Open AccessObtaining resources for evidence‐based public health initiatives at the local level: insights from the Central Sydney Tobacco Control Plan
Author(s) -
Rissel Chris,
McMaugh Kate,
O'Connor Danny,
Balafas Angela,
Ward Jeanette
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
australian and new zealand journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.946
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1753-6405
pISSN - 1326-0200
DOI - 10.1111/j.1467-842x.1999.tb01205.x
Subject(s) - multidisciplinary approach , business , tobacco control , public health , strengths and weaknesses , action plan , control (management) , public relations , medicine , environmental health , political science , nursing , psychology , economics , social psychology , management , law
Objective: In response to inquiries regarding the processes of developing a Tobacco Control Plan (TCP) for the Central Sydney Area Health Service (which in 1997 allocated dedicated funding of $800,000 over 2 1/2 years to implement the plan), this article describes the strengths and weaknesses of the TCP and outlines the process which contributed to its funding. Conclusions: Consistent with national and state priorities, the TCP recommended strategies based on best available evidence in the four action areas: reducing sales of cigarettes to minors, marketing, passive smoking and smoking cessation. Funding of this amount for a single public health issue at a local level represents a unique achievement in the application of an evidence‐based approach to population health. Implications: Key elements of our advocacy methods included the involvement of all key primary health care and clinical stakeholders; comprehensive background research to identify evidence‐based strategies; careful attention to budget options; strategic lobbying of senior staff and decision makers; the proposal for a multidisciplinary management structure for the TCP and specifications for funding allocation and evaluation. Early achievements and other reflections are discussed.