The Future of Public Health: the Institute of Medicine's 1988 report

Abstract

A long list of enduring and emerging public health issues have raised questions about the capacity of the public health service system to address these concerns. A two-year Institute of Medicine study revealed a system in disarray. It is inappropriately politicized, and public health responsibilities have become so fragmented that deliberate action is often difficult. The Institute of Medicine's committee emphasized that these issues are complex and affect our society broadly. It called for comprehensive action to bring about necessary changes including a clear delineation of the mission of the public health service system and improvement in technical, political, managerial and programmatic skills of public health practitioners.