The politics of public health: A rapid review of the impact of public health reform on population health outcomes

Charlotte Riordon; Sionnach Hendra; Christine Johnson

doi:10.25071/2291-5796.66

Authors

Charlotte Riordon St. Francis Xavier University https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7509-9840
Sionnach Hendra St. FX
Christine Johnson St. FX

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25071/2291-5796.66

Keywords:

health equity, population health outcomes, public health reform, public health nursing

Abstract

Canada’s public health (PH) systems are vulnerable to constant system and structural changes, influenced by political and economic factors. This rapid review examines how PH system restructuring impacts population health outcomes, with special consideration of health equity. Due to a lack of Canadian evidence, international research was examined to produce recommendations for Canadian nurses, researchers, and decision-makers. Evidence indicates that PH spending and PH system organization have important impacts on population health outcomes and suggests PH reform has a negative impact on health equity. Opportunities for advocacy, activism, lobbying and capacity building to achieve health equity are discussed. Nurses, in a unique position between public policy and the lives of those they care for, are presented with the opportunity to effect social change through political action and to work across disciplines to address inequities. We encourage researchers and decision-makers to prioritize looking more deeply at the impact of PH reform.

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Author Biographies

Charlotte Riordon, St. Francis Xavier University

Charlotte Riordon, RN, BA, BScN is a Registered Nurse in Fredericton, New Brunswick. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from St. Francis Xavier University and worked with Sionnach Lukeman and Christine Johnson to conduct this research for her thesis. Through her studies, Charlotte became passionate about public health, health equity and all aspects of nursing.

Sionnach Hendra, St. FX

Sionnach Hendra, MScN, RN, is a PhD student in Nursing at the University of Victoria. She is also an Assistant Professor at St. Francis Xavier University’s Rankin School of Nursing. Her practice background before academia was public health leadership and content expertise in healthy development. Her research program involves: Public health services and systems, political economy of health, and the integration of social justice in nursing education curriculum.

Christine Johnson, St. FX

Christine Johnson is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Human Nutrition at St. Francis Xavier University and currently works as Health Equity Lead with Public Health with the Nova Scotia Health Authority. As a Professional Dietitian, Christine’s work has long focused on the intersection of social justice, equity and food and works in community, research and professional capacities to advance health equity for all.

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