Public health skills in primary care in South West England—a survey of training needs, obstacles and solutions

The UK government is moving primary care towards a more health needs led service. This will require a greater awareness of public health skills among primary care staff. We therefore sent a postal questionnaire to the chairmen of primary care groups (general practitioners), the chief officers of primary care groups, directors of public health, nurse advisors of health authorities, directors of community nursing and directors of midwifery in the South West region of England. Respondents were asked about skills in health needs assessment, health service planning and other public health skills among general practitioners, health visitors and midwives. The survey also covered perceived obstacles to the acquisition of such skills and possible solutions. The response rate was 67% (96/143). Eighty percent of primary care groups returned at least one reply. Sixty-four percent had either not considered the problem or considered it but not acted. Fifty percent of directors of public health felt that they could not provide more training to non-specialist staff. Most organisations provided little training in public health skills to non-specialist staff despite a perceived skill shortage particularly in health promotion, advocacy and the evaluation of the effectiveness and efficiency of services. We conclude that primary care groups and public health departments need to agree how to access public health advice. Primary care groups need to identify individuals with an interest in strategic working and service planning, identify their skill deficits and seek appropriate training. Public Health (2001) 115, 407–411.