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Tensions in public health policy: Patient engagement, evidence-based public health and health inequalities

Lookup NU author(s): Emeritus Professor Richard Thomson, Professor Madeleine Murtagh, Dr Meng Khaw

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Abstract

This paper examines the proposition that there are considerable tensions between key strategies in health policy-namely, evidence-based approaches to population health improvement, reduction of health inequalities, and public and patient engagement-using (1) a critical analysis of the intersection of evidence-based public health, patient and public engagement, and health inequalities policies from a social constructionist perspective and (2) mathematical modelling of paternalistic and shared decision making in the management of hypertension in a random age and sex stratified community sample of residents of south east Northumberland, UK. It is concluded that there may be unintended effects on population health of incongruities in major components of public health policy. Greater public and patient engagement may militate against the disease prevention goals of evidence-based policy, and may better engage sections of the population who already benefit from greater access and better health associated with social status and opportunity, serving to increase inequalities by further marginalising those already suffering from relative exclusion.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Thomson R, Murtagh M, Khaw F-M

Publication type: Review

Publication status: Published

Journal: Quality and Safety in Health Care

Year: 2005

Volume: 14

Issue: 6

Pages: 398-400

Print publication date: 01/12/2005

ISSN (print): 1475-3898

ISSN (electronic): 1475-3901

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/qshc.2005.014175

DOI: 10.1136/qshc.2005.014175

PubMed id: 16326781


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