The Roles and Responsibilities of Public Health - Essay Example

?Download the original attachment ? Identify the Roles and Responsibilities of Public Health Practitioners in Delivering Public Health Agenda: Reflect on the Role of Policy and Practitioners in Delivering Population Health Outcomes Health is an important aspect of life. A person can be considered healthy only when he is fit both physically and mentally. A healthy living is a basic need of an individual. Hence the Public Health Systems are introduced. Public Health Systems can be termed as people, organizational bodies, agencies, communities working for the wellbeing of the public. These can be government or private institutions. Government agencies may include schools, agencies that care for the environment and those which fund for the medical necessities of poor people. Private agencies may include those organizations which work for the health of the public. “Public Health is the science of protecting and improving the health of communities through education, promotion of healthy lifestyles, and research for disease and injury prevention. Public health professionals analyze the effect on health of genetics, personal choice and the environment in order to develop programs that protect the health of your family and community” (What is Public Health? n.d.). These systems work towards the prevention of problems and their reoccurrence. This is done with the help of “implementing educational programs, developing policies, administering services, regulating health systems and some health profession’s and conducting research” (What is Public Health? n.d.). Responsibilities of Public Health Professionals: ?                   Identify the health issues of the community ?                   Educate the people about the health issues and provide prevention techniques ?                   Collaborate with other communities to identify the health issues and solve them ?                   Create and implement plans and programs for development of the society health ?                   Creating laws and implementing them  for protecting health and regulate safety ?                   Provide necessary health services and ensure its availability incase its unavailable ?                   Ensure the effectiveness, quality and accessibility of the services ?                   Research new solutions and insights for the health issues The Environmental Health Professionals (EHP) must possess the following skills – ?                   An EHP must possess  a good communication skill so as to deliver even a sensitive or complex information in an effective manner ?                   Should have some knowledge of science in order to understand the influence of environment on the body ?                   Should have some problem solving skills ?                   Able to work in a team ?                   Positive approach towards challenges The Public Health Systems are mainly classified into three main domains- o                     Protection of Health: “covering interventions to address environmental threats to the health of the population” (2 The new public health system 2011). o                     Improvement of Health: “embracing a very wide variety of areas, including tackling health inequalities and addressing lifestyle issues that impact on health and wellbeing” (2 The new public health system 2011). o                     Services for Health: “which is concerned with the quality, safety, efficacy, effectiveness, value for money and accessibility of healthcare services” (2 The new public health system 2011). Currently the public health is in a condition of transition, with the various responsibility and roles of services of public health transferring from the NHS to various local authorities’ crossways the nation by April 2013 in plans set out in the governments. The main focus of the public health practitioner’s intervention is to develop quality and health of life in the course of the treatment and prevention of illness and various other mental and physical health circumstances, through observation of cases and the promotion of fit behaviors. Public health practitioner plays a significant position in disease avoidance attempts both the developed nations and developing world, in the course of local health schemes and non-governmental establishments and organizations. The World Health Organization (WHO) is the worldwide agency that acts and synchronizes on various worldwide public health issues. Most nations have their own government agencies for the public health, sometimes recognized as ministries of health, to react to various types of domestic health issues. Programs on Public Health: Nowadays, most governments identify the significance of public health programs in decreasing the incidence illness, disability, and the various consequences of aging and other mental and physical health conditions, though public health normally receives considerably less government financial support and funding compared by medicine. In current periods, programs of the public health offering vaccinations have made unbelievable stride in promoting health, consisting of the abolition of smallpox, an illness that plagued humankind for thousands of years. “A healthy public gets sick less frequently and spends less money on health care; this means better economic productivity and an improved quality of life for everyone” (What is Public Health? n.d.). The WHO Recognizes Various Core Purposes of Public Health Programs Consisting of: ?                    Offering leadership on subjects critical to health of the peoples and engaging in partnership where combined action is required; ?                    Shaping a agenda of the research and inspiring the generation, conversion and dissemination of precious knowledge; ?                    Setting various types of standards and norms and promoting and examining their implementation; ?                    Articulating moral and evidence-based alterative of policy; ?                    Examining the health circumstances and evaluating health trends. Particularly, Public Health Supervision Programs Can: ?                    Serve up as an early warning scheme for impending emergencies of public health; ?                    Document the impact of an interference, or track development in the directions of specified objective and goals; and ?                    Monitor and elucidate the epidemiology of problems related to health, permit priorities to be set, and notify health strategy and policies. ?                    Diagnose, examine, and scrutinize health hazards and health problems of the community. New Areas of Focus: ?                   Better provision for contraceptive pills to prevent pregnancy ?                   “Interventions for water pipe smoking cessation” (Armstrong 2012). ?                   Implement new plans to prevent sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV in young individuals and children ?                   “Parenting programmes for improving the parenting skills and outcomes for incarcerated parents and their children” (Armstrong 2012). ?                   Exercise or diet for women to reduce weight after pregnancy ?                   Exercise for good mental health ?                   Implementation of travel related plans like walking for health benefits ?                   Maintaining the health of “Law Enforcement Officers” (Armstrong 2012). Here in this study review of three public health practitioners also incorporated.  Review their role of the public health practitioners are regarding the objectives of the public health. These three practitioners dr sue levi, consultant in public health medicine barking and dagenham, dr hilary guite director of public health and wellbeing nhs greenwich borough and lucy smith, wellbeing and happiness programme in lamberth. Wellbeing and Happiness Programme in Lambeth by Lucy Smith: Wellbeing and Happiness Programme in Lambeth by Lucy Smith sets forth the various actions and ambitions of the Lambeth’s first dedication to develop the mental happiness and resilience in Lambeth. According to Lucy its objective is to convert of the assets and strengths of citizens working and living in Lambeth, useful for the society, and to create an environment that generates goodwill, so that the residents can accomplish their potential for welfare. The well-being of a society is associated with its schools, homes, hobbies, genes, gender groups, age groups, income etc. The adage that ‘Charity begins at home’ holds good. Advantages of improving wellbeing for all are, ?       “Improved educational achievement and outcomes. ?       Increased productivity and employment. ?       Reduced sickness absence. ?       Lower rates of crime and disorder. ?       Better standards of health/reduced metal illness. ?       Reduced costs of public services. ?       Increased quality of life. ?       Higher level of tolerance, trust and participation.” (Health needs Assessment Toolkit n.d.). “The public’s mental health and well-being is a complex area of policy. It demands our attention because focusing more on mental well-being and improving people’s mental health is the right way to go” (Public Mental Health and Well-Being – The Local Perspective 2011). Evidence recommends that there is much to increase from intervening early, to hold up the growth of mental welfare and resilience and to encourage mental wellbeing commonly. “What is wellbeing? ” The Principles: ?                    There is no public health without the health mentally; mental welfare is central to accomplishment in everything so we should construct it into everything we do. ?                    Focus on person’s aspirations and capabilities not only their requirements. ?                    Decision makers should share power to create a difference. ?                    The cornerstones of mental welfare for individuals and communities are; o                     Respect and kindness and for self and others. o                     Justice and social justice in all particularly service provision. o                     Being capable to take part in activities of the community and decision making. ?                    Measure development by calculating what matters to citizens. Public health policy now and in the future a personal view by Dr Hilary Guite: This gave an insight to the author into the impact of various socio-demographic deficiencies on people’s mental and physical well-being. The public health labor force needs up-to-date skills and knowledge to deliver and convey quality necessary public health services. To meet the teaching and continuing education wants of an evolving labor force, a clearer understanding is necessary regarding the composition and functions of the public health workforce both at the present and in the future. “ ” (Guite 2012.). This information must be communicated obviously to government leaders and other legislator’s policy and strategy can be based on an understanding of the present demand for health services for public and the supply of trained experts required to meet that particular demand. “Current changes in the public health system necessitate planning for organizational change (Nelson et al., 1994, 1995). This process emphasizes the importance of knowing the composition of the present workforce and being able to describe the workforce providing essential public health services to community members” (The Public HealthHealth Force: An Agenda for the 21st Century n.d.). Public health is fundamental to the welfare of the Nation’s communities. It is time to obtain a deliberate and serious look at the activities, composition and education requirements of the workforce of the public health. Completing and satisfying the charge made and prepared to this Subcommittee will need the synchronized and joint effort of the Functions of the Public Health Steering Committee partners and various others.  “In order to move this agenda forward, the Steering Committee makes five major recommendations in the areas of: • National Leadership • State and Local Leadership • Workforce Composition • Curriculum Development • Distance Learning” (The Public HealthHealth Force: An Agenda for the 21st Century n.d.). Public Health Medicine Barking and Dagenham Consultant, Dr. Sue Levi: Public Health Medicine is related with medical health. “Public health practice is described as "the art and science of improving the community’s health through the organized efforts of society” (Public Health Medicine n.d.). The consultant in the Public Health Medicine has the many responsibilities. Being a consultant Dr. Sue’s primary focus is on the following aspects ?                   Environmental health and Communicable diseases ?                   Issues related to primary care ?                   “Clinical governance and evidence based medicine” (Public Health Medicine n.d.). ?                   Information and planning ?                   “Academic public health” (Public Health Medicine n.d.). ?                   “Director of public Health” (Public Health Medicine n.d.). “Public health consultants need to have undertaken specialist training lay down by the faculty of Public Health (FPH). However this specialty is open not just to those with a degree in medicine bit to those with a relevant degree such as clinical psychology and pharmacology, environmental science or health professional qualification such as nursing. A period of appropriate post-degree experience will be required and candidates must also be able to prove that they have a competence level equivalent to that of a medical applicant, who has completed a Foundation Programme” (Public Health Medicine n.d.). A consultant must be commmited to his goals that is “improving the public health” (Public Health Medicine n.d.). He should processes excellent communication tactics. He should be able to speak and his writing skills should also be good. He should have leadership qualities. A consultant must be a good team player he should be able to work as a team. Public Health Medicine Barking and Dagenham Consultant, Dr. Sue Levi: Public Health Medicine is related with the medical health “Public health practice and is described as "the art and science of improving the community's health through the organised efforts of society” (Public Health Medicine n.d.). Dr. Sue Levi is consultant at the Public Health Medicine Barking and Dagenham.  According to him, each child should be given a good start in his life. He encourages breast feeding as it is beneficial for the child. It plays a major role in the growth of the child and his overall wellbeing in the future. He states that kids, young individuals and adults must have the capabilities to control their lives. Dr Sue further says that there must be fair amount of employment for all so that they can take care of themselves and their family very well. The surroundings must be clean and hygienic to prevent diseases. Any type of illness has to be prevented as prevention is better can cure. The consultant in the Public Health Medicine has the many responsibilities. Being a consultant Dr. Sue’s primary focus is on the following aspects ?                   Environmental health and Communicable diseases ?                   Issues related to primary care ?                   “Clinical governance and evidence based medicine” (Public Health Medicine n.d.). ?                   Information and planning ?                   “Academic public health” (Public Health Medicine n.d.). ?                   “Director of public Health” (Public Health Medicine n.d.). According to Dr Sue, there are two types of public health outcome framework. The first outcome is Increase in sound life expectancy. It is related with the quality of health and life span. The second outcome is the less difference between life span and its expectancy.  Certain factors determine public health, and they include: ?       “Improving wider determinants of health” (Sue, 2012) ?       Improvement in the health ?       Protection of health ?       Providing health care and avoiding early death Dr Sue and his team in Barking and Dagenham primarily focus on the following for the year 2011 - 2012: ?       “Smoking ?       Alcohol ?       Physical Activity ?       Healthy eating (including breast feeding) ?       Screening and immunization ?       Domestic violence ?       Death and dying ?       Depression and emotional wellbeing ?       Sexual and reproductive health ?       Health at work” (Joint Strategic needs Assessment 2011.). Conclusion: There are numerous causes for the poor situation of public health practice in the country. The "public good" nature of various facets of practice of the public health presents a complexity while the focus of public health has lessened and attention  of the government and resources are concerted on health care. Responsibility and duty for health is gradually more positioned at the personal level as national authorities try to decrease their costs and the private sector is more and more concerned in the delivery of activities of the public health.   There are huge challenges needing stronger application and harmonization of already obtainable technology in transition and developing countries. The accomplishment of NPH has to speak to the inequity of allocation of resource ensuing from an overemphasis in priority funding and setting given to biomedical facets of health. This is connected with the relative underdevelopment of health promotion and primary care, both of which have played such significant functions in the decrease of HIV, cardiovascular illness, smoking cessation, and numerous other regions of public health. Reference List Armstrong, R (2012). Multi-Sectoral Health Promotion and Public Health: The Role of Evidence. Journal of Public Health. [Online] Available at [Accessed on 02 May 2012] Guite, H (2012). Overview of Structures in NHS. Structure of the NHS. Health Needs Assessment Toolkit (2011). London Health Programmes. [Online] Available at [Accessed on 05 May 2012] Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (2011). Barking & Dagenham Partnership.[Online] Available at [Accessed on 05 May 2012] Public Mental Health and Well-Being – The Local Perspective (2011). NHS Confederation. Print.   Public Health Medicine (n.d.). NHS Careers. [Online] Available at [Accessed on 02 May 2012] Smith, Lucy (2012). Benefits of Improving Wellbeing for all. Wellbeing and Happiness Programme in Lameth. [Online] Available at [Accessed on 05 May 2012] Sue, Levi (2011). Public Health in Barking and Dagenham. Barking & Dagenham Partnership. [Online] Available at [Accessed on 05 May 2012]   The Public Health Force: An Agenda for the 21st Century (n.d.). A Report of the Public Health Functions Project. Available at < http://www.health.gov/phfunctions/pubhlth.pdf> [Accessed on 02 May 2012]   What is Public Health? (n.d.). American Public Health Association. Available at [Accessed on 02 May 2012]   What is Public Health? (n.d.). [Online] Available at [Accessed on 02 May 2012]   2 The New Public Health System (2011). Parliament.UK. Available at [Accessed on 02 May 2012]   Health Needs Assessment Toolkit (2011). London Health Programmes. [Online] Available at [Accessed on 05 May 2012] Joint Strategic needs Assessment (2011). Barking & Dagenham Partnership.[Online] Available at [Accessed on 05 May 2012] Read More