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International Journal of Public Health

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01-02-2014 | Review

A scoping review of unintended harm associated with public health interventions: towards a typology and an understanding of underlying factors

Authors: L. K. Allen-Scott, J. M. Hatfield, L. McIntyre

Published in: International Journal of Public Health | Issue 1/2014

Abstract

Objectives

Unintended harm theory as related to public health interventions (PHI) is under developed, with harm evaluation and reporting often absent or incomplete. This review presents a typology for, and underlying factors linked to, PHI-associated unintended harm.

Methods

This scoping review was conducted electronically and includes articles from 1992 to June of 2013. Out of 2,490 originally identified titles, 26 full-text articles were included that discussed unintended harm associated with PHI. An iterative data analysis process was utilized to identify both a typology and underlying factors associated with unintended harm.

Results

A typology of PHI-associated unintended harm was identified: (1) physical; (2) psychosocial; (3) economic; (4) cultural and (5) environmental. Five underlying factors associated with PHI unintended harm emerged: (1) limited and/or poor quality evidence; (2) prevention of one extreme leads to another (boomerang effects); (3) lack of community engagement; (4) ignoring root causes; and (5) higher-income country PHI implementation in a lower- or middle-income country.

Conclusions

PHI planning and evaluation frameworks may benefit from the consideration and potential incorporation of the unintended harm typology and underlying factors.

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Title: A scoping review of unintended harm associated with public health interventions: towards a typology and an understanding of underlying factors
Authors: L. K. Allen-Scott
J. M. Hatfield
L. McIntyre
Publication date: 01-02-2014
Publisher: Springer Basel
Published in: International Journal of Public Health / Issue 1/2014
Print ISSN: 1661-8556
Electronic ISSN: 1661-8564
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-013-0526-6

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

A scoping review of unintended harm associated with public health interventions: towards a typology and an understanding of underlying factors

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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