This dissertation comprises three papers introducing strategies, models, and frameworks to guide pandemic response. The first paper uses a novel mathematical model to analyze the coordination between government and humanitarian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in response to pandemics. This is a vital form of public-private partnership between governments as the primary source for the humanitarian supplies required during a crisis and aid organizations. This coordination involves the equitable distribution of personal protective equipment, including face masks and face shields among health workers, patients, and the public in hospitals. Considering social costs such as deprivation and equity costs in the model, in addition to the other important classic cost terms, enables managers to organize the best possible response when such outbreaks happen. The second paper introduces a decision support framework designed to assist healthcare managers, and clinical informatics specialists in analyzing and selecting the most appropriate consensus algorithm for their organization's blockchain-based health platforms, with a specific focus on managing pandemic-related information. Blockchain technology holds great potential in addressing pandemics by enhancing security and transparency in various aspects of pandemic tracking and mitigation while promoting public engagements by facilitating real-time exchange of electronic health information. By improving information sharing and coordination among healthcare organizations, it offers more effective response efforts and helps reduce the spread of viruses. However, the performance of consensus algorithms, which are a crucial component of blockchain architecture, can vary, posing a challenge in selecting the appropriate algorithm. To address this, the framework incorporates two techniques: data envelopment analysis (DEA) and the ranking distribution technique. DEA enables the analysis of efficiency without relying solely on expert judgment, providing a more objective assessment. The ranking distribution technique enhances differentiation among algorithms, providing decision-makers with a robust basis for selecting the most suitable blockchain architecture and its associated properties. The third paper focuses on the challenges of disseminating guidance-related information to the public during a pandemic, specifically the role of opinion leaders as reliable sources of information. The study determines the practical characteristics of pandemic opinion leaders on public attitudes using surveys and identifies domain-sensitive pandemic opinion leaders on Twitter based on the discovered characteristics using social network analysis and text mining. The framework's results show that pandemic opinion leaders are active in eight different domains on the Twitter platform. Results also demonstrate that trust is the most influential characteristic of pandemic opinion leaders, while expertise, uniqueness, innovation, and reputation also play important roles. / Doctor of Philosophy / This dissertation presents a collection of three research papers that offer insights and practical techniques and strategies to effectively tackle the challenges posed by pandemics through enhanced information sharing, public engagement, and robust public-private partnerships. The first paper introduces a novel mathematical model that thoroughly examines the collaboration between governments and humanitarian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) during crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic. The model's primary focus is on the equitable distribution of vital supplies, including face masks and shields, to healthcare workers as well as the public. By incorporating considerations of social costs, fairness, and other critical factors, this model aids managers in organizing the most efficient response to initial impacts of outbreaks within a short-term planning horizon. Our primary objective is to ensure the prompt and equitable delivery of essential supplies to individuals in need, achieved primarily through establishing strong public-private partnerships. The second paper proposes a decision support framework for healthcare managers, IT analysts, and clinical informatics specialists to help them effectively analyze consensus algorithms, as the most important layer of blockchain architecture. The framework further helps them select the most suitable algorithm for their organization's blockchain-based health platforms, aligning with specific policies, needs, requirements, and goals in managing pandemic-related information. Blockchain technology offers potential in tracking medical supplies, identifying virus hotspots, and verifying protective equipment authenticity to manage pandemics. By enhancing information sharing and coordination among healthcare organizations, blockchain can minimize virus spread and improve overall response efforts. The proposed framework reduces reliance on expert judgment and addresses data uncertainty when selecting proper algorithms for blockchain-based information management systems in mitigating the effects of pandemics. The third paper delves into the intricate challenges associated with effectively disseminating guidance-related information to the public during a pandemic, placing particular emphasis on the pivotal role played by opinion leaders (OLs) as reliable sources. This study thoroughly examines the distinctive characteristics of pandemic OLs and their profound influence on public attitudes. By employing surveys, social network analysis, and text mining techniques on Twitter data, the research successfully identifies OLs within distinct pandemic-related domains. The study's significant findings provide insights into the dynamic role assumed by pandemic OLs on Twitter and their consequential impact on public perception and behavior across various domains. Ultimately, the dissertation findings strive to support decision-makers and public health officials in their efforts to effectively manage pandemics and protect public health. The research emphasizes facilitation of seamless, rapid, and dependable information sharing across various planning horizons.

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Visuomenės sveikata yra tokia pat svarbi kaip ir asmens, tačiau finansavimas vis dar išlieka opia problema. Todėl ištyrus programų finansavimo aspektus, galima identifikuoti pagrindines administravimo ir valdymo problemas, norint ateityje užtikrinti kuo efektyvesnį programų administravimą. Šio darbo tikslas yra nustatyti ES ir Lietuvos programų finansavimo aspektus ir identifikuoti su tuo susijusias pagrindines problemas. Tyrimo metu bus analizuojamos programos pagal kelias prioritetines ES visuomenės sveikatos strategijos sritis - tai alkoholis, tabakas, moterų sveikata, narkotikai bei ŽIV/AIDS ir psichinė sveikata. Darbą sudaro 3 didelės dalys. Pirmoje dalyje pristatoma tyrimo metodologija. Aprašoma decentralizacijos teorija, jos teigiami ir neigiami aspektai. Taip pat pristatomi teoriniai sveikatos priežiūros finansavimo modeliai, kuriais remiantis finansuojamos visuomenės sveikatos programos. Antroje dalyje pristatoma ES visuomenės sveikatos strategija 2008 – 2013 m., Lietuvos visuomenės sveikatos sistemos atitikimas ES prioritetams, aptariamas programų finansavimas bei įvairiausios su programų rengimu ir finansavimu kylančios problemos. Trečioje darbo dalyje pasitelkus kokybinį pusiau struktūruoto interviu metodą, pristatomas tikslinės grupės tyrimas. Nustatytas visuomenės sveikatos įgyvendinimo, ES fondų, pagrindinių visuomenės sveikatos programų ir finansavimo vertinimas ekspertų perspektyva. Išanalizavus ES ir Lietuvos visuomenės sveikatos programų finansavimą... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / Public health is as important as the persons, but funding still remains a problem. Therefore, the study of the financing aspects of the programs, can be identified the main administrative and management problems for the future to ensure the most efficient administration of the programs. The aim of this work is to establish the EU and Lithuanian program funding aspects and to identify related key issues. In this study will be analyzed the programs in a number of priority areas of EU public health strategy - it is alcohol, tobacco, women's health, drugs and HIV / AIDS and mental health. Work consists of 3 large parts. The first part presents the survey methodology. Described the positive and negative aspects of decentralization theory. It also presents the theoretical models of health care financing, which funded public health programs. The second part presents the EU Public Health Strategy 2008 - 2013, the public health system of Lithuania adequacy with EU priorities, discussed financing of a programs and a wide range of programs development and financing problems. In the third part, invoke in a qualitative semi-structured interview method, investigation of the focus group is presented. Defined the implementation of public health, the EU funds, the major public health programs and funding assessment of the experts prospect. During the analysis of EU and Lithuanian public health programs financing and the investigation, identified a mixed funding model in the public health... [to full text]