Next Steps: Public Health in Midwifery Practice

Abstract

The preceding chapters have provided insights into how the health agenda of governments in many developed countries has changed . The past focus on preventative health care and individual education for appropriate lifestyle choices has been recognised as limited and largely ineffectual in addressing the poor health of certain population groups. Governments have now embraced a broader understanding of the complex interactions and contributi on to health outcomes of not only individual behaviour but also socio-economic inequalities. This has led to a new public health agenda that seeks to engage communities , in concert with a range of health providers including midwives, to improve the health status of those who are currently disadvantaged.