Preface: The preface provides a concise introduction to the book, outlining the aims, structure, and
contents.
Part I: Evolution, Foundations and Key Principles of the Settings-Based Approach
Part One provides the rationale for this approach in the context of investing for health and
tackling 21st-century public health problems. In this section, the key characteristics of the settings
approach are discussed with a specific focus on the evolution, approaches and key concepts,
theoretical underpinnings, principles, governance, and evaluation. This part of the book also
explores the relationship of the settings approach to wider public health and health promotion
theory.
1.1 Evolution of the Settings-Based Approach
Professor Mark Dooris, Dr Michelle Baybutt, and Dr Sami Kokko
This chapter sets out the development and evolution of the settings approach utilizing a
chronological perspective on:
- conceptual development (including models for understanding and operationalising the settings
approach - e.g. Barić 1993, Galea et al 2000, Whitelaw et al 2001, Dooris 2004, 2006, Paton et al
2005, Kokko et al. 2014)
- policy development (including WHO charters and declarations, examples of national
commitments)
- practice/programme development (including international networks and collaborating centres,
IUHPE developments, examples of national and sub-national activities)
Emerging themes and debates are highlighted in this chapter, as a means of introduction for
later chapters.
1.2 Underlying Approaches and Theoretical Grounds
Professor Mark Dooris, Dr Michelle Baybutt, and Dr Sami Kokko
This chapter sets out the underlying approaches and theoretical grounds and presents a
conceptual framework for the healthy settings approach.
The introduction sets out the need for a conceptual framework, programme theory, and guiding
principles by drawing on, for example, Dooris, Poland et al 2007, and exploring and linking theory
around systems thinking and complexity and, ecological and salutogenic orientation. The chapter
provides a critical focus on:
Underpinning values
- equity
- partnership [inter-professional and inter-disciplinary]
- participation, empowerment, and resilience
- sustainable development
Key characteristics - principles, perspectives, and features, to include:
- ecological model
- systems thinking [including open systems and connections to other settings - including
Bronfenbrenner]
Whole-system organisational development and community development focus
1.3 Principles for Settings-Based Practice
Professor Mark Dooris, Dr Michelle Baybutt, and Dr Sami Kokko
This chapter sets out the key principles for settings-based practice and comprises:
Framing practice - key cross-cutting issues, to include:
- assets/salutogenesis and deficits/pathogenesis
- balancing project work with long-term whole system [organisational and community]
development and change including building resilience
- securing top-down commitment and bottom-up engagement
- reflecting public health and core business concerns
- tackling inequalities and working within power structures
- being informed by evidence and prioritising innovation and creativity
Operational practice (e.g., cycle model) - frameworks for the process of engaging and delivering
the setting-based approach
Sustainability, health, and the settings-based appr
