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Objectives To explore similarities and differences in policy content and the political context of the three main English government reports on health inequalities: the Black Report (1980), the Acheson Enquiry (1998), and the Marmot Review (2010). Methods Thematic policy and context analysis of the Black Report (1980), the Acheson Enquiry (1998), and the Marmot Review (2010) in terms of: (i) underpinningtheoretical principles; (ii) policy recommendations; (iii) the political contexts in which each was released; and (iv) their actual or potential influence on research and policy. Results There were great similarities and very few differences in terms of both the theoretical principles guiding the recommendations of these reports and the focus of the recommendations themselves. However, there were clear differences in terms of the political contexts of each report, as well as their subsequent impacts on research and policy. Conclusion The paper calls into question the progress of health inequalities research, the use of evidence and of the links between research, politics and policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To review the process and outcome of education and training visits to paediatric departments by the RCPCH.Methods: Retrospective audit of visits reports (1997-2001) against the RCPCH criteria for general professional training. Hospital and/or community child health departments who were responsible for training paediatric senior house officers were visited to assess whether RCPCH criteria of education were being met. Follow up visits were undertaken where limited education and training approval was given. Reports were received from 214 of 242 (88%) hospital and/or community based departments in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.Results: Satisfactory achievement of the 12 training criteria by departments varied widely: 39-95% (median 66%) achieved. Follow up visits reported significant improvements in most departments. Criteria which departments struggled to achieve reasonable standards were: (1) ensuring SHOs were performing educationally appropriate duties (39% achieved); and (2) satisfactory outpatient experience (41% achieved). Twenty four per cent of hospital based departments did not have a paediatrician with 12 months or more experience of paediatrics resident on call.Conclusions: The visiting process highlighted areas of good practice, encouraged change to meet the criteria, and recommended increased resources and staffing where necessary to improve training and hence the service. The need for continuing approval for education and training in these departments encouraged significant efforts on the part of trainers and managers to meet the requirements, and consequently the quality of service to children has been enhanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]