Through the glass ceiling—and back again: The experiences of two of the first non-medical directors of public health in England

Exploring the multidisciplinary extent of public health career structures in 12 countries: an exploratory mapping

Background

While much is known about multidisciplinary public health (MDPH) professional practice in the UK which developed particularly in the 1990s, little is known about it in other settings especially low and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study reports on findings of a mapping review of public health career structures and an examination of how multidisciplinary they are in 12 countries.

Methods

A 12-element template was used to collect data from relevant websites and key informants with public health experience in the 12 countries.

Results

We found that while countries had similarities such as having MDPH professional organizations, there were differences in terms of public health specialty training programmes and openness of senior public health posts at various administrative levels to non-medical professionals.

Conclusion

We conclude that there still gaps in MDPH career structures internationally. While this study provides preliminary knowledge on the subject, we recommend further research to inform debates and policies in MDPH professional practice especially in LMICs.

Characteristics of good supervision: a multi-perspective qualitative exploration of the Masters in Public Health dissertation

Background

A dissertation is often a core component of the Masters in Public Health (MPH) qualification. This study aims to explore its purpose, from the perspective of both students and supervisors, and identify practices viewed as constituting good supervision.

Methods

A multi-perspective qualitative study drawing on in-depth one-to-one interviews with MPH supervisors (n = 8) and students (n = 10), with data thematically analysed.

Results

The MPH dissertation was viewed as providing generic as well as discipline-specific knowledge and skills. It provided an opportunity for in-depth study on a chosen topic but different perspectives were evident as to whether the project should be grounded in public health practice rather than academia. Good supervision practice was thought to require topic knowledge, generic supervision skills (including clear communication of expectations and timely feedback) and adaptation of supervision to meet student needs.

Conclusions

Two ideal types of the MPH dissertation process were identified. Supervisor-led projects focus on achieving a clearly defined output based on a supervisor-identified research question and aspire to harmonize research and teaching practice, but often have a narrower focus. Student-led projects may facilitate greater learning opportunities and better develop skills for public health practice but could be at greater risk of course failure.

A short history of the Multidisciplinary Public Health Forum

The Multidisciplinary Public Health Forum (MPHF) was a 'network of networks' that was formed through grass roots public conferences held during the mid 1990s. It championed the development of a trained, developed and accredited multidisciplinary public health workforce in the UK. This paper draws on documentary evidence and from a series of semi-formal interviews held with individuals who were involved in the development and work of the Forum, to explore why the Forum was influential, the key milestones of the journey and the lessons that we might learn for the continued development of the public health function.

Fringe benefits? The impact of the Multidisciplinary Public Health Forum in the UK outside of England

The impact of the UK Multidisciplinary Public Health Forum in developing the public health workforce has been the subject of some discussion. However, much of the work to date has focused on the impact of the Forum in the English context. This paper uses the same techniques used to examine the impact of the Forum in England to describe the situation in Scotland. The key themes that emerge are that the impact of the Multidisciplinary Public Health Forum in Scotland was marginal and that a multi-professional approach was the more likely route of development. The adoption of regulatory policy by the UK Government in Westminster had the effect of producing a multidisciplinary approach in Scotland. The relationship of these findings to the experiences of Wales and Northern Ireland is discussed.