Funding for Research to improve Health Outcomes

I gave a lecture today on the crucial role of research in improving health outcomes during the successfully concluded Public Health Forum 2024.  I gave examples of how research improves health outcomes such as in terms of technology development and new treatments, funding for financial risk protection, health worker welfare, patient-centered care, policy and health systems research.

I asked AI ChatGPT for its opinion on the topic:

Research plays a crucial role in improving health outcomes in several ways:

1.  Developing new treatments and therapies: Research helps in the discovery and development of new drugs, medical procedures, and therapies that can improve outcomes for various health conditions.

2.  Identifying risk factors and causes of diseases: Through research, scientists can identify the underlying causes and risk factors of diseases, leading to better prevention and management strategies to improve health outcomes.

3.  Improving diagnosis and early detection: Research helps in developing new diagnostic tools and techniques that can lead to early detection of diseases, allowing for timely treatment and better outcomes.

4.  Enhancing personalized medicine: Research in genomics and personalized medicine allows for tailored treatment plans based on individual genetic makeup, leading to more effective and targeted therapies and improved health outcomes.

5.  Informing evidence-based practice: Research provides the foundation for evidence-based practice in healthcare, ensuring that medical decisions and interventions are based on scientific evidence and research findings to improve patient outcomes.

6.  Addressing healthcare disparities: Research helps in identifying and addressing healthcare disparities among different populations, leading to interventions and policies that can improve outcomes for marginalized and underserved communities.

7.  Promoting preventive measures: Research into preventive medicine and public health interventions can lead to strategies for promoting healthy behaviors, preventing diseases, and ultimately improving overall health outcomes.

8.  Informing policy decisions: Research findings can inform healthcare policies and decisions to improve the quality of healthcare delivery, access to care, and overall health outcomes for populations.

Overall, research is essential in advancing medical knowledge, improving healthcare practices, and ultimately leading to better health outcomes for individuals and communities.

During the open forum, the speakers lamented that students and residents engage in research activities merely for compliance.  One student asked us, which I would like to extend to our discussion tonight on RESEARCH:

T1.  Are there political or administrative roadblocks to applying for research grant funding?

T2.  How can research outputs be utilized for evidence-based policies and practices?

T3.  How can we make research grants and funding more accessible to interested parties?

See you tonight at 9PM MLA TIME to discuss Funding for Research to improve health outcomes.

Suportahan Tika! All about Patient Support Groups online

The HIV treatment hub where I work with people living with HIV (PLHIVs) has been organizing monthly support groups for women in collaboration with a non-government organization since 2014.  The COVID19 pandemic didn't stop this support group as they turned to social media groups to stay connected.

Illnesses like HIV/AIDS, drug addiction, tuberculosis and/or leprosy may continue to be stigmatized such that patients remain vulnerable to discrimination.  Support groups provide safe spaces to share one's feelings openly and to be accepted with dignity.

Let us talk about how patient support groups help manage mental health problems related to stigmatizing chronic illnesses, tonight on #HealthXPH at 9PM MLA time.

T1.  Share your personal experiences with support groups.

T2.  How do support groups help manage mental health problems related to illnesses?

T3.  What is the role of social media in patient support groups?

What are you willing to do for your job?

There are a lot of things we do for our work that are beyond the scope of our job description.  Since we work in health service delivery, we ofteb have to think out of the box to ensure that our patients have access to our services, that processes are convenient for them and that we listen to their feedback for improvement.

"Love, PAHS" florist for a day

Valentine's Day came and went with our initial venture into "Love, PAHS" Valentine's Day booth selling flowers, chocolates and serenade packages for VSMMC employees.  For a day, I felt like Cupid bringing loved ones together and helping the shy ones express their feelings of admiration and appreciation.

INTEGRITY

Integrity is the word of the day.

For me, INTEGRITY means doing the right thing even when nobody is watching.

 

 

You are destined to be a guiding light

 

The Role of Faith and Devotion in Health and Wellness

This weekend we Filipinos are celebrating the Feast of the Senior Santo Nino, the Child Jesus.  In Cebu, this is a big festival of faith and devotion called SINULOG where everyone shouts "Viva Pit Senyor!" and devotees sing Batobalani sa Gugma (Magnet of Love) and wave to the Sto Nino during masses and processions.

Penitential Walk with Mary

The volume of devotees who continue to join the penitential walk with Mary on the dawn Friday and the solemn foot procession on Saturday afternoon speaks about the faith of the Cebuano people in the Sto Nino.  

Devotees from all over the Philippines and even beyond flock to Cebu every January to pay tribute to the Child Jesus, praying the rosary, waving in churches and walking long foot processions - many to atone for their sins, others to pray for healing from illnesses and others for their own personal intentions.

As a doctor, we are taught not to impose our own culture and beliefs on patients.  Whatever works to benefit the patient's health status and well-being should be respected and accepted.  Some articles point that religious coping can significantly improve treatment outcomes.  The article on Prayer and healing: a medical and scientific perspective to randomized controlled trials seems to tell us that research will always be constrained by scientific limitations. 

Join us tonight as we discuss about the role of faith and devotion in health and wellness:

T1.  Share a personal experience about faith, devotion or religious practice.

T2.  How does faith and devotion affect health and wellness?

T3.  Does faith, devotion or religion interfere with health and wellness?