Definition: Monitoring and regulating the health of a vast amount of people from a certain place e.g. in England we have the NHS for our public health organisation
Monitoring the health status of the community
Epidemiology definition: The part of medicine that deals with distribution, commonness, and the possible control of disease as well as other components which contribute to a person’s health
The NHS (National Health Service) often use statistics and epidemiology to monitor the health of the nation. This is so that they can see which areas they need to work on across the nation e.g. the current focus is on helping people change the way that they eat. To do this there is currently a campaign called “Change 4 Life” which helps you to make better decisions as to what you should eat
By using research methods such as online surveys and doctors reports we are able to target which areas are in most need of help from healthcare services and helps us to understand the cause and effect of certain diseases
Also it can help us to pinpoint which communities are most at risk of certain diseases so we can put in extra intervention to help the health of the communities
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Identifying the health needs of the population
Once we know where the problems lie then we will be able to target them in the best way possible to help to reduce the number of people that are diagnosed
However, no everyone goes straight to the doctor when they become ill for a variety of reasons including the fact that they may think that the NHS won’t be able to help them
As well as this those that are considered as vulnerable in life e.g. the homeless or those with a mental illness also may not go for help due to fear or not understanding the fact that they need professional help. As a result of this we may not be able to pinpoint exactly where help is needed most
On the other hand, from the information that we are able to obtain we can target certain communities (e.g. the Asian community has a high percentage of people with type two diabetes) so that we are able to use the best course of action to reduce the number of people that are diagnosed
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Controlling communicable disease
The HPA (Health Protection Agency) is one of the main public body which deals with controlling outbreaks of disease
The HPA supports other organisations e.g. the NHS and advises them on as to which controls should be put in place to prevent diseases from spreading
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Promoting health
Definition: Allowing people to know that they are able to control their health and that they can make themselves healthier by putting in both social and environmental controls
A way of doing this is to use national campaigns e.g. “Stoptober” where smokers are encouraged to stop smoking for 28 days
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The W.H.O
Stands for “World Health Organisation”
“Our goal is to build a better, healthier future for people all over the world. Working through offices in more than 150 countries, WHO staff work side by side with governments and other partners to ensure the highest attainable level of health for all people.”
Support countries with a low level of health care or no public health care at all
Work internationally to promote health throughout a person’s life
Helps/shows which illnesses must be prioritised to be tackled
It always ready for new outbreaks e.g. Ebola and Zika virus
Prepare and try to prevent new outbreaks
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NICE
Stands for National Institute of Health and Care Excellence
They advise the NHS on the best course of action by using:
Evidence that has been recorded
The guidance given by healthcare professionals
New developments in the field
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The Health Protection Agency (HPA)
They are a public body in the UK
Helps protect the public from infectious diseases and environmental hazards
Provides information and advice on how to prevent certain illnesses to the general public, healthcare workers e.g. doctors as well as the local and national government
Was set up in 2003 and was answerable to the secretary of state health
Helps tackle and monitor new public health challenges
Helps improve knowledge of public and professionals on the illness
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