Operations research in schistosomiasis control.
The term "operations research" is used in several different senses but the simplest concept is one of any activity and associated evaluation which will lead us to a better understanding of how to do things in the most competent and effective way. Operations research should attempt to bring all the subsets of variables together within one framework embracing strictly technical matters, organizational and administrative aspects, population cooperation and behavioural constraints or complications, costs and resources required, cost-efficacy and the construction of a system for continued monitoring and subsequent remedial interventions, where necessary. The problems involved in operations research are outlined and the practical points of importance are emphasized. The principles of schistosomiasis control are listed, the use of population based chemotherapy is stressed, the constraints are tabulated and specific suggestions made for worth-while studies in the "operational research" context.
Davis
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Parasitic Diseases Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D009874:Operations Research; D012552:Schistosomiasis / Q000517:prevention & control*