in the research group, 56.8% were female, 54.4% were 22 years of age or older, 30.1% reported smoking cigarettes, 7.7% reported drinking alcohol in the last 30 days, 39.2% reported using the internet for five hours or more per day, 3% reported playing various casino games on the internet once a week or more, and 1.4% stated that they used substances. There was no statistically significant difference between alcohol and substance use according to smoking status (p > 0.05). Conclusions Approximately one-third of the students in the research group reported smoking cigarettes, and one-tenth reported alcohol use, which is quite high. The high percentage of students who use the internet for five hours or more per day and the low rate of online gambling should be considered in relation to these addictions. Key messages • Multidimensional interventions and intersectoral cooperation are required to prevent smoking, alcohol, substance use, technology, and gambling addictions among university students. • In addition, precautions should be taken to protect students against the risks associated with internet addiction and online gaming.

Culture for Health – Example from Serbia

Abstract Using the possibility of social prescribing at the community level integrates several sectors, primarily the health sector and the culture sector. The goal of this project was to strengthen intersectoral cooperation (culture and health) and consider the possibility of providing conditions in the local community for continuous prescribing of the culture ‘on prescription’. Institute for Public Health of Vojvodina invited Matica Srpska Gallery to participate together with the Novi Sad Healthcare Center in a unique project that connects culture and health. The ‘Culture on prescription - culture for health’ consisted of two phases: curatorial guidance and group workshops. Curatorial guidance means the selection of individual works of art whose narration is planned and methodologically adapted to different groups of participants and which evokes different feelings related to quality of life and health. The second part of the program consisted of workshops in the Museum, enriched with works of art and a pleasant atmosphere.The workshops are based on group analytical methods and participants had the opportunity to reflect their observations, experiences and feelings on individual works of art, and they often reflected with personal life experiences that were not only aesthetic, but also pleasant and therapeutic. Participants came in two sessions, with two different curatorial guides, carefully thematically prepared, and which were later the source for substantive reflection. The positive outcomes of these innovative workshops was confirmed through written and oral facts, through which the participants emphasized that the stay in the museum space was therapeutic in itself. The possibility of the so-called ‘depot’ or prolonged effect of the unique prescription was observed, emphasizing that the participation in the workshops left an impression on the participants and that they will stay with a positive feeling and pleasantness after receiving a ‘dose’ of culture for health.

Strategies for primary healthcare in Ukraine: An integrated response to gender-based violence

Abstract Issue/problem Survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) and conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) in Ukraine face significant challenges in accessing appropriate healthcare services. Despite governmental commitment, acknowledgment and regulatory frameworks, including the ratification of the Istanbul Convention, gaps persist in integrating comprehensive GBV/CRSV services into primary healthcare (PHC) settings, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict with Russia. Description of the problem An analysis of healthcare providers’ knowledge has revealed deficiencies in effectively supporting GBV/CRSV survivors. Barriers include workload pressures, lack of inter-sectoral cooperation and case-management protocols, and insufficient training opportunities on survivor support. In collaboration with the World Health Organization, the global Clinical Management of Rape (CMR) guidelines was adapted for Ukrainian context. Among findings from CMR trainings attended by 443 PHC providers in 2022-2023 (213 participants in 2022 and 230 participants in 2023), the results underscore gaps in PHC workers’ basic knowledge and readiness to effectively support survivors during the war. Results Data from WHO training sessions underscored significant gaps in knowledge among healthcare professionals regarding legal protocols, available resources, and best practices in PHC service delivery. Identified barriers emphasized the urgent need for targeted interventions to enhance PHC workers’ capacity in GBV/CRSV response. Lessons Recommendations focus on systemic enhancements including revising regulatory frameworks, developing standardized protocols, and institutionalizing and providing comprehensive training programs. Innovative approaches like online courses, mentoring programs, and integrated service models are crucial for addressing multifaceted challenges. Key messages • A holistic GBV/CRSV response is an essential component in PHC. • This intersectoral survivor-centered approach provides safe spaces that can be adapted to other contexts in Europe.

SDGs-centric approach to strategic planning of community development

The research of the community growth and the formation of strategies for their development in the context of an approach focused on achieving sus­tainable development goals have been conduc­ted. The problems of the sustainable community deve­lopment and their crucial understanding of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at all levels of management have been considered. The research is based on the hypothesis that taking into account the features of the Central Development Center approach to the strategic planning of the community development in Ukraine will lead to the improvement of sustainable development indicators at the current stage of the community growth and the sustainable development of Ukraine. Such research methods were used, as: assessment of qualitative, quantitative and social indicators, as well as methods of positional analysis, focus groups, diagnostic interviews, ex­pert assessments, measurement and comparison, system analysis and modeling. The basic concepts and components of sustainable development were analyzed. It has been proposed to define the features of the Central Development Center-cen­tered approach to the strategic planning of com­munity development. The role of intersectoral cooperation between local authorities, business and civil society in the context of achieving the SDGs was considered in detail. The article focuses on the integration of environmental, social and economic aspects into strategic planning, and ex­plores the problems and challenges faced by communities in implementing these approaches. The importance of building the institutional capa­city of communities for the effective imple­men­tation of the SDGs and their adaptation to the changing conditions of the post-war period was sepa­rately emphasized. Recommendations were given for improving the methods of monitoring and evaluating the SDGs achievement at the local level. It is substantiated that only in the presence of a high-quality strategy, joint efforts and mutual understanding of all stakeholders it is possible to achieve the goal of "rebuilding better than it was". It was emphasized that the reconstruction of the country should be carried out by joint efforts, on the basis of transparency, innovation and strategic vision. The leadership role of communities in the Ukrainian post-war reconstruction was defined, the significance of state regional policy and the Road Map adoption of decentralization, as well as the consideration of the need to achieve the sustainable development goals in communities, were revealed. The ranking of the sustainable deve­lop­ment goals for the communities of Vinnytsia was carried out

The Analysis of Stunting Implementation Policy in Tegal Regency

Tegal is a regency with the highest stunting prevalence in toddlers in Central Java with a percentage of 22.3% in 2022. Currently, the regency has become the prioritized locus of stunting intervention in Indonesia. Tegal regency government issued the Regent Rule of Tegal Number 4 in the Year 2023 about the Communication Strategy of Behavioral Changes in Lowering Stunting Prevalence in 2023 - 2026 as the prevention and effort of decreasing the stunting rate. This research revealed the implementation of stunting prevention policy in Tegal by applying the exploratory implementation model of George Edward III, Marilee S. Grindle, and Mazmanian & Sabatier based on the triangular perspective of policy analysis. This descriptive qualitative research describes a variable orally from the respondents and the doers by observing them. The researchers collected the data by interviewing, documenting, and promoting the literature study. The researchers also interviewed the Health Agency of Tegal and Public Health Care of Kedungbanteng district. The results showed that the applied policy met the regulation in terms of local government and local apparatus organization, OPD, with collaboration and effort to realize inter-sectoral cooperation from regency to village levels. The concrete step in preventing stunting includes the provision of nutritionist teams at Kedungbanteg Public Health Care and the establishment of a police center to prevent stunting prevalence. The results were - gaining the top 99 awards of Public Service Innovation in 2023 by the Ministry of State Apparatus Utilization and Bureaucratic Reform. However, the researchers found hindrances in distributing stunting prevention at most pubic health care units in Tegal. They had not applied the concrete steps and had to improve the human resources by joining training for the cadres so they could use the measuring tool of stunting for toddlers.

Lost in Transition? Market Failure in the Implementation of the Circular Economy. A Comparative Analysis of the Netherlands and Poland

It is necessary for economies to transition to a circular economy (CE). What particularly inhibits the implementation of the CE in linear economies is market failures, whose theoretical principles are embedded in modern welfare economics and neoclassical economics. Market failures shape the functioning of different areas of the markets, including the allocation of and access to resources, competition, and cooperation, among others. Due to their presence in the market, opportunities for industrial symbiosis based on intersectoral cooperation and the creation of resource-efficient production systems are limited. It is crucial because the functioning of local actors within an industrial symbiosis significantly favours the promotion and development of a CE. The aim of the paper is to identify market failures that limit the implementation of CEs in traditional linear economies. The article is based on focus group interviews (FGI) conducted with four groups of stakeholders in the Netherlands and Poland: academia, society, business and the government. The main findings show that one of the greatest barriers in Poland is stakeholders’ low awareness of the CE, which influences their possibilities of cooperating and networking. Existing laws additionally limit opportunities to develop the CE. In contrast, in the Netherlands, where awareness is deeply embedded in the culture, education system and upbringing, the level of market failure is lower.

PROGRAM LIFE CYCLE – USING THE EXAMPLE OF A STUDENT PREINCUBATION PROGRAM

Modern businesses face various challenges, both from their environment and from within. By solving business problems, economic entities can act independently and also collaborate with other organizations, aiming for efficient and effective implementation of strategic and operational changes that make up programs, which have been growing in popularity in recent years. While the literature on the subject describes cooperation inthe implementation of programs between businesses, there is a research gap in relation to intersectoral cooperation for the scope being studied. This article aims to identify the process of initiating, defining, planning, delivering projects, renewal, and program project solutions using the example of a preincubation program. This program is implemented by a manufacturing company located in Poland in collaboration with a third-sector, non-profit entity. The case study method is used in the research process.

Povezanost med vročinskimi valovi in obiski na Internistični prvi pomoči Univerzitetnega kliničnega centra Ljubljana v obdobju 2013–2017

Background: Heatwaves have a severe impact on the number of deaths and emergency department visits, making them the most hazardous natural disaster due to climate change in many regions of the world. Our aim was to assess the short-term association between emergency department visits and heat waves from 2013 to 2017 to see whether any difference in the number of visits occurred at the Emergency Department in Ljubljana University Medical Centre during that period. Methods: The design of our study is a retrospective cross-sectional epidemiologic study. We estimated relative risks (RR) for a number of ED visits during heatwave days and reference period days for the observed diagnoses (all causes, diseases of the circulatory system, respiratory system, endocrine diseases, diseases of the digestive system and genitourinary diseases) sex, and age (from 19 to 74 years old, 75 years old and older), as well as 99.6% confidence intervals (CI) and excess ED visits in percent (%) associated with heatwaves occurring in the years from 2014 to 2017. Data were analyzed for the patients arriving at the Emergency Department of the Ljubljana University Medical Centre during summer time, from May to September. The region covers around 550,000 people and is considered an urban and rural area. Results: The results of our study showed that there was no statistically significant increase in number of ED visits during heatwaves for all causes in all observed years. We noticed even statistically significant protective phenomena between heatwaves and the number of ED visits. These happened in the years 2015 and 2017 for both sexes and circulatory system diseases, in 2016 for men, circulatory system diseases, and in 2015 for respiratory system diseases. We showed a statistically significant association between heatwaves and the number of visits in the ED for endocrine diseases in 2013. Conclusion: Despite the increased heat load in the last observed years, the number of ED visits in Ljubljana has remained stable or even decreased. Further studies on how each intervention affects the behavior of the observed population are needed to clarify whether public health measures and inter-sectoral cooperation impact the number of ED visits.

Дефицит медицинских кадров как глобальная проблема современности.

The shortage of medical personnel is a global problem of health systems, including countries with a high level of economic development and per capita income. The global aging of the population, the growth of chronic diseases, the inability of the educational system to adapt quickly to the changing conditions of modern life, to the rapid introduction of scientific achievements into curricula and practice, as well as natural and climatic threats and socio-political conflicts are factors that exacerbate the shortage of medical personnel and their uneven distribution across regions and in the world. Suboptimal working conditions, insufficient interprofessional and intersectoral cooperation, burnout, the need for long-term planning of training and professional development in the medical field are recognized as the main problems of health personnel turnover around the world.

From ideal to reality: governance of AMR in a multi-level setting

ABSTRACT This paper asks whether, and if so how, it is possible to design a system characterised by coordination across sectors and levels of governance aimed at governing AMR. The ambition is, firstly, to analyse how coordination problems materialise in the governing of the AMR problem, and secondly, with an emphasis on the structure of decision-making and communication processes, to probe into how coordination of AMR governance is achieved. The paper’s focus is on Norway, which stands out as one of the better performing countries for AMR governance. Drawing on literature on coordination and governance, the paper argues that effective coordination of AMR governance is more likely to follow a ‘bottom-up’ sequencing pattern. It thus provides a study of the systems for governing AMR in a multi-level setting. Through public documents, literature and interviews with key officials involved in AMR management, the paper illustrates the importance of – and organisational barriers to – inter-sectoral cooperation and coordinated strategies and actions at different levels of governance.

Incidence of Diabetes Mellitus in the Kyrgyz Republic and the World. Factors Influencing Its Course

In recent years, large-scale studies based on data from administrative databases have reported changes in diabetes incidence over time. Different countries show various trends: stable incidence, decreases, and increases. High-income countries have seen a decline in diabetes incidence, possibly linked to changes in diagnosis and screening practices. The number of children and adolescents with diabetes, particularly type 2, is increasing, significantly impacting society. Diabetes is a cause of premature mortality and disability, negatively affecting the economy. In the USA, premature mortality is estimated to cost 19.9 billion dollars annually. In Kyrgyzstan, the burden of non-communicable diseases, including type 2 diabetes, is growing. Measures to combat diabetes in the country include free provision of insulin and medications, the approval of clinical guidelines and protocols, and the implementation of national prevention and control programs. The State Guarantee Program ensures free medication assistance for diabetes patients. Despite these efforts, issues with funding and resource efficiency remain. Improving the quality of medical care, intersectoral cooperation, and increasing accountability for public health are necessary. Enhancing the quality of pharmaceutical care and the efficient use of public funds are also priorities for improving the diabetes situation in Kyrgyzstan. Early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes complications, as well as the implementation of new prevention strategies, are crucial for reducing incidence and improving the quality of life for patients.

Macroeconomic regulators of functioning of agro-industrial complex of the Republic of Kazakhstan: key directions

The goal is to develop effective tools for macroeconomic policy for the innovative development of AIC of the republic. Methods – abstract-logical, economic-statistical, system approach, comparative analysis. Results - the article shows the role of agro-industrial complex in achieving strategic goals: ensuring food security, increasing export potential, increasing the competitiveness of market entities on domestic and foreign markets. The evolution of agricultural industry in economically developed countries is considered: inter-sectoral cooperation, effectiveness of specialization, cooperation, production and economic ties during integration. The features of agro-industrial production and the key problems of its development are presented. The main factors constraining the strengthening of innovation and investment orientation of enterprises in the system of measures aimed to achieve full use of limited resources have been identified. Ways to form macroeconomic environment are proposed - necessary condition for stimulating entrepreneurial activity. The place and importance of total expenditures in solving the assigned tasks, the state budget deficit and methods of financing, methods of regulating banking, new monetary policy, tax and insurance systems and directions for their improvement, main components of transformation of agricultural sector into national innovation system are outlined. Conclusions - the strategic course towards innovative processes in agriculture is determined by global and domestic trends, the use of the latest resource-saving technologies and their rational use, contributes to stable increase in the level of domestic consumption, reduction in import volumes due to substitution of domestic food products. The article was written based on the research results on the project: AR19678876 “Effective system of macroeconomic instruments for state regulation of innovative development of AIC of the RK.”

Interventions for Tobacco Prevention and Control in Humanitarian Settings: A Scoping Review.

Tobacco usage is an epidemic as statistics point towards smoking as the second leading cause of death. Populations experiencing humanitarian emergencies may experience a higher propensity for tobacco, alcohol, and other substance abuse disorders. This review aimed to map tobacco prevention and control interventions in humanitarian settings. The search for this scoping review was conducted in six databases and supplemented with a gray literature search. Articles were screened at title-abstract and full-text by two pairs of authors, and data was abstracted by three individuals independently. An adapted diffusion of governance framework is used to discuss the findings. A total of 26 articles were included from the searches conducted in the databases and grey literature. The interventions targeted all age groups. The documents retrieved from the grey literature search were classified as population-based interventions, as they were not restricted to a particular group of individuals. Interventions were delivered at various locations, using different methods and engaging multiple stakeholders. Interventions assessed were grouped into packaging, labeling, and other policy interventions (pricing and taxes). There are few tobacco prevention and control interventions in the humanitarian context. The diffusion of governance perspective in implementing these interventions in humanitarian settings provides a cue for inter-sectoral cooperation among different stakeholders and disciplines beyond the health sector. Our review recommends exploring complementarity between the demand and supply side interventions for tobacco control. The scoping review has highlighted various tobacco prevention and control efforts in humanitarian settings. The interventions were delivered using various modes, and yet the burden of smoking is higher among the humanitarian population. Further research may use impact evaluation techniques to assess the impact of these interventions to facilitate the re-design of the implementation approach and policy priorities.

SOCIAL REHABILITATION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS OF MEANS OF MUSEUM PEDAGOGY

The article presents the aspects of social rehabilitation of children and youth with special educational needs that require new ways of solving them. The author notes that museum pedagogy is an effective way to solve existing problems in the social rehabilitation of children and youth with special educational needs. The purpose of the article is to theoretically substantiate the effectiveness of using museum pedagogy in the implementation of social rehabilitation of children and youth with special educational needs. The methods used to study this issue include the analysis of scientific literature on social work and museum pedagogy and its generalization. During social rehabilitation, attention should be paid to the following aspects: psychosocial support, social adaptation, vocational rehabilitation, medical care, educational initiatives, work with children and youth, and social partnership. The author believes that the model of social rehabilitation of children and youth through museum pedagogy is an innovative service in social work. Among the possibilities of museum pedagogy are interactive museum expositions, adapted excursions and programs, museum therapy, creative workshops, developmental games and exercises, inclusive groups, social interaction and the use of various technologies. Prospects for further research include the study of intersectoral cooperation with educational institutions, social services, local governments, inclusive resource centers, rehabilitation centers, medical institutions, NGOs and youth centers. It also includes studying the practical implementation of the innovative model.

'I thought we would be cherished and safe here': understanding the multi-faceted nature of mental health among Arab immigrants/refugees in Ontario, Canada- the CAN-HEAL study.

Mental health (MH) is a critical public health issue. Arab immigrants/refugees (AIR) may be at high risk for MH problems owing to various unique stressors, such as post-September/11 demonization. Despite the growing AIR population in Western countries, there is a lack of AIR-MH research in these nations. The CAN-HEAL study examined MH experiences and needs among AIR in Ontario, Canada. This study employed a cooperative community-based participatory research and integrated knowledge translation approach. The study used photovoice, qualitative interviews and a questionnaire survey. Sixty socio-demographically diverse AIR adults partook in this study. The research was informed by the "social determinants of health" framework and the "years since immigration effect" (YSIE) theory. The term "mental health" was deemed offensive for participants aged > 30years. Participants proposed other culturally-appropriate words including "well-being" and "emotional state". The prevalence of poor mental well-being in the sample was alarming (55%). Of first-generation immigrant participants, 86.8% reported negative changes in MH since migration. The negative changes are not straightforward; they are complex and dynamic, and mainly related to micro/macro-aggression, cross-cultural pressures, dissatisfaction with the health and social care system, and poor living conditions. Intersections between different socio-demographic factors (e.g., gender, length of residency, income, parenthood, religion) amplified the negative changes in MH and exacerbated inequities. MH needs among AIR are distinct and intersectionality aggravated inequities. Culturally and structurally competent healthcare and structural/policy reformation are required to tackle MH inequities. This can be fulfilled through intersectoral cooperation and including AIR in decision-making.

Міжсекторальна співпраця в контексті соціального розвитку територіальних громад України

The article examines the social aspects of the organization of intersectoral cooperation as one of the sources of the development of territorial communities and their adaptation to the complex socio-political and socio-economic conditions of the war period. The need to speed up recovery processes and successfully develop the country’s economy in combination with the European integration tasks currently makes this area of scientific research relevant. The purpose of the article is to determine the transformational changes in the development of intersectoral cooperation in territorial communities with the substantiation of stimulating mechanisms in the context of their social development tasks. The novelty is the generalization of the results of changes which took place in the organization of intersectoral cooperation in the field of social service provision in communities during the war period. The article uses the methods of system analysis, generalization and comparison, economic and statistical analysis. It was revealed that intersectoral cooperation in the territorial communities of the country has not yet acquired a systemic nature with appropriate legislative and regulatory support and is practiced only in case of critical exacerbation of local socio-economic or socio-ecological problems. The specifics of the modern organization of intersectoral interaction in the communities of the country was considered and the main trends of its development in the field of social service provision, as well as the possibility of overcoming the wartime barriers, were identified. It was found that the main obstacles to the development of intersectoral cooperation are related to its informal nature, the low level of complementarity of interacting parties’ interests, and the lack of platforms for communication. In the absence of a comprehensive concept of the development of territorial communities’ social sphere in the war period, an assessment of the sphere of social service provision in the communities was carried out, and the problems of its digitalization and staffing were determined from the perspective of the possibilities for development of various social interaction forms. The need to transition to a new format of intersectoral cooperation based on partnership, social responsibility, and constructive dialogue between participants in order to successfully implement local initiatives and minimize the negative consequences of competition between various entities and social groups has been proved. Actively spreading the possibilities of cross-sectoral cooperation, formed on collective efforts and joint responsibility on a partnership basis, to the social development of communities will ensure the successful solution of local socio-economic, information & communication, environmental protection problems, taking into account the interests of local residents. The article defines directions and conditions of the organization of intersectoral cooperation that are strategically significant for the social development of the country’s territorial communities and suggests appropriate mechanisms capable of strengthening its potential in the near future.

Intersectoral cooperation between university hospitals and physicians in private practice in Germany– where the potential for optimization lies

BackgroundIntersectoral cooperation between physicians in private practice and hospitals is highly relevant for ensuring the quality of medical care. However, the experiences and potential for optimization at this interface from the perspective of physicians in private practice have not yet been systematically investigated. The aim of this questionnaire survey was to record participants’ experiences with regard to cooperation with university hospitals and to identify the potential for optimizing intersectoral cooperation.MethodsWe performed a prospective cross-sectional study using an online survey among practising physicians of all disciplines offering ambulatory care in Germany. The link to a 41-item questionnaire was sent via mail using a commercial mail distributor in which 1095 practising physicians participated. Baseline statistics were performed with SurveyMonkey and Excel.ResultsA total of 70.6%/722 of the responding physicians in private practice rated cooperation with university hospitals as satisfactory. Satisfaction with the quality of treatment was confirmed by 87.2%/956 of the physicians. The subjectively perceived complication rate in patient care was assessed as rare (80.9%/886). However, the median waiting time for patients in the inpatient discharge letter was 4 weeks. The accessibility of medical contact persons was rated as rather difficult by 52.6%/577 of the physicians. A total of 48.6%/629 of the participants considered better communication as an equal partner to be an important potential for optimization. Likewise, 65.2%/714 participants wished for closer cooperation in pre- and/or post inpatient care.ConclusionThe following optimization potentials were identified: timely discharge letters, clear online presentations of clinical contacts, improved accessibility by telephone, introduction or further development of a referral portal, regular intersectoral training and/or “get-togethers”, regular surveys of general practitioners and implementation of resulting measures, further development of cross-sectoral communication channels and strengthening of hospital IT.

Developing a responsive model to societal needs in medical education

BackgroundResponsiveness is relevant in the context of treatment and the provision of medical services. However, if we delve deeper into the subject, we must establish and develop responsiveness within the medical sciences education system. This study aims to identify the dimensions that significantly impact responsiveness in the medical education system based on a comprehensive review and expert opinions in healthcare.MethodsThe present research is descriptive-analytical in terms of its objective and follows a mixed-method approach. This study was conducted in three stages. Initially, we utilized relevant keywords related to education in databases, such as Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, OVID, CINHAL, EBSCO, Google Scholar, Iranmedex, SID, and Irandoc. Subsequently, in the expert panel session stage, the factors influencing responsiveness were identified in the comprehensive review stage, and with this thematic background, they were conceptualized. Finally, the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) technique was employed to coherently examine the relationships between variables and present the final model.ResultsWe obtained 32 articles from the comprehensive review of studies. Four components in planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and intersectoral cooperation were identified based on expert panel opinions. Based on the standardized coefficients, the components of research-based educational planning, community-oriented education evaluation indicators, and utilization of modern educational methods are statistically significant.ConclusionThe establishment and development of responsiveness in the medical sciences education system involve training specialized and responsive human resources through innovative educational methods that have sufficient familiarity with the multidimensional concepts of health and how to achieve them. This approach allows for practical and responsible steps toward training competent and committed physicians in line with the needs of society. On the other hand, responsiveness in the medical sciences education system can be improved by enhancing research-based educational planning and developing community-oriented evaluation indicators that can assess the number of revised educational programs based on societal needs. Therefore, understanding the critical elements in revising medical education programs, which play the most significant role in addressing societal needs and responding to changing disease patterns and new health priorities, is both a necessity and an important priority.