Evidence-informed policy and practice

IPH submitted views on the Diabetes Strategic Framework Consultation in Northern Ireland in May 2016. In Northern Ireland there are 85,000 adults aged 17 and over living with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.  It is estimated that approximately 90% of these are living with Type 2 diabetes which is mainly preventable. The Diabetes Strategic Framework and Implementation Plan sets out the strategic direction for services for people living with diabetes and for prevention of Type 2 diabetes over the next 10 years. The Framework sets out a new model of care and promotes a public health approach to primary prevention of Type 2 diabetes which is aligned to the Department’s ‘Making Life Better’ Strategic Framework for Public Health and ‘A Fitter Future for All’ the obesity prevention framework.

In the Republic of Ireland a new Junior Cycle curriculum is under development. This includes a new Wellbeing component. This consultation sought feedback on the Draft Guidelines for Wellbeing in the Junior Cycle. The draft guidelines propose how schools can deliver the Wellbeing component through a blend of Physical Education, Social Personal and Health Education and other activities. In our response, IPH welcomed the inclusion of Wellbeing as a core learning outcome of the Junior Cycle and made some commentary on how the design and delivery can best support children to be healthy, active and empowered to take control over their health. 

A knowledge Exchange Forum was hosted by the North South Alcohol Policy Advisory Group (NSAPAG) on 30 November 2015 to explore how changes in the alcohol retail environment are impacting on consumption and harms. Proceedings of this Forum are now available for download.

Download a copy of the Proceedings

The Institute of Public Health in Ireland partnered with the Centre for Effective Services to produce a volume linking research and practice relating to the early years. The early years have been increasingly recognised in research and policy as a pivotal time in the life course, providing the foundations for numerous health-related outcomes. The lifelong effects of the early years’ experience includes impacts across many aspects of health and wellbeing; including inter alia obesity, heart disease, mental health, educational achievement and economic status. This publication brings together academic authors to consider the rationale and evidence regarding early interventions, as well as practitioners providing on-the-ground examples of what can be achieved.

Reducing second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure has become a central component of tobacco control policies across the island of Ireland. The expansion of smoke-free spaces directly reduces exposure of children and adults and further denormalises tobacco use in a variety of social contexts. Challenges still remain in terms of persistent inequalities and significant exposure to SHS in the home, particularly in the context of children. This snapshot report presents a brief overview of progress on the development of smoke-free spaces on the island of Ireland.