Every unhealthy population is unhealthy in its own way; population risk assessment: common and specific challenges

摘要

In this issue, Manuel et al~1 suggest that multivariate risk algorithms, widely used by clinicians, have great potential for the assessment of population risk and optimisation of population-based health planning. We agree with- this proposition, but argue that this algorithm-based approach needs to consider the local context, particularly when transferring the risk instruments derived for Western populations to non-Western settings.