Promoting integration within the public health domain of physical activity promotion

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report and critically reflect on the methodological processes involved in a formal attempt to promote health and social integration in the rarely reported public health domain of physical activity promotion. Design/methodology/approach A quality improvement (QI) methodology was deployed, comprising three elements: a diagnostic tool that assessed strategic and practice positions; a half-day workshop that brought senior leaders together for to reflect this evidence; and a structured process that sought to generate proposals for future integrated action. A mixed-method evaluative approach was used, capturing insights of the integration processes via quantitative and qualitative data collection pre-event, in-event, immediate post-event and at six-month follow-up. Findings Insights suggested that despite some critical concerns, this QI process can be considered as robust, offering pointers to elements required to successfully promote integration in this domain, including the significance of leadership, the preparatory contribution of a diagnostic tool and position paper, the opportunities for active exchange and planning within a workshop situation and the initiation of a process of integrated work via tangible “pledges”. Originality/value The paper offers originality in two respects. Generally, it describes and reflects on the relationship between theoretical and empirical dimensions of a model of integration promotion. Specifically, in offering an account of integrative public health work across health service, local authority and third sector partners, it addressed an area that has received relatively limited prior attention.

Food and physical literacy: Exploring an obesity prevention approach using formative research

“…Consistent with the findings of Whitelaw et al’s (2017) research, participants in this study highlighted how the way in which public health initiatives are funded may have consequences for the effectiveness of services. Participants felt that the pressure to meet funding targets could distract services from trying to make more substantial changes with service users and consequently might affect the implementation of FPL.…”

Investment Decisions on Physical Activity Promotion: A Locality Case Study in Complex Public Health Policy Making

“…This was led by DGPAA and deployed a 'QI' methodology (The Health Foundation, 2013) that brought together senior representatives from the NHS, Local Government and the Third Sector. In a context supportive of the belief that PA could make significant contributions to health and social outcomes, the event aimed to establish strategic actions that would increase and better target PA investment (see Whitelaw et al, 2017). 2.…”

“…The practical origins of our case study, and the conception of the perception that local investment principles were needed, lay in the 2015 Stakeholder workshop described above (Whitelaw et al, 2017). Part of the QI methodology used in the event involved inputs from 'expert witnesses' on evidence-based PA interventions.…”

A collaborative, multi-sectoral approach to implementing a social prescribing initiative to alleviate social isolation and enhance well-being amongst older people

“…As Goodwin (2016, p. 1) describes:Integration is a coherent set of methods and models on the fundings, administrative, organisational, service delivery and clinical levels designed to create connectivity, alignment and collaboration within and between the cure and care sectors. The goal of these methods and models is to enhance quality of care and quality of life…Whitelaw et al (2017) highlight the importance of the charitable and voluntary organisations of the third sector in integrated care networks but suggest that little attention has been given to them in the literature which has tended to focus on acute clinical and care domains.…”