10.1
Public health and policy
Keywords
Health inequalities, sociological research, ethnography,
discourse, narrative, social justice
Expertise
The Liverpool Health Inequalities Research Institute
is a collaboration between the University and Liverpool
Primary Care Trust; the research institute is dedicated to
the study of health and wellbeing and the level of access
to healthcare for different groups and communities across
the Liverpool City Region.
The Institute conducts research to explore what can be
done to achieve greater aspiration and commitment to
improve health and wellbeing among local people,
communities, the public sector, businesses and the wider
society. We focus on inequalities in health status, and the
provision and quality of care in areas such as obesity,
alcohol abuse, tobacco control, sexual health and
workplace health.
Recent studies have explored various dimensions of HIV/
AIDS, sexuality and ageing. Often employing social
science methods and methodologies, our studies take
many forms including assessments of social and health
policy and its impact; health prevention technologies;
contemporary social theory; and social practice. We also
have experience of ethnographic research techniques.
Capabilities and facilities
•
Social science methodologies
•
Qualitative studies
•
Ethnographic methodologies
•
Narrative research
•
Discourse analysis
•
Continuing professional development (CPD) for
social services and healthcare professionals.
Relevant centres and groups
•
Liverpool Health Inequalities Research Institute
•
International Health Impact Assessment
Consortium.
Dilemmas in health
What is health? The definition is highly contested
and we face significant dilemmas in deciding what to
study and how to study it. Our approach is to remain
open-minded; our studies are not constrained by the
parameters of any particular agenda and we work in
partnership with others to design every study ‘from
scratch’.
Nevertheless, we broadly agree that our focus on
health and wellbeing should incorporate research
into what makes and keeps people healthy and
contributes to their wellbeing, as well as the causes
and experience of illness. We have expertise in
macro-, meso- and micro-levels of health research,
including analysis of policy discourses, professional
discourse and practices, and the everyday inter-
actions between patients, carers, physicians,
primary care professionals and others.
The insights from our research feed directly into our
educational and training activities. We run frequent
seminars and workshops to provide continuing
professional development (CPD) and training for local
social services and healthcare professionals.
Health & Wellbeing
46
10.
Health, policy and ethics
APPLICATION AREAS
•
Society and community
•
Healthcare and pharmaceuticals
•
Biotechnology
Also see:
Health & Wellbeing –
1.2
Health services research, page 14
1.3
Health economics, page 14
1.4
Personal development and
health, page 15
Society & Culture –
5.
Cultures and health, page 172
