Defining and Assessing Public Health Functions: A Global Analysis

Given the broad scope and intersectoral nature of public health structures and practices, there are inherent difficulties in defining which services fall under the public health remit and in assessing their capacity and performance. The aim of this study is to analyze how public health functions and...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Annual review of public health 2016-03, Vol.37 (1), p.335-355
Main Authors: Martin-Moreno, Jose M, Harris, Meggan, Jakubowski, Elke, Kluge, Hans
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
assessment tools
Epidemiologic Methods
essential public health functions
essential public health operations
essential public health services
Global Health
Health Policy
health systems strengthening
Humans
Public Health
Public Health Practice - standards
Research Design - standards
Surveys and Questionnaires - standards
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Summary:Given the broad scope and intersectoral nature of public health structures and practices, there are inherent difficulties in defining which services fall under the public health remit and in assessing their capacity and performance. The aim of this study is to analyze how public health functions and practice have been defined and operationalized in different countries and regions around the world, with a specific focus on assessment tools that have been developed to evaluate the performance of essential public health functions, services, and operations. Our review has identified nearly 100 countries that have carried out assessments, using diverse analytical and methodological approaches. The assessment processes have evolved quite differently according to administrative arrangements and resource availability, but some key contextual factors emerge that seem to favor policy-oriented follow-up. These include local ownership of the assessment process, policymakers' commitment to reform, and expert technical advice for implementation.
ISSN:0163-7525
1545-2093
DOI:10.1146/annurev-publhealth-032315-021429