1.3 Core functions of public health

Public health's core functions—assessment, policy development, and assurance—form the backbone of population health management. These interconnected activities guide efforts to identify health issues, create effective strategies, and ensure quality health services for communities.

Assessment gathers crucial data on health needs, while policy development crafts targeted solutions. Assurance then implements these policies, enforces regulations, and evaluates outcomes. Together, these functions create a comprehensive approach to protecting and promoting public health.

Core Functions of Public Health

Core functions of public health

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• Assessment gathers and analyzes data to identify health issues and needs
• Policy Development creates strategies, laws, and programs to address health concerns
• Assurance ensures implementation of policies and access to quality health services

Assessment for population health needs

• Data collection and analysis employs surveys, surveillance systems, and health registries to gather comprehensive health information
• Community health assessments identify health disparities and determine priority health issues through systematic evaluation
• Epidemiological investigations detect outbreaks and identify risk factors using scientific methods
• Monitoring health status tracks health indicators and identifies emerging health threats to inform public health actions

Policy development in public health

• Creation of laws and regulations implements smoking bans in public places and establishes food safety standards to protect public health
• Development of health promotion programs launches vaccination campaigns and nutrition education initiatives to improve population health
• Resource allocation directs funding for public health initiatives and distributes healthcare resources to address identified needs
• Collaboration with stakeholders forms partnerships between government agencies and community organizations to enhance policy effectiveness

Assurance for quality health services

• Enforcement of public health laws and regulations conducts inspections of food establishments and monitors environmental health standards
• Evaluation of health services implements quality assurance programs and measures performance to ensure effective service delivery
• Workforce development provides training for public health professionals and offers continuing education programs to maintain competency
• Linkage to health services establishes referral systems and health navigation programs to improve access to care
• Health education and communication launches public awareness campaigns and develops risk communication strategies to inform and empower communities