Learning across the UK: a review of public health systems and policy approaches to early child development since political devolution.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Giving children the best start in life is critical for their future health and wellbeing. Political devolution in the UK provides a natural experiment to explore how public health systems contribute to children's early developmental outcomes across four countries.

Method

A systematic literature review and input from a stakeholder group was used to develop a public health systems framework. This framework then informed analysis of public health policy approaches to early child development.

Results

A total of 118 studies met the inclusion criteria. All national policies championed a 'prevention approach' to early child development. Political factors shaped divergence, with variation in national conceptualizations of child development ('preparing for life' ver

SUBMITTER: Black M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7251421 | biostudies-literature | 2020 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature