A framework for One Health research

Abstract

The need for multidisciplinary research to address today's complex health and environmental challenges has never been greater. The One Health (OH) approach to research ensures that human, animal, and environmental health questions are evaluated in an integrated and holistic manner to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the problem and potential solutions than would be possible with siloed approaches. However, the OH approach is complex, and there is limited guidance available for investigators regarding the practical design and implementation of OH research. In this paper we provide a framework to guide researchers through conceptualizing and planning an OH study. We discuss key steps in designing an OH study, including conceptualization of hypotheses and study aims, identification of collaborators for a multi-disciplinary research team, study design options, data sources and collection methods, and analytical methods. We illustrate these concepts through the presentation of a case study of health impacts associated with land application of biosolids. Finally, we discuss opportunities for applying an OH approach to identify solutions to current global health issues, and the need for cross-disciplinary funding sources to foster an OH approach to research.

From SARS to COVID-19: A previously unknown SARS- related coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) of pandemic potential infecting humans – Call for a One Health approach

“…Health approach represents an attempt to deal with such complex problems engaging J o u r n a l P r e -p r o o f professionals from many disciplines such as human, veterinary, and environmental health, as well as social sciences [42]. The One Health approach recognizes the interrelationship between animals, humans and the environment and encourages collaborative efforts to improve the health of people and animals, including pets, livestock, and wildlife [43]. One Health teams can work to identify sources of emerging pathogens and ways to reduce the threat of outbreaks [44].…”

“…One Health teams can work to identify sources of emerging pathogens and ways to reduce the threat of outbreaks [44]. The implementation and development of One Health collaborations on a global scale are critical to reduce the threats of emerging viruses [42,43].…”

“…In conclusion, SARS-CoV-2 which causes COVID-19 is continuing to cause global fears, There is an urgent need for the implementation of multidisciplinary One Health to address the current complex health challenges at the human-animal-environment interface [42,43] One Health approaches in China have recently been described [49][50][51][52]. However, the implementation of One Health policies in China is challenged by several barriers [48,51].…”

Heavy metal phytoremediation of a poplar clone in a contaminated soil in southern Italy

“…Life quality is connected to that of the environment as expressed by the new concept of ‘One Health’ proposed by the World Health Organization . The One Health approach recognizes that human health is connected to that of animals and the environment.…”

Knowledge integration in One Health policy formulation, implementation and evaluation

“…One Health is represented by a complex biological and social system that involves multiple actors and processes and their interactions over time, at local, national and global levels 5 . To date, relatively little attention has been given to the epistemological, institutional, political and social factors associated with the implementation of a One Health approach 2 , 6 . This is illustrated by the almost complete lack of literature on One Health governance.…”