The role of health protection teams in reducing health inequities: findings from a qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The UK Health Security Agency's (UKHSA) Health Protection Teams (HPTs) provide specialist public health advice and operational support to NHS, local authorities and other agencies in England. The development of a three-year UKHSA Health Equity strategy creates a unique opportunity for HPTs to reduce health inequities within their work.

Aims

This study aimed to understand current health equity activities and structures within HPTs, and to propose future HPT-led health equity activities.

Methods

Between November 2021 - March 2022, HPT staff from the nine UKHSA regions were invited to participate in a semi-structured interview or focus group.

Results

Twenty-seven participants covering all nine UKHSA regions took part in a total of 18 interviews and tw

SUBMITTER: Allison R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9893953 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature