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What is assessment?
1State and Local Support Branch, Division of Health Promotion Statistics, Hyattsville, Maryland, USA.
Journal of Public Health Management and Practice : JPHMP
|January 3, 1996
Summary
Public health agencies conduct assessment to identify health problems and resources. This core function involves evaluating effectiveness and informing decision-makers across all levels of government and health areas.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Services Research
Background:
- The Institute of Medicine identified assessment, policy development, and assurance as core public health functions.
- Assessment is crucial for understanding and addressing national health needs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the scope and responsibilities of public health assessment.
- To highlight the role of assessment in informing public health policy and action.
Main Methods:
- Review of the Institute of Medicine's "The Future of Public Health" report.
- Analysis of the definition and components of the public health assessment process.
Main Results:
- Assessment involves identifying health problems and resources.
- Effectiveness of health resources must be evaluated.
- Results are presented to decision-makers at local, state, and federal levels.
Conclusions:
- Public health assessment is a fundamental, ongoing process.
- It encompasses diverse health issues, from infectious diseases to environmental hazards.
- Effective assessment supports informed public health policy and assurance.