Planning Ahead in Public Health
Author Information
Author(s): Taylor-Robinson David C, Milton Beth, Lloyd-Williams Ffion, O'Flaherty Martin, Capewell Simon
Primary Institution: Division of Public Health, The Whelan Building, Quadrangle, Liverpool, UK
Hypothesis
What factors influence the time horizons used in public health decision-making?
Conclusion
Many public health decision and policy makers feel that the timescales for decision-making are too short, and there are substantial systemic barriers to longer-term planning.
Supporting Evidence
- Many participants suggested that the timescales for public health decision-making are too short.
- Respondents felt that longer term planning was needed to address the wider determinants of health.
- Three prominent systems issues were identified as important drivers of short term thinking.
Takeaway
People making health decisions often think too short-term, which makes it hard to plan for the future. We need to think longer to make better health choices.
Methodology
Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 33 individuals involved in decision-making around coronary heart disease.
Potential Biases
Researchers conducting interviews had a public health background, which may have influenced data interpretation.
Limitations
The sample may not represent the full spectrum of views in public health decision-making, and local authority staff were underrepresented.
Participant Demographics
Participants included national, regional, and local decision makers from health departments, public health, academia, and voluntary organizations across the UK.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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