Journal of Public Health Medicine 22:287-294 (2000)
© 2000 Faculty of Public Health Medicine of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United Kingdom
Promoting effective practice in secondary care
K Melvin0
J Wright1,z
J Connelly0
SR Harrison0
M Robinson0
DR Rhys Williams0
0 University of Leeds, Nuffield Institute for Health, 71-75 Clarendon Road, Leeds LS2 9PL, UK
1 Bradford Hospitals NHS Trust, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Bradford BD9 6RJ, UK
z Corresponding author
E-mail: john.wright@email.bradh-tr.northy.nhs.uk
Background.This qualitative study aimed to explore the views of key stakeholders regarding the role that public health professionals have or should have in the provision of effective health care within the National Health Service.
Method.A national (England) questionnaire survey generated a sample for qualitative telephone interviews and two site case studies. The interviews were conducted in three stages: first, 27 interviews were based on assessed reported levels of organizational activity, including non-respondents; next, views in six areas were consolidated by extra interviews; finally, two extra areas were visited for individual and group interviews. The interviews were analysed for salient themes.
Results.There was a widespread view that public health had not delivered its potential. Many Trusts currently wanted public health to have influence over commissioning, provide health needs assessments and epidemiological skills, and provide a strategic focus and unbiased advice. Evaluation of actual activity varied widely; local history and congruent personalities seemed to be associated with perceived success. In some cases there was mutual suspicion between Health Authorities and Trusts. Public health was often perceived by Trusts to have been marginalized. This perception was not shared by Public Health Consultants, who highlighted lack of resources as a reason for lack of involvement. The contribution of public health professionals working in Trusts was highly regarded. Barriers included overcoming initial prejudice and combating isolation within Trusts. There were four categories of response in respect of the potential future role for public health in implementing effective health care: no role; collaborative working between Health Authority Public Health Departments and Trusts; deployment of public health workers within Trusts, and an undecided group. Overall, the skills of public health, especially strategic vision and population perspectives, were seen as valuable but as yet unrealized.
Conclusion.Public health skills (but not necessarily professionals) may be valuable in implementing effective health care in Trusts. However, public health professionals must refocus and market their skills to Trusts if the discipline is to play a key role in this task.
Keywords: effective health care, hospital Trusts, public health skills