Monitoring of community-acquired pneumonia hospitalisations before the introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine into Polish National Immunisation Programme (2009-2016): A nationwide retrospective database analysis.

PURPOSE: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common infection with significant morbidity and mortality. In January 2017, Poland introduced pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) into their national immunisation programme to protect children against invasive pneumococcal disease. This study was designed to investigate pneumonia-related hospitalisation rates and trends from 2009 to 2016 prior to the introduction of nationally funded PCV vaccination. METHODS: Using national public statistic data available from the National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene, annual hospitalisation rates for pneumonia were analysed, categorised by aetiology and age (<2, 2-3, 4-5, 6-19, 20-59, 60+ years). Trends over time were assessed, as well as in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: The overall hospitalisation rate due to pneumonia varied between 325.9 and 372.2/100,000 population. Higher rates of hospitalisation were seen in older adults and children ≤5 years. Trends were observed when analysing hospitalisations by pneumonia aetiology within age groups: between 2009 and 2016, Streptococcus pneumoniae hospitalisations significantly increased for children aged <2, 2-3, and 4-5 years, from 5.3 to 12.4, 5.2 to 8.2, and 1.9 to 4.6/100,000 population respectively. Whereas hospitalisations due to Haemophilus influenzae pneumonia decreased significantly from 7.8 to 1.8 and 4.8 to 1.9/100,000 children aged <2 and 2-3 years respectively. The numbers of in-hospital deaths increased from 5578 in 2009 to 8149 in 2016, with >85% of deaths in the 60+ age group. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first national study of pneumonia hospitalisations in Poland, providing the baseline data from which to investigate the impact of the change in vaccination policy on pneumonia hospitalisations in Poland.

[Coordinated heart failure care in Poland: towards optimal organisation of the health care system]. / Coordinated heart failure care in Poland: towards optimal organisation of the health care system.

Heart failure has becoming an increasing medical, economic, and social problem globally. The prevalence of this syndrome is rising, and despite unequivocal positive effects of modern therapy, reduction of mortality has been achieved at the cost of more frequent hospitalisations. Unlike in many European countries, in Poland heart failure is usually recognised later, at a more advanced stage of the disease, leaving less time for ambulatory treatment and resulting in a high number of hospitalisations. The current paper presents the most important data regarding morbidity and mortality due to heart failure in Poland. The experts in the field focus on the key source of high costs of therapy and highlight several critical organisational deficits present in the Polish health care system. This background information builds a basis for a concept of coordinated care for patients with heart failure. The paper discusses the fundamental elements of the system of coordinated care for patients with heart failure necessary to enhance the diagnosis, improve therapeutic effects, and reduce medical, economic, and social costs.

Analysis of changes in cancer health care system in Poland since the socio-economic transformation in 1989

Background: The transformation period in Poland is associated with a set of factors seen as 'socio-economic stress', which unfavourably influenced cancer treatment and slowed down the progress of the Polish cancer care in the 90's. These outcomes in many aspects of cancer care may be experienced till today. The results of the international EUROCARE and CONCORD studies based on European data prove evidence that there is a substantial potential for improvement of low 5-year survival rates in Poland. Since high survivals are related to notably efficient health care system, therefore, to improve organization and treatment methods seems to be one of the most important directions of change in the Polish health care system. Till today, cancer care in Poland is based on a network outlined by Professor Koszarowski in the middle of the last century, and is a solid foundation for the contemporary project of the Comprehensive Cancer Care Network (CCCN) proposed in the frame of CanCon Project. Objective: Analysis of the structure of health care system and the changes introduced within the network of oncology in Poland since the beginning of the post-commuinist socio-economic transformation in 1989. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted based on the CanCon methods aimed at reviewing specialist literature and collecting meaningful experiences of European countries in cancer care, including the main legal regulations. Results: The analysis provided evidence that the political situation and the economic crisis of the Transformation period disintegrated the cancer care and resulted in low 5-year survival rates. A step forward in increasing efficiency of the cancer treatment care was a proposal of the 'Quick Oncological Therapy' together with one more attempt to organize a CCCN. With this paper the Authors contribute to the CanCon Project by exploration, analysis and discussion of the cancer network in Poland as an example of existing net-like structures in Europe as well as by preparation of guidelines for constructing a contemporary CCCN. Conclusions: (1) 'Socio-economic' stress adversely affected the efficiency of oncological treatment, both by reducing safety and slowing down the development of modern oncology. (2) Changing the current system into the contemporary form - CCCN could be an important step forward to optimise the oncological health care in Poland. (3) Introduction of the mandatory monitoring of organizational changes with the use of health standardized indicators could allow for the assessment of the effectiveness of implemented solutions and their impact on better prognosis for cancer patients. (4) Optimising the organization of the health care system is possible only by implementing necessary legislative corrections.

Epidemiology of eye diseases and infrastructure of ophthalmology in Poland.

ADMISSION: Untreated eye diseases are the leading cause of blindness in the world. Most people suffering from visual impairment is in the age group above 50 years of age. As many as 82% of people in this group is suffering from eye diseases. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to present the epidemiology of eye diseases and state of infrastructure of ophthalmology in Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Based on data by WHO prepared review of world and Polish literature on issues in the field of ophthalmology and epidemiology of eye diseases. On the analysis developed epidemiological situation of the most common eye diseases--cataract, glaucoma and AMD--leading to loss of vision in Poland. Using databases CSIOZ, the Central Statistical Office and WHO listed infrastructure resources of ophthalmology in Poland. RESULTS: The main eye diseases leading to blindness indicated cataract, glaucoma and macular degeneration. In 80% of cases, vision loss can be avoided by early detection and treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Prevention and early detection is an essential tool for reducing the incidence of blindness, especially in elderly.

Incidence, treatment, in-hospital mortality and one-year outcomes of acute myocardial infarction in Poland in 2009-2012--nationwide AMI-PL database.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Nationwide data on acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are available for some Western but not for Central and Eastern European countries. We performed a study on nationwide data of all Polish AMI patients in 2009-2012 to assess incidence, quality of care, and cardiovascular events during 1 year following AMI. METHODS: The database of the only public, obligatory health insurer in Poland (National Health Fund) together with data from the Central Statistical Office were used. AMI cases were selected based on primary diagnosis ICD-10 codes I21-I22. For years 2009-2012, index hospitalisations (n = 311,813) in a given year and death records were analysed. Additionally, data on hospitalisations, procedures and deaths during 1 year follow-up were obtained for 2009. RESULTS: Age-adjusted incidence of AMI in Poland in 2009 was 196 cases per 100,000 population (176 per 100,000 were hospitalised), with a decreasing trend over time. The incidence was 2.5 times higher in men than in women. The median age was 63 years in men and 74 years in women. The proportion of ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) decreased from 59% to 48% in 2012, and the proportion of patients receiving invasive treatment increased from 72% to 81%. Age-adjusted case fatality rate was equal in women and men. In 2009, the number of patients with AMI was 75,054 (61% men, 39% women) and 83% of them were treated in cardiology units. Invasive strategy was used in 77% of patients with STEMI and 66% of those with non-STEMI, thrombolysis in 1% and coronary artery bypass grafting in 1.9% of patients. Invasive treatment was used less frequently in women and the elderly patients. When all hospitals where a patient was treated until the final discharge were taken into account, in-hospital mortality was 10.5%. The lowest in-hospital mortality was noted among patients treated invasively (6.3%). The total number of readmissions within 1 year following AMI was 84,718, of which 61.9% were due to cardiovascular causes. The most common causes were stable coronary artery disease (27%), heart failure (7.9%), recurrent infarction (7.0%), and unstable angina (6.8%). Within 1 year after AMI, only 22% of patients participated in a cardiac rehabilitation programme. Total 1-year mortality was 19.4% (invasive treatment 12.3%, non-invasive treatment 38.0%). CONCLUSIONS: Standards of care and early outcomes in AMI in Poland are similar to Western countries. The major cause of higher mortality due to AMI in the Polish population is a high incidence of AMI, indicating a need for intensification of primary prevention programmes. Secondary prevention is also underused, especially in the field of cardiac rehabilitation.

Responsiveness to the hospital patient needs in Poland.

BACKGROUND: The health system responsiveness, defined as non-medical aspect of treatment relating to the protection of the patients' legitimate rights, is the intrinsic goal of the WHO strategy for 21st century. OBJECTIVE: To describe the patients' opinions on treatment they received in hospital, namely: admission to hospital, the role of patient in hospital treatment, course of treatment, medical workforce attitude, hospital environment, contact with family and friends, and the efficacy of hospital treatment in respect to responsiveness to patient's needs and expectations (dignity, autonomy, confidentiality, communication, prompt attention, social support, basic amenities and choice of provider). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data were collected in 2012 from 998 former patients of the randomly selected 73 hospital in Poland. RESULTS: Dignity: Over 80% of patients experienced kindness, empathy, care and gentleness, and over 90% of them had the sense of security in hospital, met with friendliness during the admission to hospital and never encountered inappropriate comments from medical staff. Autonomy: About 80% of patients accepted the active role of patients in hospital, they perceived they had influence on procedures related to hospitalization and course of treatment, and they felt medical staff responded to their requests and concerns. Over 90% of them had opportunity to communicate their concerns to medical staff and to discuss the course of treatment. On the other hand, the explanation of the reason for the refusal to meet their requests was given to only 23% of the patients interested. Confidentiality: 70-80% of patients declared the respect for privacy and confidentiality during collecting the health information and during medical examinations, and were not examined in presence of other people. Nevertheless, only 23% of patients examined so were asked of their consent. Communication: About 90% of patients declared they trusted their physician, received from him explanation regarding the course of treatment and information about further treatment after discharge from hospital, but physicians devoted the time and attention to only 70% of them. Prompt attention: Over 90% of patients perceived simplicity of the formalities of admission to hospital, and short waiting for treatment and additional tests in hospital (but only 50% received explanation of reason if they waited long). Nevertheless, 10% of them % of them perceived they waited for admission to hospital too long, and over 20% for admission to a ward as long. Social support: The unlimited direct and phone contact with family and friends was declared by 96% of patients. Basic amenities: The high percentage of patients assessed positively the marking in hospital (97%) and cleanliness of linen (89%), followed by the general indoor appearance room in which patient stayed, lack of noise (70-80%), hospital meals, furniture (60-70%), availability of personal hygienic articles (50-60%), cleanliness of hospital room, toilet, showers and bathtubs, and availability of soap (40-50%). Choice of provider: Only 41% of patients declared that they had influence on choice of the hospital. CONCLUSION: Responsiveness of Polish hospital patient needs is similar to that of the OECD countries of the lowest health system responsiveness. Compared to the Central European countries, the responsiveness in Polish hospitals is lower than that of Czech Republic and only slightly higher of those of Slovenia, Slovakia and Hungary.

Determining the use of health care services by obese inhabitants of Warsaw. A preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: The excessive use of health care services by obese people constitutes a serious financial burden to all highly developed countries. As yet however, this has not been recognised to be a problem in Poland. OBJECTIVE: To provide a preliminary analysis of Warsaw inhabitants in their use of and quality of received health care by comparing obese subjects with those of normal weight. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study subjects were fifty three obese (BMI > 30) and one hundred eighty one normal weight (18.5 < BMI < 25) inhabitants of Warsaw, who had taken part in a study on social participation in health care reforms. The use of health care services covered: visits to public health care physicians, hospitalisation and visiting private physicians. Assessing health care quality was by evaluating overall the health care system and the family doctor as well as out-of-pocket treatment expenses and any difficulties in accessing physicians. RESULTS: Obese subjects perceived their health to be significantly worse than those of normal weight and significantly more of them never attended private practice. Consultation with public health physicians was also frequently, but not significantly, higher in the former whilst hospital admissions were the same in both groups. Obese subjects gave considerably lower general assessments of the quality of the health care system and more often perceived their medical expenses as being very high, nevertheless, both these differences were statistically insignificant. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained findings have allowed us to formulate new recommendations for future research. These will examine various uses of health care services by the obese, i.e. family doctors and other specialists of public primary health care, out-patient clinic physicians and private physicians (according to their defined specialisations), hospitals according to location and rehabilitation centres. Account will be taken of visiting frequency, admission waiting time for physicians, length of visits, amounts of prescribed medication, out-of-pocket payment for treatment and medication, frequency of surgical interventions, satisfaction with given treatments and physician attitudes towards obese patients. Moreover, the socioeconomic status of the obese will be investigated as a potential obstacle to using health care services.

Food supplement-related risks in the light of internet and RASFF data.

OBJECTIVE: Based on legal acts and RASFF information, this paper aimed at evaluating available facts on food supplements in comparison to the most popular data accessible via Internet for future and present consumers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Having analyzed legal acts and RASFF (Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed) database, the authors attempted to verify what kind of information on food supplements may be found by an Internet user, using the first webpage of Google.pl. This search engine was used in this study as it gained the highest popularity among Internet users. It was decided that exclusively search results displayed on the first webpage would be subject to analysis as 91.5% of Internet users limit their search to the first 9-10 results. Internet was searched using the following two terms: 'supplement' and 'supplements' as well as terms suggested by Google. pl. Subsequently, the results were subject to qualitative and quantitative analyses. RESULTS: On the Internet, the most frequently searched terms were: 'supplements' (243 000 000), 'supplement' (9 290 000), 'supplements shop' (8 200 000). Having analyzed the content of particular websites, information on certain products, given by their manufacturers may be found. Then, data on supplement itself were provided, i.e. what is a supplement and when it should be used. Expert articles (written by physicians, dieticians, pharmacists) on a risk resulting from these products, including therapeutic indications or the presence of unauthorized substances were identified considerably less frequently. No warnings regarding the necessity of purchasing the products in legal and verified places were found. CONCLUSIONS: There is a necessity of systemic education of consumers on reasonable use of food supplements. It is also advisable to consider the organization of alert system whose objective would be to monitor adverse reactions caused by an intake of food supplements or novel food launched into the country. To obtain reliable information on the composition and effects of food supplements, potential consumer should contact physician or dietician. Additionally, complementary information, using different sources with an example being health-related portals, presenting articles written by physicians or pharmacists, may be also searched.

The risk of overweight and obesity in chronic diseases among Warsaw inhabitants measured by self-reported method.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is well known cause of various diseases. However, there are only a few studies which enable to compare directly the magnitude of risk in different groups of chronic diseases. OBJECTIVES: The aim of presented paper was to identify a magnitude of the risk of chronic diseases attributable to overweight and obesity on the basis of data on weight and height self-reported by respondents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The survey was conducted among 402 Warsaw inhabitants selected by non-random method. Overweight and obesity was measured by Body Mass Index (BMI) on the basis of the data of weight and height reported by respondents. According to WHO criteria the normal weight is defined as BMI 18.5 - 24.9 kg/m2, overweight as BMI 25.0 - 29.9 kg/m2, and obesity as BMI 30 kg/m2 or more. The following groups of chronic diseases were included: cancer, diabetes and other endocrine diseases, mental disorders, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, digestive diseases, arthritis and allergy disorder. RESULTS: Obesity measured by self-reported method was recognised as significant risk factor for diabetes (OR=9.6, CI: 2.0-152.8), respiratory diseases (OR=10.6, CI: 3,0-333,7), cardiovascular diseases (OR=5.2, CI: 1.9-108.3), arthritis (OR=6.3, CI: 2.4-266.7), digestive diseases (OR=3,8, CI: 1.3-83.6) and mental disorders (OR=5.8, CI: 1.5-29.1), while overweight significantly increased the risk of diabetes (OR=4.4, CI: 1.2-10.8), respiratory diseases (OR=3.2, CI: 1.4-22.2), cardiovascular diseases (OR=2.9, CI: 1.2-6.4) and arthritis (OR=3.0, CI: 1.1-9.6) CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed that data on weight and height collected by survey method provide some information about the magnitude of the risk regarding particular groups of diseases attributable to overweight and obesity, nevertheless, underestimation of BMI calculated in this way should be taken into account.

"Health 2020"--new framework for health policy. Part I.

The paper presents the new framework for health policy adopted in September 2012 during the 62nd session of World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for Europe as the strategy "Health 2020". Four priority areas for policy action as well as prerequisites for achieving two interlinked strategic objectives; improving health for all and reducing health inequalities as well as improving leadership and participatory governance for health are presented and discussed.

Analyses of hospitalization of diabetes mellitus patients in Poland by gender, age and place of residence.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to analyze the hospitalization of diabetes mellitus patients in Polish hospitals in 2005-2009. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data was taken from a nationwide database, kept at the National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene in Warsaw. Data gathered for this work related to patients whose main cause of hospitalization was diabetes. RESULTS: In the period of five years the number of diabetes-caused hospitalizations increased by nearly 22% - from 172.2 per 100 thousand in 2005 to 209.9 per 100 thousand in 2009. Hospital treatment covered mainly patients suffering from type 2 diabetes (116.4 per 100 thousand in 2009), as well as type 1 diabetes (87.6 per 100 thousand in 2009). Patients under 39 years of age were more often hospitalized because of type 1 diabetes, whereas in the older age groups patients were more often treated in hospitals for type 2 diabetes. Generally, in both types of the disease, older patients required hospitalizations more often than the younger ones. Cardiovascular diseases were the most reported co-morbidity in both types of the disease. In 2005-2009 the hospital mortality rate decreased with regard to both types of diabetes and an average length of hospital stay decreased by one day, reaching 8.1 days in 2009. CONCLUSION: It must be emphasized that the growing epidemic of diabetes and its complications are an important challenge to society. The percentage of people hospitalized due to diabetes is increasing every year and consumes significant resources dedicated to health care. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of diabetes are imperative, as well as reducing the disparities in access to medical care (ambulatory and stationary) for town and country residences.

A framework for scientific advice on health: EuSANH's principles and guidelines.

BACKGROUND: Society expects politicians to make sound decisions by bringing the best evidence to bear on the health problems in question. Performing this task requires access to independent sources of sound scientific advice. The European Science Advisory Network for Health (EuSANH) is a network of national science advisory bodies in Europe which are active in the field of health and provide independent scientific advice to their authorities. The EuSANH addressed this question in a European project. METHODS: Guidelines and principles for producing sound advice have been formulated after international comparative evaluations and extensive discussions among participants of the EuSANH-ISA project with input from international experts. RESULTS: A framework for scientific advice on health has been produced. CONCLUSIONS: This framework will ensure a uniform approach and thus opens possibilities for collaboration between science advisory bodies.

Structural damages in adsorbed vaccines affected by freezing.

This study was planned to evaluate structural damages in adsorbed vaccines affected by freezing using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray analysis of the elements. Randomly selected 42 vials of eight different types of WHO pre-qualified adsorbed freeze-sensitive vaccines from 10 manufacturers were included in the study. Vaccines were kept at 5 °C. Selected numbers of vials from each type were then exposed to -25 °C for 24 h periods. All samples were evaluated for their structure using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray analysis of the elements and precipitation time. Scanning electron microscopy of vaccines affected by freezing showed either smooth or rough surfaced conglomerates associated with phosphate content of the precipitate. These vaccines precipitated 2-15 times faster compared to non-frozen samples. Non-frozen samples showed uniform flocculent structure either dense or dispersed. X-ray analysis of precipitates in frozen samples confirmed that the precipitate is mainly aluminium clutters. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed that the lattice structure of bonds between adsorbent and the antigen is broken and aluminium forms conglomerates that grow in size and weight. The precipitation time of vaccines affected by freezing is 4.5 times faster on average compared to non-frozen samples. These facts form the basis of the "shake test".

Public health research in Horizon 2020. Results of the work of Independent Expert Group of the European Commission.

The recommendations of Independent Expert Group of European Commission on the future public health research priorities for Horizon 2020 funding stream in 2014-2020 are herewith presented. The group was commissioned in September 2012 by DG Research & Innovation of (DG-RTD) of European Commission.

"Health 2020"--new framework for health policy. Part II.

The papers continues presentation of the new framework for health policy related to "Health 2020" strategy adopted in September 2012 unanimously by all member countries of EURO Region during the 62nd session of the World Health Organization Regional Committee for Europe. Four priority areas for action are presented.

The scope and results of selected epidemiological studies conducted at the National Institute of Hygiene in the years 1945-1989.

The authors present the first article in the series concerning the scope ofresearch, scientific, practical, educational and other achievements of the National Institute of Hygiene (PZH) since 1945. This article is limited to discussing selected studies conducted in the field of epidemiology until the year 1989. The selection was based on PZH annual reports on the accomplishment of planned objectives and the literature positins listed in these reports, as well as other documents. The criterion for selection was how the scope of the research matched the epidemiological situation within a historical context. The authors chose research that yielded practical results which made an impact on the epidemiological situation, particularly concerning infectious diseases in Poland. The significance of epidemiological research of non-infectious diseases was also stressed. In addition, research that was considered by scientists in Poland and abroad as contributing to the development of medical methodology was included in the selection.

[The role of science in policy making--EuSANH-ISA project, framework for science advice for health]. / Rola nauki w podejmowaniu decyzji politycznych--projekt EuSANH-ISA, struktura doradztwa nauki w kwestiach zdrowotnych.

Governments and other authorities (including MPs) should be well informed on issues of science and technology. This is particularly important in the era of evidence-based practice. This implies the need to get expert advice. The process by which scientific knowledge is transmitted, along with proposals how to solve the problem, is called science advice. The main aim of the article is to discuss the issue of science advice--definitions, interaction between science and policymaking, and its position in contemporary policies. The second aim is to present European Science Advisory Network for Health (EuSANH), EuSANH-ISA project, and framework for science advice for health which was developed by participants. Furthermore, the role of civil society in decision-making process and science advice is also discussed. Interaction between scientists and policy-makers are described in terms of science-push approach (technocratic model), policy-pull (decisionistic) and simultaneous push-pull approach (pragmatic). The position of science advice is described in historical perspective from the 50s, especially in the last two decades. Description relies to USA, Canada and UK. Principles of scientific advice to government (Government Office for Science, UK) are quoted. Some important documents related to science advice in EU and UN are mentioned. EuSANH network is described as well as EuSANH-ISA project, with its objectives and outcomes. According to findings of this project, the process of science advice for health should follow some steps: framing the issue to be covered; planning entire process leading to the conclusion; drafting the report; reviewing the report and revision; publishing report and assessing the impact on policy.

Determinants of self-rated health of Warsaw inhabitants.

BACKGROUND: Self-rated health is a one-point measure commonly used for recognising subjectively perceived health and covering a wide range of individual's health aspects. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to examine the extent to which self-rated health reflects the differences due to demographic characteristics, physical, psychical and social well-being, health disorders, occurrence of chronic disease and negative life events in Polish social and cultural conditions. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Data were collected by non-addressed questionnaire methods from 402 Warsaw inhabitants. The questionnaire contained the questions concerning self-rated health, physical, psychical and social well-being, the use of health care services, occurrence of chronic disease and contact with negative life events. RESULTS: The analysis showed that worse self-rated health increased exponentially with age and less sharply with lower level of education. Pensioners were more likely to assess their own health worse then employed or students. Such difference was not found for unemployed. Compared to married, the self-rated health of divorced or widowed respondents was lower. Gender does not differentiate self-rated health. In regard to well-being, self-rated health linearly decreased for physical well-being, for social and, especially, for psychical well-being the differences were significant, but more complicated. Hospitalisation, especially repeated, strongly determined worse self-rated health. In contrast, relationship between self-rated health and sickness absence or frequency of contact with physician were lower. Chronic diseases substantially increased the risk of poorer self-rated health, and their co-morbidity increased the risk exponentially. The patients with cancer were the group, in which the risk several times exceeded that reported for the patients of other diseases. Regarding negative life events, only experience with violence and financial difficulties were resulted in worse self-rated health. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings confirmed the usefulness of self-rated health for public health research.

[Initiative of introducing the applications of genetics for public health purposes in Poland]. / Inicjatywa wprowadzenia zastosowan genetyki dla potrzeb zdrowia publicznego w Polsce.

An integration of scientific associations involved in public health and genetics to apply genetics achievements might create new perspectives of public health and health promotion in Poland and allow to apply genomic applications that are currently in transition from research to public health practice. Activities might enable to undertake preventive actions as population screening programs based on genome-based knowledge and technologies as targeted preventive interventions. The achievements in the field of public health genetics or genomics have been taking place in several countries and have begun to have an impact on population health status.