What local government needs to know about public health: a local government knowledge navigator evidence review

Authors:
SOUTH Jane, HUNTER David J., GAMSU Mark
Publisher:
Local Government Knowledge Navigator
Publication year:
2014
Pagination:
31
Place of publication:
London

This rapid research review focuses on the leadership role of local government in developing local public health systems. The main objectives of the review were to: provide an overview of research on governance for health at a local government level; identify research-based options that may allow local government to effect improvements in the health of their communities; and provide critical commentary on the types of evidence that can be used to inform local government action on public health. The report looks at how local government responsibilities fit within a broader social determinants approach to health; signposts some alternative approaches; and comments on evidence debates and on-going research. Research suggests that prior to the return of public health to local government it was hard to maintain a focus on the social determinants of health. There is some evidence on the role of health scrutiny and on citizen participation in area based initiatives, but generally there is a lack of research on local democracy and public health, including the health role of mayors and elected members. Evidence needs to feed into local government planning and decision making, but what is understood by evidence and the different types of evidence are hotly debated issues in public health. The review provides a guide to some of the major sources of evidence and highlights research gaps. (Edited publisher abstract)

Subject terms:
local authorities, local government, public health, health education, joint working, evidence, models;
Content type:
research review
Location(s):
United Kingdom
Link:
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Series name:
Need to Know

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