Understanding public health systems: a participatory systematic review and systems infographic

Abstract

Background It is increasingly recognised that public health should be considered as a complex system of interconnecting elements, which can promote or undermine good health and wellbeing and in which policy change can impact throughout the system, affecting the wider determinants of public health. We aimed to develop an evidence-based and stakeholder-informed understanding of public health systems and produce an infographic to promote dialogue about where system changes might be levered to improve public health outcomes and impacts. Methods An initial systems framework was developed by consensus at a workshop of stakeholders from core public health agencies and Directors of Public Health across the UK. We used the framework to inform two linked systematic reviews (one on public health systems overall and one on early years policy) of published and grey literature, to answer the review question 'what examples can be identified of similarities and differences in the public health systems and policy approaches of the four countries of the UK since devolution'. Relevant literature identified via electronic database searching was quality appraised and synthesised using narrative methods. Evidence from the two reviews was used to update the systems framework, which was then further revised for clarity via stakeholder consultation. A graphic design professional assisted in the production of the infographic.

What’s love got to do with it? Exploring social love and public health

“… 15 It can be considered as a complex system of interconnecting elements, which can promote or undermine good health and wellbeing. 16 According to this definition, the public health system includes organisations, their underpinning policies and governance, and how they influence, work, and act within and across each other to enable or constrain actions to improve public health. In contrast many healthcare systems are rooted in a biomedical model which does not focus on wider health and wellbeing needs 17 or love and compassion.…”