The work of Ireland and Northern Ireland’s Population Health Observatory (INIsPHO) can be grouped into the following work areas:

Knowledge generation and translation

Research and analysis
In order to provide health practitioners and policy makers with relevant health intelligence, the Observatory undertakes a range of research and analysis projects that include descriptions of trends in health and health inequalities across the island.

Dissemination
The aim of this work area is to facilitate the sharing of different types of information (numerical and non-numerical) that are relevant to public health practice and policy development on the island.  

 Activities in this work area include development of:

• the website and extranet;
• the All-Ireland electronic Health Library (AIeHL);
• the INIsPHO eData system.

Translation
In order to achieve the translation of health intelligence into effective policy and practice, more than increased awareness and access to information is required.

The aim of this work area is to support the use of available health information in decision-making for health.

Activities in this work area comprise:

• development of Ireland and Northern Ireland’s Population Health Observatory’s (INIsPHO) knowledge translation strategy;
• the Observatory’s eTools portal.

Supporting activities

Training
Ireland and Northern Ireland’s Population Health Observatory (INIsPHO) support the skills development of individuals, organisations and networks engaged in the production and dissemination of health intelligence and its translation into evidence-based policy and practice.

Activities in this work area include:

• training workshops;
• web-based repository of analytical training materials;
• continuing support of the public health advocacy website.

Networks
Ireland and Northern Ireland’s Population Health Observatory (INIsPHO) is committed to supporting its partners and other stakeholders involved in producing, disseminating and using health intelligence.

It aims to help develop and support public health networks on the island. In particular, the Observatory is an active member of the following networks:

• Association of Public Health Observatories (APHO)
• Contact, Help, Advice and Information Network (CHAIN) and the Health Analysts special interest group
• Public Health Alliance for the Island of Ireland (PHAII).

Organisational development
This work area involves:

• more seamless integration into the Institute of Public Health in Ireland (IPH);
• ongoing review of Ireland and Northern Ireland’s Population Health Observatory (INIsPHO);
• stronger quality assurance processes;
• stronger business and communications functions.

Infrastructure development
In order to strengthen the health intelligence function in the longer term, the Observatory works to build the information research infostructure such as information standards that can support it.