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Published in: Journal of Public Health 1/2010

01-02-2010 | Original Article

Influencing public health policy: to what extent can public action defining the policy concerns of government?

Author: Glenn Laverack

Published in: Journal of Public Health | Issue 1/2010

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Abstract

Aim

The aim of this paper is to provide a discussion on how the public health policy process can be influenced by both civil society groups and by public health practitioners.

Method

A discussion expressing the views of the author supported by the relevant literature drawn from a wide range of sources and using international case study material on influencing public policy.

Discussion

The first part of the paper discusses the role of empowerment in improving health outcomes. The second part of the article discusses the policy development process, and the third part explains, step by step, the opportunities that exist to influence this process by both practitioners and people in civil society.

Conclusion

The paper concludes with the question: ‘To what extent can external public action have an effect on defining the policy concerns of government?’ and draws on the evidence presented in the paper to provide some solutions. The paper will be of interest to the planners and evaluators of public health programmes interested in improving effectiveness and promoting community empowerment approaches.
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Metadata
Title
Influencing public health policy: to what extent can public action defining the policy concerns of government?
Author
Glenn Laverack
Publication date
01-02-2010
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Journal of Public Health / Issue 1/2010
Print ISSN: 2198-1833
Electronic ISSN: 1613-2238
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-009-0274-5

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