Academic public health research and development in England, 2000–01: capacity, capability and concerns

Abstract

To ensure delivery of public health, research is needed on the impact of social, economic, environmental and service-related influences on population health and well-being. This paper reports on a study of the current level of medical and non-medical academic public health R&D capacity, capability and concerns in England. A web-based quantitative survey ascertained details of staff, postgraduate students and research activity in university departments of public health and a sample of wider public health academic and non-academic institutions. In addition, a qualitative survey of selected institutions used focus groups and semi-structured telephone interviews. Although there had been an increase in staffing over the previous decade, the academic workforce was predominantly female and young. Several major deficits in capabilities were uncovered including: lack of secure funding and critical mass to build programmes of work; lack of depth and expertise in academic departments; lack of career pathways; lack of structured training funding; and a need to improve CPD. Concerns were: teaching and research balance; recruitment and retention; identity; conflict between RAE, NHS and multidisciplinary working; medical versus non-medical differentials; and sustainability. A number of recommendations are made but it is recognized that a paradigm shift is required to change the current situation of Public Health research, and that this is unlikely to be initiated from within the current academic structure.