The scope of the review

Abstract

Child health programmes should be based on sound evidence of effectiveness. This chapter summarizes the reasons why an updated review of the evidence is needed in a new edition of Health for all Children, defines the scope of the fifth edition, and explains how the quality and strength of the evidence supporting practice and commissioning have been assessed. The framework for making the evidence-based recommendations for practitioners, managers, and commissioners provided at the end of each chapter is explained. An overview is provided of the book, divided into sections and chapters, with links to online evidence and training resources. The chapter concludes with some overall recommendations applicable to the child health programmes in different countries in the UK.