The potential for research-based information in public health: identifying unrecognised information needs.

Louise Forsetlund,Arild Bjørndal

doi:10.1186/1471-2458-1-1

Abstract

ObjectiveTo explore whether there is a potential for greater use of research-based information in public health practice in a local setting. Secondly, if research-based information is relevant, to explore the extent to which this generates questioning behaviour.DesignQualitative study using focus group discussions, observation and interviews.SettingPublic health practices in Norway.Participants52 public health practitioners.ResultsIn general, the public health practitioners had a positive attitude towards research-based information, but believed that they had few cases requiring this type of information. They did say, however, that there might be a potential for greater use. During five focus groups and six observation days we identified 28 questions/cases where it would have been appropriate to seek out research evidence according to our definition. Three of the public health practitioners identified three of these 28 cases as questions for which research-based information could have been relevant. This gap is interpreted as representing unrecognised information needs.ConclusionsThere is an unrealised potential in public health practice for more frequent and extensive use of research-based information. The practitioners did not appear to reflect on the need for scientific information when faced with new cases and few questions of this type were generated.

Highlights

In Norway, the practice of public health is organised somewhat differently than in other countries
During five focus groups and six observation days we identified 28 questions/cases where it would have been appropriate to seek out research evidence according to our definition
There is an unrealised potential in public health practice for more frequent and extensive use of research-based information

Summary

Introduction

In Norway, the practice of public health is organised somewhat differently than in other countries. Its core content as defined in central documents [1,2] is, not very different from definitions found elsewhere [3]. The practice of public health may be defined as the organisation and analysis of medical knowledge in such a way that it may be utilised by society in the making of decisions in health related questions. In Norway, this task of ensuring that health is taken into account in policy making at the local level is the responsibility of the local public health practitioner, and this post is always held by a physician. About 40-50% of physicians practising within public health hold a specialty in public health, the rest are in training. The postgraduate period lasts for five years and consists of both a theoretical course and supervised practical work

Methods

Results

Conclusion