Amanda Killoran and Mike P. Kelly (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- February 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199563623
- eISBN:
- 9780191722554
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199563623.001.0001
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health, Epidemiology
Evidence-Based Public Health: Effectiveness and Efficiency continues the themes raised in Public Health Evidence: tackling health inequalities. Written by the same team, this book is a ...
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Evidence-Based Public Health: Effectiveness and Efficiency continues the themes raised in Public Health Evidence: tackling health inequalities. Written by the same team, this book is a comprehensive reference to evidence-based approaches in public health. It covers the context and role of evidence-based public health in England; frameworks for evaluating the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of public health policies and interventions; diversity, vulnerability and risk as a focus for understanding the role of social context in influencing health-related behaviours; approaches and methods to generate and synthesize evidence of what works to improve health and tackle health inequalities; current best available evidence on the effectiveness of a diverse range of interventions; and the role of evidence-based guidance and standards in changing policy and practice.Less
Evidence-Based Public Health: Effectiveness and Efficiency continues the themes raised in Public Health Evidence: tackling health inequalities. Written by the same team, this book is a comprehensive reference to evidence-based approaches in public health. It covers the context and role of evidence-based public health in England; frameworks for evaluating the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of public health policies and interventions; diversity, vulnerability and risk as a focus for understanding the role of social context in influencing health-related behaviours; approaches and methods to generate and synthesize evidence of what works to improve health and tackle health inequalities; current best available evidence on the effectiveness of a diverse range of interventions; and the role of evidence-based guidance and standards in changing policy and practice.
David J. Hunter
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781847424631
- eISBN:
- 9781447303978
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781847424631.001.0001
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health
Health systems everywhere are experiencing rapid change in response to new threats to health, including from lifestyle diseases, risks of pandemic flu, and the global effects of climate change, but ...
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Health systems everywhere are experiencing rapid change in response to new threats to health, including from lifestyle diseases, risks of pandemic flu, and the global effects of climate change, but health inequalities continue to widen. Such developments have profound implications for the future direction of public health policy and practice. This book offers a wide-ranging, provocative assessment of challenges confronting a public health system, exploring how its parameters have shifted and what the origins of dilemmas in public health practice are.Less
Health systems everywhere are experiencing rapid change in response to new threats to health, including from lifestyle diseases, risks of pandemic flu, and the global effects of climate change, but health inequalities continue to widen. Such developments have profound implications for the future direction of public health policy and practice. This book offers a wide-ranging, provocative assessment of challenges confronting a public health system, exploring how its parameters have shifted and what the origins of dilemmas in public health practice are.
Mario Mazzocchi, W. Bruce Traill, and Jason F. Shogren
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199213856
- eISBN:
- 9780191695902
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199213856.001.0001
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Public and Welfare
The obesity epidemic and the growing debate about what, if any, public health policy should be adopted is the subject of endless debates within the media and in governments around the world. Whilst ...
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The obesity epidemic and the growing debate about what, if any, public health policy should be adopted is the subject of endless debates within the media and in governments around the world. Whilst much has been written on the subject, this book takes a unique approach by looking at the obesity epidemic from an economic perspective. Written in a language accessible to non-specialists, the authors provide a timely discussion of evolving nutrition policies in both the developing and developed world, discuss the factors influencing supply and demand of food supply, and review the evidence for various factors which may explain recent trends in diets, weight, and health. The traditional economic model assumes people choose to be overweight as part of a utility maximisation process that involves choices about what to eat and drink, how much time to spend on leisure, food preparation, and exercise, and choices about appearance and health. Market and behavioural failures, however, such as time available to a person, education, costs imposed on the health system and economic productivity provide the economic rationale for government intervention. The authors explore various policy measures designed to deal with the epidemic and examine their effectiveness within a cost-benefit analysis framework. While providing a sound economic basis for analysing policy decisions, the book also aims to show the underlying limits of the economic framework in quantifying changes in public well-being.Less
The obesity epidemic and the growing debate about what, if any, public health policy should be adopted is the subject of endless debates within the media and in governments around the world. Whilst much has been written on the subject, this book takes a unique approach by looking at the obesity epidemic from an economic perspective. Written in a language accessible to non-specialists, the authors provide a timely discussion of evolving nutrition policies in both the developing and developed world, discuss the factors influencing supply and demand of food supply, and review the evidence for various factors which may explain recent trends in diets, weight, and health. The traditional economic model assumes people choose to be overweight as part of a utility maximisation process that involves choices about what to eat and drink, how much time to spend on leisure, food preparation, and exercise, and choices about appearance and health. Market and behavioural failures, however, such as time available to a person, education, costs imposed on the health system and economic productivity provide the economic rationale for government intervention. The authors explore various policy measures designed to deal with the epidemic and examine their effectiveness within a cost-benefit analysis framework. While providing a sound economic basis for analysing policy decisions, the book also aims to show the underlying limits of the economic framework in quantifying changes in public well-being.
Catherine Law
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- February 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199563623
- eISBN:
- 9780191722554
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199563623.003.02
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health, Epidemiology
The use of research evidence in public health policy poses many challenges. This chapter introduces these challenges, drawing on examples from international, national, and local policy-making. It ...
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The use of research evidence in public health policy poses many challenges. This chapter introduces these challenges, drawing on examples from international, national, and local policy-making. It first considers the need for evidence within policy processes, and then goes on to discuss the usefulness of the current evidence base, highlighting some of the gaps. It discusses some of the challenges in using and developing the evidence base, illustrating the clashes between research, policy cultures and processes, and where progress is being made. Finally, it considers how policy influences research and how this field may develop in the future.Less
The use of research evidence in public health policy poses many challenges. This chapter introduces these challenges, drawing on examples from international, national, and local policy-making. It first considers the need for evidence within policy processes, and then goes on to discuss the usefulness of the current evidence base, highlighting some of the gaps. It discusses some of the challenges in using and developing the evidence base, illustrating the clashes between research, policy cultures and processes, and where progress is being made. Finally, it considers how policy influences research and how this field may develop in the future.
Andrew Green
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780198571346
- eISBN:
- 9780191724138
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198571346.001.0001
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health, Epidemiology
This text, the latest edition, explains the importance of health planning in both developing regions such as Africa, and those in transition, such as Central and Eastern Europe. It stresses the ...
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This text, the latest edition, explains the importance of health planning in both developing regions such as Africa, and those in transition, such as Central and Eastern Europe. It stresses the importance of understanding the national and international context in which planning occurs, and provides an up to date analysis of the major current policy issues, including health reforms. Separate chapters are dedicated to the distinct issues of finance for health care and human resource planning. The book explains the various techniques used at each stage of the planning process, looking first at the situational analysis and then looking in turn at priority-setting, option appraisal, programming, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. The book ends by examining the challenges facing planners in the 21st century, particularly in the light of growing globalization. A major theme of the book is the need to recognise and reconcile the inevitable tension that lies between value judgements and ‘rational’ decision-making. As such, in addition to introducing techniques such as costing and economic appraisal, it also outlines techniques such as stakeholder analysis for understanding the relative attitudes and power of different groups in planning decisions. Each chapter includes a comprehensive bibliography (including key websites), a summary, and exercises to help with practise of techniques and understanding the content. The book argues that all health professionals and community groups should be involved in the planning process for it to be effective.Less
This text, the latest edition, explains the importance of health planning in both developing regions such as Africa, and those in transition, such as Central and Eastern Europe. It stresses the importance of understanding the national and international context in which planning occurs, and provides an up to date analysis of the major current policy issues, including health reforms. Separate chapters are dedicated to the distinct issues of finance for health care and human resource planning. The book explains the various techniques used at each stage of the planning process, looking first at the situational analysis and then looking in turn at priority-setting, option appraisal, programming, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. The book ends by examining the challenges facing planners in the 21st century, particularly in the light of growing globalization. A major theme of the book is the need to recognise and reconcile the inevitable tension that lies between value judgements and ‘rational’ decision-making. As such, in addition to introducing techniques such as costing and economic appraisal, it also outlines techniques such as stakeholder analysis for understanding the relative attitudes and power of different groups in planning decisions. Each chapter includes a comprehensive bibliography (including key websites), a summary, and exercises to help with practise of techniques and understanding the content. The book argues that all health professionals and community groups should be involved in the planning process for it to be effective.
Thomas Babor, Harold Holder, Raul Caetano, Ross Homel, Sally Casswell, Michael Livingston, Griffith Edwards, Esa Österberg, Norman Giesbrecht, Jürgen Rehm, Kathryn Graham, Robin Room, Joel Grube, Ingeborg Rossow, and Linda Hill
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199551149
- eISBN:
- 9780191720642
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199551149.003.015
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health, Epidemiology
This chapter provides a comprehensive framework to understand the alcohol policymaking process and how it can serve the interests of public health and social welfare. It describes the major players ...
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This chapter provides a comprehensive framework to understand the alcohol policymaking process and how it can serve the interests of public health and social welfare. It describes the major players in the policymaking arena at the local, national and international levels. It presents a model of the policymaking process that comprises the institutions, stakeholders, and the environment within which policy decisions are made. One model of the policy process forms a cycle, beginning with an assessment of alcohol-related problems, followed by implementation of evidence-based interventions, and concluding with systematic evaluation and corrective action if necessary. But the reality of the policymaking process is rarely that simple or straightforward.Less
This chapter provides a comprehensive framework to understand the alcohol policymaking process and how it can serve the interests of public health and social welfare. It describes the major players in the policymaking arena at the local, national and international levels. It presents a model of the policymaking process that comprises the institutions, stakeholders, and the environment within which policy decisions are made. One model of the policy process forms a cycle, beginning with an assessment of alcohol-related problems, followed by implementation of evidence-based interventions, and concluding with systematic evaluation and corrective action if necessary. But the reality of the policymaking process is rarely that simple or straightforward.
Richard Heller
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780198529743
- eISBN:
- 9780191723919
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198529743.001.0001
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health, Epidemiology
This book aims to show the value of developing and applying an evidence base to public health. The application of evidence to clinical practice is well established, and the field of evidence-based ...
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This book aims to show the value of developing and applying an evidence base to public health. The application of evidence to clinical practice is well established, and the field of evidence-based medicine accepted as a basic clinical science, not so for public health. The book examines the methods used for Evidence Based Medicine, and shows how these can be applied to public health. In the process, a number of new measures are necessary to extend clinical measures to the population. Population impact measures are described and their value in public health policy-making described and discussed. The book identifies evidence for population health as an appropriate field of study. The chapters are divided in three sections to follow the structure of the Population Health Evidence Cycle: Ask the question, Collect the evidence, and Understand and use the evidence.Less
This book aims to show the value of developing and applying an evidence base to public health. The application of evidence to clinical practice is well established, and the field of evidence-based medicine accepted as a basic clinical science, not so for public health. The book examines the methods used for Evidence Based Medicine, and shows how these can be applied to public health. In the process, a number of new measures are necessary to extend clinical measures to the population. Population impact measures are described and their value in public health policy-making described and discussed. The book identifies evidence for population health as an appropriate field of study. The chapters are divided in three sections to follow the structure of the Population Health Evidence Cycle: Ask the question, Collect the evidence, and Understand and use the evidence.
Mark Wolfson and Maria Parries
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195388299
- eISBN:
- 9780199866519
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195388299.003.0008
- Subject:
- Political Science, American Politics
This chapter discusses the institutionalization of community action in public health. To say that some kind of activity is “institutionalized” means that it has become “routine,” a relatively stable ...
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This chapter discusses the institutionalization of community action in public health. To say that some kind of activity is “institutionalized” means that it has become “routine,” a relatively stable and fixed part of supported and required behavior. Community participation in public health activities and policy has become supported and mandated in the public health funded programs of the U.S. government. Social movements have been deeply intertwined with the public health profession and state policy. The paper discusses the adoption, standardization, and dissemination of community action in its several forms (e.g., community organizing, community coalitions, and community‐based participatory research). They are able to chart the dramatic increase in the funding of community action methods, using a data base of federally funded biomedical research.Less
This chapter discusses the institutionalization of community action in public health. To say that some kind of activity is “institutionalized” means that it has become “routine,” a relatively stable and fixed part of supported and required behavior. Community participation in public health activities and policy has become supported and mandated in the public health funded programs of the U.S. government. Social movements have been deeply intertwined with the public health profession and state policy. The paper discusses the adoption, standardization, and dissemination of community action in its several forms (e.g., community organizing, community coalitions, and community‐based participatory research). They are able to chart the dramatic increase in the funding of community action methods, using a data base of federally funded biomedical research.
Stig Wall, Gudrun Persson, and Lars Weinehall
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199236626
- eISBN:
- 9780191724053
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199236626.003.004
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health, Epidemiology
This chapter examines the Swedish public health scene from three perspectives, each of which involves different actors: public health policy, public health reporting, and public health research. ...
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This chapter examines the Swedish public health scene from three perspectives, each of which involves different actors: public health policy, public health reporting, and public health research. Combining the three emphasizes their interdependence and provides some examples of successes and failures in Swedish health and welfare programmes. The chapter summarizes the public health situation in Sweden as mirrored by its national Public Health Reports (1987–2005) and identifies major themes in Swedish public health research and policy. It also describes the lessons learnt from trying to promote and evaluate public health changes at the local community level.Less
This chapter examines the Swedish public health scene from three perspectives, each of which involves different actors: public health policy, public health reporting, and public health research. Combining the three emphasizes their interdependence and provides some examples of successes and failures in Swedish health and welfare programmes. The chapter summarizes the public health situation in Sweden as mirrored by its national Public Health Reports (1987–2005) and identifies major themes in Swedish public health research and policy. It also describes the lessons learnt from trying to promote and evaluate public health changes at the local community level.
Ross C. Brownson, Elizabeth A. Baker, Terry L. Leet, Kathleen N. Gillespie, and William R. True
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- January 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195397895
- eISBN:
- 9780199827183
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195397895.003.0011
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health, Epidemiology
This chapter briefly describes several emerging issues in public health that influence the body of available evidence and how the evidence is applied across various settings. While these examples are ...
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This chapter briefly describes several emerging issues in public health that influence the body of available evidence and how the evidence is applied across various settings. While these examples are not exhaustive, they illustrate the myriad of challenges faced by public health practitioners in the coming years and decades.Less
This chapter briefly describes several emerging issues in public health that influence the body of available evidence and how the evidence is applied across various settings. While these examples are not exhaustive, they illustrate the myriad of challenges faced by public health practitioners in the coming years and decades.
Robert A. Hahn and Marcia C. Inhorn
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195374643
- eISBN:
- 9780199865390
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195374643.003.0001
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health, Epidemiology
This introductory chapter describes the book's four sections: 1) Anthropological understandings of public health problems, 2) Anthropological design of public health interventions, 3) Anthropological ...
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This introductory chapter describes the book's four sections: 1) Anthropological understandings of public health problems, 2) Anthropological design of public health interventions, 3) Anthropological evaluations of public health initiatives, and 4) Anthropological critiques of public health policy. It then surveys underlying premises of the discipline of anthropology; outlines basic methods of anthropology in public health; and describes some of the challenges of incorporating anthropological approaches within public health institutions and public health practice.Less
This introductory chapter describes the book's four sections: 1) Anthropological understandings of public health problems, 2) Anthropological design of public health interventions, 3) Anthropological evaluations of public health initiatives, and 4) Anthropological critiques of public health policy. It then surveys underlying premises of the discipline of anthropology; outlines basic methods of anthropology in public health; and describes some of the challenges of incorporating anthropological approaches within public health institutions and public health practice.
Michael Marmot and Paul Elliott (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780198525738
- eISBN:
- 9780191724114
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198525738.001.0001
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health, Epidemiology
Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide affecting millions of people in both developed and developing countries. The dual aims of this book are to review the well-established ...
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Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide affecting millions of people in both developed and developing countries. The dual aims of this book are to review the well-established and emerging risk factors in coronary heart disease (CHD) and to apply this knowledge to public health approaches to disease prevention. The book includes authoritative accounts of studies within a single population and international studies, important areas of methodological development, trials to test preventive strategies, and the application of epidemiological and other knowledge to the development of public health policy for the prevention of widespread disease. It is an all-encompassing work containing contributions from the world authorities in the field. The book is divided into four sections. The introduction reviews advances in the understanding of, and the current status, of risk factors for CHD. Section Two looks at recent global trends and emerging patterns of CHD morbidity and mortality in several countries, and includes chapters on work done under the auspices of the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the global burden of disease in relation to smoking and blood pressure. Section Three focuses on advances in understanding the aetiology of CHD with each chapter focused on a particular risk factor. Section Four explores measures of prevention and intervention in terms of public health policy with specific examples from around the world.Less
Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide affecting millions of people in both developed and developing countries. The dual aims of this book are to review the well-established and emerging risk factors in coronary heart disease (CHD) and to apply this knowledge to public health approaches to disease prevention. The book includes authoritative accounts of studies within a single population and international studies, important areas of methodological development, trials to test preventive strategies, and the application of epidemiological and other knowledge to the development of public health policy for the prevention of widespread disease. It is an all-encompassing work containing contributions from the world authorities in the field. The book is divided into four sections. The introduction reviews advances in the understanding of, and the current status, of risk factors for CHD. Section Two looks at recent global trends and emerging patterns of CHD morbidity and mortality in several countries, and includes chapters on work done under the auspices of the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the global burden of disease in relation to smoking and blood pressure. Section Three focuses on advances in understanding the aetiology of CHD with each chapter focused on a particular risk factor. Section Four explores measures of prevention and intervention in terms of public health policy with specific examples from around the world.
Frank Vinicor
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- January 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195317060
- eISBN:
- 9780199871544
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195317060.003.0032
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health, Epidemiology
This chapter demonstrates the breadth and “power” of selected diabetes policies. It discusses ones that are relatively simple which could be directly implemented within a clinic without great ...
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This chapter demonstrates the breadth and “power” of selected diabetes policies. It discusses ones that are relatively simple which could be directly implemented within a clinic without great difficulty. The chapter talks about policies of such potential impact that they could ultimately influence all people with diabetes in a large metropolitan area, in a country such as the United States, or even throughout the world. Policies of such potential impact are, not surprisingly, both challenging and controversial.Less
This chapter demonstrates the breadth and “power” of selected diabetes policies. It discusses ones that are relatively simple which could be directly implemented within a clinic without great difficulty. The chapter talks about policies of such potential impact that they could ultimately influence all people with diabetes in a large metropolitan area, in a country such as the United States, or even throughout the world. Policies of such potential impact are, not surprisingly, both challenging and controversial.
Tim G. Townshend
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- January 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199571512
- eISBN:
- 9780191595097
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199571512.003.0020
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health, Epidemiology
Urban planning — the process by which built environments are shaped and managed — aims to balance social, economic, and environmental concerns and needs. Public health was once central to this ...
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Urban planning — the process by which built environments are shaped and managed — aims to balance social, economic, and environmental concerns and needs. Public health was once central to this dynamic. However, in the decades following de-industrialization in developed countries, it became eclipsed by the exigencies of economic regeneration, and renewal and health were considered only in relation to issues such as pollution and contaminated land. Over the past two decades, however, there has been an increasing awareness that urban planning needs to re-engage with broader issues of health. Indeed, there have been suggestions that there is evidence to implicate the built environment as a factor in the obesity epidemic. This chapter explores those aspects of the obesity crisis on which planning and transportation policies may have a direct influence. It examines international research but mainly looks at how planning might respond from a British perspective. It is hoped, however, that the principles and policies discussed can be translated to other planning systems and structures.Less
Urban planning — the process by which built environments are shaped and managed — aims to balance social, economic, and environmental concerns and needs. Public health was once central to this dynamic. However, in the decades following de-industrialization in developed countries, it became eclipsed by the exigencies of economic regeneration, and renewal and health were considered only in relation to issues such as pollution and contaminated land. Over the past two decades, however, there has been an increasing awareness that urban planning needs to re-engage with broader issues of health. Indeed, there have been suggestions that there is evidence to implicate the built environment as a factor in the obesity epidemic. This chapter explores those aspects of the obesity crisis on which planning and transportation policies may have a direct influence. It examines international research but mainly looks at how planning might respond from a British perspective. It is hoped, however, that the principles and policies discussed can be translated to other planning systems and structures.
Katherine E. Smith
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- January 2018
- ISBN:
- 9781447336211
- eISBN:
- 9781447336235
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447336211.003.0008
- Subject:
- Political Science, Public Policy
This chapter discusses the role of ideas in policy making. The existence of conflicts between evidence-based and ideological approaches to politically contentious issues is widely recognised. ...
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This chapter discusses the role of ideas in policy making. The existence of conflicts between evidence-based and ideological approaches to politically contentious issues is widely recognised. However, for policy issues — such as public health — in which there seems to be rather more of a consensus about the overarching objectives, it seems less obvious how or why ‘politics’ might obstruct the use of evidence within policy making. Indeed, the majority of civil servants and politicians in a post-1997 UK context have signed up to taking an evidence-based approach to improving population health and reducing health inequalities. The existence of such a cross-sector consensus suggests that public heath might be one area in which evidence-based policy and practice are feasible. Yet, disappointingly, most assessments of public health policies continue to conclude that they are not evidence-based. A popular explanation for this disjuncture is that it results from communicative, institutional, and cultural gaps between researchers and policy makers.Less
This chapter discusses the role of ideas in policy making. The existence of conflicts between evidence-based and ideological approaches to politically contentious issues is widely recognised. However, for policy issues — such as public health — in which there seems to be rather more of a consensus about the overarching objectives, it seems less obvious how or why ‘politics’ might obstruct the use of evidence within policy making. Indeed, the majority of civil servants and politicians in a post-1997 UK context have signed up to taking an evidence-based approach to improving population health and reducing health inequalities. The existence of such a cross-sector consensus suggests that public heath might be one area in which evidence-based policy and practice are feasible. Yet, disappointingly, most assessments of public health policies continue to conclude that they are not evidence-based. A popular explanation for this disjuncture is that it results from communicative, institutional, and cultural gaps between researchers and policy makers.
Julia Downing and Richard Harding
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199599400
- eISBN:
- 9780191739170
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199599400.003.0087
- Subject:
- Palliative Care, Patient Care and End-of-Life Decision Making, Palliative Medicine Research
This chapter focuses on public health policy regarding end-of-life care in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). There is an overwhelming need for quality palliative care services across SSA. Centres of ...
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This chapter focuses on public health policy regarding end-of-life care in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). There is an overwhelming need for quality palliative care services across SSA. Centres of excellence exist and enormous advocacy gains have been made. Lessons have been learnt in terms of coverage, lobbying and advocacy, and innovative low cost integrated palliative care in an unpredictable trajectory that can be useful for other regions of the world. However, palliative care remains a public health priority within the region and practitioners need to continue to be innovative, adapting and developing appropriate models of care that best meet the public health needs for all.Less
This chapter focuses on public health policy regarding end-of-life care in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). There is an overwhelming need for quality palliative care services across SSA. Centres of excellence exist and enormous advocacy gains have been made. Lessons have been learnt in terms of coverage, lobbying and advocacy, and innovative low cost integrated palliative care in an unpredictable trajectory that can be useful for other regions of the world. However, palliative care remains a public health priority within the region and practitioners need to continue to be innovative, adapting and developing appropriate models of care that best meet the public health needs for all.
Alison Hann and Stephen Peckham
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781847421029
- eISBN:
- 9781447303114
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781847421029.003.0009
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health
This chapter explores the relationship between ethics and practice in relation to immunisation and public health policy. It explores what kinds of ethical approaches public health practitioners can ...
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This chapter explores the relationship between ethics and practice in relation to immunisation and public health policy. It explores what kinds of ethical approaches public health practitioners can adopt in support of developing and implementing public health programmes. It argues that justification for vaccination programmes is based on differing values and principles and that vaccination requires an exploration of ethical issue.Less
This chapter explores the relationship between ethics and practice in relation to immunisation and public health policy. It explores what kinds of ethical approaches public health practitioners can adopt in support of developing and implementing public health programmes. It argues that justification for vaccination programmes is based on differing values and principles and that vaccination requires an exploration of ethical issue.
Eric van Praag, Karl L Dehne, and Venkatraman Chandra-Mouli
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199237401
- eISBN:
- 9780191723957
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199237401.003.0040
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health, Epidemiology
This chapter examines the historical aspects of the AIDS policy debate within the UN family. It first shows that international AIDS policy has evolved, as had the public health policies earlier on, ...
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This chapter examines the historical aspects of the AIDS policy debate within the UN family. It first shows that international AIDS policy has evolved, as had the public health policies earlier on, from an emphasis on individual risks and targeted behavioural interventions towards addressing the societal-level determinants of the epidemic. This section also shows that international AIDS policies and strategies have changed from an early emphasis on disease control to the promotion of community development, only to swing back later to a biomedical model that embraces new disease control elements such as rapid testing and antiretroviral treatment. Conceptual differences and developments within and between programmes and agencies in intervention approaches are highlighted to describe further the evolution within the UN community of a balanced HIV response addressing issues like vulnerability and stigma while at the same time scaling up access to effective therapies within strengthened health systems.Less
This chapter examines the historical aspects of the AIDS policy debate within the UN family. It first shows that international AIDS policy has evolved, as had the public health policies earlier on, from an emphasis on individual risks and targeted behavioural interventions towards addressing the societal-level determinants of the epidemic. This section also shows that international AIDS policies and strategies have changed from an early emphasis on disease control to the promotion of community development, only to swing back later to a biomedical model that embraces new disease control elements such as rapid testing and antiretroviral treatment. Conceptual differences and developments within and between programmes and agencies in intervention approaches are highlighted to describe further the evolution within the UN community of a balanced HIV response addressing issues like vulnerability and stigma while at the same time scaling up access to effective therapies within strengthened health systems.
Ewan Ferlie, Sue Dopson, Chris Bennett, Michael D. Fischer, Jean Ledger, and Gerry McGivern
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- November 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780198777212
- eISBN:
- 9780191823008
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198777212.003.0007
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Knowledge Management
This chapter analyses the role of think tanks in generating a distinctive mode of policy knowledge, pragmatically orientated to inform and shape issues of importance to civil society. Drawing on ...
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This chapter analyses the role of think tanks in generating a distinctive mode of policy knowledge, pragmatically orientated to inform and shape issues of importance to civil society. Drawing on political science literature, we argue that think tanks exploit niche areas of expertise and influence to actively mobilize policy analyses and recommendations across diverse stakeholders. Through our exploratory mapping of think tanks, geographically concentrated within London, we characterize their influence as significantly boosting knowledge intensity across the regional ecosystem. In particular, we study the empirical case of one London-based think tank which powerfully mobilized policy knowledge through its formal and informal networks to build influential expert consensus amongst key stakeholders. We conclude that such organizations act as key knowledge producers and mobilizers, with significant potential to influence policy discourses and implementation.Less
This chapter analyses the role of think tanks in generating a distinctive mode of policy knowledge, pragmatically orientated to inform and shape issues of importance to civil society. Drawing on political science literature, we argue that think tanks exploit niche areas of expertise and influence to actively mobilize policy analyses and recommendations across diverse stakeholders. Through our exploratory mapping of think tanks, geographically concentrated within London, we characterize their influence as significantly boosting knowledge intensity across the regional ecosystem. In particular, we study the empirical case of one London-based think tank which powerfully mobilized policy knowledge through its formal and informal networks to build influential expert consensus amongst key stakeholders. We conclude that such organizations act as key knowledge producers and mobilizers, with significant potential to influence policy discourses and implementation.
Barry M. Popkin
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- January 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199571512
- eISBN:
- 9780191595097
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199571512.003.0010
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health, Epidemiology
From limited nationally representative surveys, the shifts in diet and physical activity patterns around the world have accelerated in the past decade. Rapid increases in the globalization of the ...
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From limited nationally representative surveys, the shifts in diet and physical activity patterns around the world have accelerated in the past decade. Rapid increases in the globalization of the food-supply and food-distribution networks, technology related to work and leisure, and the coverage of mass media are key global causal factors. Each of these global forces, along with urbanization and other shifts at the local level, underlie the quickening of the rate of change of diet and activity patterns of large subpopulation groups in most countries. This chapter highlights data on these dietary trends with a combination of individual dietary-intake analysis and more aggregate consumption analysis. It then discusses the implications of these trends for public health policy and programmes.Less
From limited nationally representative surveys, the shifts in diet and physical activity patterns around the world have accelerated in the past decade. Rapid increases in the globalization of the food-supply and food-distribution networks, technology related to work and leisure, and the coverage of mass media are key global causal factors. Each of these global forces, along with urbanization and other shifts at the local level, underlie the quickening of the rate of change of diet and activity patterns of large subpopulation groups in most countries. This chapter highlights data on these dietary trends with a combination of individual dietary-intake analysis and more aggregate consumption analysis. It then discusses the implications of these trends for public health policy and programmes.
