7. Assures the quality and accessibility of health servicesVision: Healthy Peoplein Healthy Communities Mission: Promote Physical and Mental Health and Prevent Disease, Injury, and Disability
In 1994 the committee “Core Functions of Public Health Steering Committee” produced a statement called “Public Health in America.”This statement took what was known about public health within its own community and helped to define it in a way that could be understood by others. The Public Health in America statement provides a vision and a mission for public health as well as the context of what public health should be prepared to do and how public health service is delivered.[Read from the screen the Public Health in America Vision, Mission, and Purpose.]The last part of the Public Health in America statement defines the “Essential Services of Public Health.”
The Public Health in America statement used the Three Core Functions of Public Health, which were first outlined in the 1988 Institute of Medicine report - “The Future of Public Health”, in its creation of the 10 Essential Services.While we’re looking at 10 essential services, keep in mind that each of the three core functions, assurance, assessment, and policy development, covers specific essential services. The slide wheel shows which essential services fall under each of the three core functions of public health. 1) Assurance: Making sure services that are necessary for basic health care and public health are regulated and monitored on a regular basis. For instance Joint Commission on Aging and the various certifications and accreditations experienced by hospitals and entities that deliver health and public health to the community.2) Assessment: Involves the systematic collection and analysis of data in order to provide a basis for decision-making.The NPHPSP is an example of an assessment process.3) Policy Development: Problem identification, technical knowledge of possible solutions, and incorporating society’s values into action.Identifying problems and developing a strategic, logical solution to the problem. Could be through the development of policies and procedures.
1. Monitor health status to identify and solve community health problems. E.g. Population Health Registry and Hospital Discharge Data2. Diagnose and investigate health problems and health hazards in the community. E.g. Guidelines for handling specimens and availability of diagnostic services3. Inform, educate, and empower people about health issues. E.g. Build knowledge and shape attitudes about health4. Mobilize community partnerships to identify and solve health problems. E.g. Skilled organizers and conveners5. Develop policies and plans that support individual and community health efforts. E.g. Health-related policies and public statements6. Enforce laws and regulations that protect health and ensure safety. E.g. Assessment of legal authority7. Link people to needed personal health services and assure the provision of health care when otherwise unavailable. E.g. Ongoing care management and linking people to transportation services8. Assure a competent public and personal health care workforce. E.g. Adequate supply of health workers who are also adequately trained9. Evaluate effectiveness, accessibility, and quality of personal and population-based health services. E.g. Service utilization and program effectiveness10. Research for new insights and innovative solutions to health problems E.g. Ongoing partnerships with academic and research centersWhen looking at these ten services as a whole, these are the foundation of any public health activity.
The 2nd key concept of the NPHPSP is the concept of the ph system. The idea of the public health system addresses the reality that no single agency can provide all 10 ESs. Delivering ESs takes a network – or system – of entities working together to protect and promote health. The NPHPSP defines the ph system as “all public, private, and voluntary entities that contribute to ph in a given area.” In other words, any entity that contributes – directly or indirectly – to the provision of ESs.
Here’s depiction of what a ph system could look like. As this image suggests, the health department may play a central role in providing and coordinating services, but many other organizations are needed to effectively carry out the work of public health – For example, employers may play a role in preventing injury and promoting healthy lifestylesHospitals are important partners in data collection and emergency preparedness plansSchool, laboratories, faith communities, community centers, EMS and many other partners all play a role in public health.
NOTE: Trust for America’s Health has recently released a new report with updated information and statistics that you may want to include on the web-site.
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