Recommendations to plan a national burden of disease study

Abstract Background The InfAct (Information for Action) project is a European Commission Joint Action on Health Information which has promoted the potential role of burden disease (BoD) approaches to improve current Union-Health System (EU-HIS). It done so by raising awareness concept, methods used calculate estimates and their implications uses in policymaking. BoD approach systematic scientific effort quantify compare magnitude health loss due different diseases, injuries, risk factors with produced demographic characteristics geographies specific points time. Not all countries have resources undertake such work, may therefore start more restricted objective, e.g., limited number or use simple measures population as prevalence life expectancy. main objective develop these recommendations was facilitate those planning national study. Results These could be considered minimum requirements study includes following elements: (1) Define objectives within context your country, (2) Identify, communicate secure benefits performing studies, (3) Secure access required data sources, (4) Ensure capacity capability available carry out study, (5) Establish clear governance structure stakeholder engagement/involvement, (6) Choose appropriate methodological (7) Knowledge translation. were guided results from our survey performed identify needs narrative overview four (Belgium, Germany, Netherlands Scotland) summary comparative country profiles statistics. Conclusions would efforts who intend perform studies.