Applying Research into Policy and Practice (ARPP) - Alcohol Research

Improving public health through better implementation of alcohol policy: A multimethod study examining and addressing the factors influencing successful implementation.

This research project is funded by the Health Research Board (HRB) under the Applying Research into Policy and Practice (ARPP) award.

The core focus of the project is on public health alcohol policy in Ireland and its implementation.

BACKGROUND

Alcohol consumption is a serious risk factor for poor health, injury, disease and even death. In Ireland, as many as four deaths every day on average are caused by alcohol (Kabir & Gilheany, 2022). Ireland continues to have relatively high levels of alcohol consumption and binge drinking. Policies that reduce the harms from alcohol are essential to make sure that people enjoy better health and to prevent unnecessary deaths. The Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018 is a ground-breaking Irish policy that aims to protect the health of the population. The Act contains a range of measures targeting the price, visibility, advertising and labelling of alcohol products. Ireland has received international praise for introducing this policy, which is in line with the World Health Organization ‘best buy’ policy recommendations.

Now that this Act is underway, research is important to examine the factors influencing successful implementation, since policies are not always implemented fully or as intended. This research will provide evidence to help policymakers and stakeholders better understand the things that prevent and influence successful implementation of public health alcohol policy. It will then look at ways to help improve these factors so that alcohol policies are effectively implemented to help reduce harms from alcohol.

WORK PACKAGES

• Work Package 1 – A study to examine barriers and facilitators to implementation of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act in Ireland: This qualitative study will involve interviews with key stakeholders to examine perceived barriers and facilitators to implementation of the Act in the post-enactment phase [published study now available]

• Work Package 2 – A study exploring public awareness of and support for the Public Health (Alcohol) Act in Ireland: Acknowledging the importance of public awareness and support for policies as an important factor in successful implementation, this study will undertake focus groups with members of the public nationally in Ireland. The study will examine participants’ views on the Act as well as communication of its policy measures. The research will seek to inform strategies aimed at improved communication of public health policy.

• Work Package 3 – A study examining media framing of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act during implementation in Ireland: This study will undertake a media analysis of framing of the Act and its measures in print media during the policy implementation phase. Recognising the influence of media framing on both public and political opinion, the study will examine how public health alcohol policy is conveyed in the media.

• Work Package 4 – Stakeholder consensus workshops: This work package will involve a number of stakeholder consensus workshops undertaken to co-produce guidelines/recommendations arising from the findings of the research and to facilitate knowledge exchange. The focus will include guidance on policy implementation, on communication strategies for policy and on media reporting.

• Work Package 5 – Knowledge translation: A key impetus of the research is to translate findings into actionable recommendations/guidance that will be used to inform and strengthen the policy implementation process. The proposed research will therefore place a strong emphasis on knowledge translation as a core part of this project. Recognising the multi-dimensional nature of knowledge translation, the project will undertake activities aligned to the three key areas of Knowledge Management, Linkage and Exchange, and Capacity Building.