Biomedical subjects

Z Varvasovszky

Publications and source records attributed to Z Varvasovszky.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2000

Stakeholder analysis: a review.

The growing popularity of stakeholder analysis reflects an increasing recognition of how the characteristics of stakeholders--individuals, groups and organizations--influence decision-making processes. This paper reviews the origins and uses of stakeholder analysis, as described in the policy, health care management and development literature. Its roots are in the political and policy sciences, and in management theory where it has evolved into a systematic tool with clearly defined steps and applications for scanning the current and future organizational environment. Stakeholder analysis can be used to generate knowledge about the relevant actors so as to understand their behaviour, intentions, interrelations, agendas, interests, and the influence or resources they have brought--or could bring--to bear on decision-making processes. This information can then be used to develop strategies for managing these stakeholders, to facilitate the implementation of specific decisions or organizational objectives, or to understand the policy context and assess the feasibility of future policy directions. Policy development is a complex process which frequently takes place in an unstable and rapidly changing context, subject to unpredictable internal and external factors. As a cross-sectional view of an evolving picture, the utility of stakeholder analysis for predicting and managing the future is time-limited and it should be complemented by other policy analysis approaches.

Decision Making, Organizational↗

PubMed2000

A stakeholder analysis.

This paper provides guidance on how to do a stakeholder analysis, whether the aim is to conduct a policy analysis, predict policy development, implement a specific policy or project, or obtain an organizational advantage in one's dealings with other stakeholders. Using lessons learned from an analysis of alcohol policy development in Hungary, it outlines issues to be considered before undertaking the stakeholder analysis concerning the purpose and time dimensions of interest, the time-frame and the context in which the analysis will be conducted. It outlines advantages and disadvantages of an individual or team approach, and of the use of insiders and outsiders for the analysis. It describes how to identify and approach stakeholders and considers the use of qualitative or quantitative data collection methods for estimating stakeholder positions, levels of interest and influence around an issue. A key message is that the process of data collection and analysis needs to be iterative; the analyst needs to revise and deepen earlier levels of the analysis, as new data are obtained. Different examples of ways of analyzing, presenting and illustrating the information are provided. Stakeholder analysis is a useful tool for managing stakeholders and identifying opportunities to mobilize their support for a particular goal. However, various biases and uncertainties necessitate a cautious approach in using it and applying its results.

Decision Making, Organizational↗

PubMed1998

An analysis of alcohol policy in Hungary. Who is in charge?

AIM: In the light of unprecedented increases in the levels of chronic liver disease and cirrhosis in Hungary, accompanied by other evidence of increasing health and social consequences of alcohol, this study aimed to identify alcohol policy actors at the national level, describe their understanding of alcohol policy, determine their position, interest and influence on the issue, and identify the inter-relationships between these actors. METHODS: A series of interviews with key actors identified through a snowball technique, supplemented by a telephone survey of local government authorities. Analysis was undertaken according to the principles of stakeholder analysis and political mapping. FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS: The alcohol policy arena is fragmented. There is a lack of explicit and coherent goals and a shared vision by all actors is missing. Key actors do not seem to be aware of what they could do as a result of their position, and how. There is a failure to develop strategic alliances. Those actors with high and medium levels of support and interest in a comprehensive alcohol policy which would seek to control overall consumption have little influence. Those with influence in the policy arena have not mobilized themselves as regards public health in general and alcohol related policy in particular, with few notable exceptions. Considerable opposition can be expected from those working in retail and catering facilities.

Alcohol Drinking↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Problem drinking among hospitalized patients in Hungary.

Alcohol is an important determinant of the overall burden of disease in Eastern Europe. It is a particularly important problem in Hungary, where death rates from cirrhosis have increased rapidly to levels much higher than in neighbouring countries. This study sought to describe the prevalence of problem drinking among the hospitalized population in Hungary by means of a survey of self-reported alcohol consumption and of the prevalence of current or lifetime problem drinking among hospitalized patients in the four teaching hospitals in Hungary. A survey was conducted of all patients (n = 3140) admitted to medical, surgical, trauma, psychiatric and neurological wards over a 2-week period in 1997 who stayed in hospital for at least 24 h, using a survey instrument based on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and Luebeck Alcoholism Screening Test (LAST) instruments designed to screen for current and lifetime problem drinking respectively. In all, 23.5% of men and over 53.5% of women reported never drinking alcohol. Of those who did drink, about one in eight men and less than 1% of women reported drinking 5 or more drinks on a day when they drank. Whether defined by LAST or AUDIT, the prevalence of problem drinking was approximately 19% among men and 2% among women, although this rose to 32-35% among men aged 35-44 years. The rate did not vary significantly with employment or education, but was higher among those who were divorced. These high rates of problem drinking indicate the need for coherent policies on alcohol in Hungary.

Adult↗