Mapping public health capacity in the EU

Abstract

Background: In the past decade, the so-called ‘Third Public Health revolution’ has confronted the public health community with important challenges due to changing goals, approaches and actors. Addressing these challenges requires an increased capacity of public health professionals and organizations. The EU Health Programme commissioned this work in order to inform actions by Member States (MS) and other stakeholders to help strengthen public health capacities. Methods: Based upon a comprehensive literature review, a consensus based conceptual model of public health capacity was developed and used as a framework for data collection on the public health capacities of the EU MS. Data were collected through a mixed methodology involving document analysis and key informant interviews, validated through focus groups and in depth case studies. Results: A quantified assessment was obtained of key public health capacities in the 27 EU MS in terms of six consensus-based dimensions of capacity: knowledge development, workforce, organizational structure, resources, partnerships and leadership and governance, along with qualitative information and case illustrations. Conclusions: Mapping the existing public health capacities allows identification of the main strengths and weaknesses with regard to public health capacities in the EU MS, and provides a basis for strategic planning and target setting to enhance the capacities for public health in the EU; including action to be taken at EU level