A framework for One Health research

Lebov, J.; Grieger, K.; Womack, D.; Zaccaro, D.; Whitehead, N.; Kowalcyk, B.; MacDonald, P.D.M.

First, researchers must determine the precise questions they aim to answer and what relationships are known or theoretically exist between various exposure sources and outcomes. In this phase, it may be helpful to draw upon the expertise of research collaborators and relevant literature to inform the development of a diagram or chart of these relationships. For example, a Directed Acyclic Graph could be used to visualize exposure-outcome pathways and identify important covariables and confounders [8] . Or, a logic model or similar multi-pathway visualization matrix may also be helpful for deciding where in the pathway to intervene and for brainstorming the potential impacts of the intervention on animal, human, and environmental health. For example, a graphing exercise may help the research team anticipate downstream factors of a vector control program that should be measured to both determine the program's effectiveness (e.g. reduced number of vector-borne illnesses) and to evaluate any adverse outcomes associated with the intervention (e.g. impact of mosquito fumigation on local flora and fauna or human respiratory illness associated with exposure to fumigation). Hypotheses and study aims can be based on the findings of this graphing process.