Exploring the multidisciplinary extent of public health career structures in 12 countries: an exploratory mapping

Manyara, Anthony; Buunaaisie, Camillus; Annett, Hugh; Bird, Emma; Bray, Issy; Ige, Janet; Jones, Mat; Orme, Judy; Pilkington, Paul; Evans, David

Abstract

Background: While much is known about multidisciplinary public health (MDPH) professional practice in the UK which developed particularly in the 1990s, little is known about it in other settings especially low and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study reports on findings of a mapping review of public health career structures and an examination of how multidisciplinary they are in 12 countries. Methods: A 12-element template was used to collect data from relevant websites and key informants with public health experience in the 12 countries. Results: We found that while countries had similarities such as having MDPH professional organizations, there were differences in terms of public health specialty training programmes and openness of senior public health posts at various administrative levels to non-medical professionals. Conclusion: We conclude that there still gaps in MDPH career structures internationally. While this study provides preliminary knowledge on the subject, we recommend further research to inform debates and policies in MDPH professional practice especially in LMICs.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 3, 2018
• Publication Date: Dec 1, 2018
• Deposit Date: Mar 12, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 26, 2019
• Journal: Journal of public health (Oxford, England)
• Print ISSN: 1741-3842
• Electronic ISSN: 1741-3850
• Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 40
• Issue: 4
• Pages: e538-e544
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/pubmed/fdy057
• Keywords: multidisciplinary, public health, international, career structures,
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/875005
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1093/pubmed/fdy057
• Additional Information: Additional Information : This is a pre-copyedited, author-produced version of an article accepted for publication in Journal of Public Health following peer review. The version of record [Manyara, A., Buunaaisie, C., Annett, H., Bird, E., Bray, I., Ige, J., Jones, M., Orme, J., Pilkington, P. and Evans, D. (2018) Exploring the multidisciplinary extent of public health career structures in 12 countries: An exploratory mapping. Journal of Public Health. ISSN 1741-3842] is available online at: https://doi.org/10.1093/pubmed/fdy057.
• Contract Date: Mar 12, 2018