- Room 003, 10 Portland Villas, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 8AA
- +44 1752 585753
- S.Asthana@plymouth.ac.uk
Profiles
Professor Sheena Asthana
Professor of Health Policy
School of Law, Criminology and Government (Faculty of Business)
Role
I have established a large programme of health policy and health services research, involving a multi-disciplinary team of researchers, collaboration across academic institutions, strong collaborative links with NHS constituencies, the use of extensive health service, public health and related datasets, and a range of quantitative and qualitative research methods. I have been an applicant on more than £5 million of funded research projects, attracting over £1.5 million as a principal investigator. My research programme spans four broad areas: NHS resource allocation; health care equity; health inequalities and evidence based public health; and health services evaluation. I have also been involved in research examining education and equity in the UK and on Local Government resource allocation.
Qualifications
BA (Hons) in Geography. First Class (Congratulatory); St John’s College, Oxford, 1986
PhD in Community Medicine, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 1991
Roles on external bodies
Member of the Advisory Group to ‘The Project’ (NGO providing mental health support to children and young people), 2014-
Member of the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to the Advisory Committee on Resource Allocation (ACRA) (DH), 2014-
Panel Member (Funding), Devon Community Foundation, 2014-
Steering Group Member, The Project, 2014-, Steering Group Member, Rural England, 2014-
Council Member, Royal Society for Public Health, 2012-
Trustee, Plymouth Age Concern, 2012-
Member, Standing Commissioning Panel, Policy Research Programme (DH), 2011-
Member, Community Organisers and Community First Expert Reference Group (Cabinet Office), 2011-
Member, Audit and Risk Committee, Commission for Rural Communities, 2007-11
Board Member, Commission for Rural Communities, 2006-11
Member, Policy and Management Group, Devon Rural Network, 2006-08
Member, Rural Practice Standing Group, Royal College of General Practitioners. 2006-08
Board Member, Countryside Agency, 2005-06
Advisory Editor, Social Science and Medicine, 2003-06
Technical Advisor on Resource Allocation to the Rural Health Allocations Forum Project Team, 2001-03
Member, Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Health Action Zone Steering Group, 2000-03
Chair, Geography of Health Research Group of the Royal Geographical Society and the Institute of British Geographers, 1999-2002
Visiting Lecturer, University of Turkku, Finland, 1999
Member, Plymouth Health Action Zone Evaluation & Research Board, 1998-2002
Book Reviews Editor, Health and Place, 1997-2000
Secretary & Treasurer, Geography of Health Research Group of the Royal Geographical Society and the Institute of British Geographers, 1996-99
Member, Editorial Board, Health and Place, 1995-2008
Teaching interests
Health policy; Social Justice; International Social Policy; Globalisation and health; Sustainability
Staff serving as external examiners
External Examiner (PhD), IDS, University of Sussex, 2013.
External Examiner (PhD), Northumbria University, 2011.
External Examiner (PhD), Department of Geography & Geosciences, University of St Andrews, 2008.
External Examiner (PhD), Department of Geography, Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London, May, 2000.
External Examiner (PhD), Dept of Urban Planning and Development, South Bank University, May 1999.
Research interests
Health services research; rural health & health care; health resource allocation; health inequalities policies; community-based strategies in health development (including HIV/AIDS); and equity and education.
Other research
Public service funding; police formula; local government funding; social care funding; evaluation
Research degrees awarded to supervised students
P. Evans: Urban Mosquitoes and Measures for their Control in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Awarded 1995; ESRC funded.
P. Vong-Ek. Factors Affecting the Incidence and Duration of Breastfeeding in Thailand: Implications for Health Promotion. Awarded 2000. WHO funded.
S. Burley. Changing Childbirth: the Role of Antenatal Services. Awarded 2004. University Scholarship, University of Plymouth.
S. Richardson.The Challenge of Interagency Information Sharing. A Systemic Analysis of Two Sure Start Children's Centres. Awarded 2007, ESRC funded
E. Williams. Non-Governmental Organizations and HIV/AIDS in Kolkata, India: A Discursive Analysis of Policy and Programming. Awarded 2009. ESRC funded.
Grants & contracts
B. Benjamin, S. Asthana, R. Byng. How can multiple initiatives for integrated care improve experience and outcomes for patients with multiple long term conditions in the Torbay and South Devon area? Torbay Medical Research Fund, £161,286; 2016-2018
B. Benjamin, S. Asthana, R. Byng. Evaluation of new system model and development of system wide evaluation framework. £50,000; Torbay and South Devon NHS Trust, 2016-2017
R. Sheaff, P. Allen, J. Clark, R. Mannion, S. Asthana, A. Gibson, J. Halliday. Diverse Healthcare Providers: Behaviour in response to commissioners, patients and innovations, NIHR PRP, £482,758, 2015-18
S. Asthana. Review of the Police Funding Formula. Police & Crime Commissioners Treasurers’ Society. £4,000. 2014
R. Sheaff, J. Ovretveit, S, Peckham. R. Byng, M. Exworthy, S. Asthana. Integation and continuity in primary care: polyclinics and alternatives. NIHR (SDO), £414, 950, 2011-2014
S. Asthana, A. Gibson, T. Bailey, P. Hewson, C. Dibben, G. Moon. Equity of Access to Cardiac and Mental Health Services in England. NIHR (Health Services Research Programme), £279,517, 2011-2014
S. Asthana and J. Halliday. Evaluation of the Peninsula Cancer Network Project for raising Skin Cancer Awareness and Prevention. Peninsula Cancer Network, £29,643, 2009-10
S. Asthana, A. Gibson, J. Halliday, P. Hewson. Resource Allocation in Statutory Service Provision: an Assessment of the Police and Fire Formulae. Rural Services Partnership, £20,222, 2008.
S. Asthana, A. Gibson, T. Bailey, C. Dibbens. Developing a resource allocation formula at General Practice level based on individual patient characteristics (Person-Based Resource Allocation): Mental Health. NIHR, Policy Research Programme, £191,216, 2008
A. Gibson and S. Asthana. Resource Allocation through the Local Government Finance Settlement: How Do Rural Areas Fare? Rural Services Partnership, £18,850, 2008.
C. Hyde, C. Meads, S. Bryan, P. Barton, D. Moore, C. Davenport, J, Parry, J. Deeks, J. Hawker, A. Fry-Smith, S. Bayliss, K. Stein, R. Andersen, N. Britten, R. Garside, S. Asthana, M. Somerville. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) Centre for Public Health Excellence (CPHE) Public Health Collaborating Centre, National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, £2,212,000; 2008-2011.
S. Asthana, A. Gibson, T. Bailey, C. Dibbens. The feasibility of developing an approach to Person Based Resource Allocation (PBRA) based on epidemiological data. NIHR, Policy Research Programme, £121,269, 2007.
A. Gibson and S. Asthana. NHS resource allocation: does West Sussex get its ‘fair share’? West Sussex County Council, £8,998, 2007.
A. Gibson, S. Asthana, J. Flowers. A review of the weighted capitation formula and its funding impact on Primary Care Trusts in the East of England SHA. East of England Strategic Health Authority, £16,171, 2007.
S. Asthana. Meeting Health Needs in Rural Areas, Research Councils UK (Academic Fellowship), £125,000, 2005-10.
S. Asthana. Our City’s Health: developing Practical Tool-kits for policies to address Health Inequalities. Plymouth PCT Public Health Department, £20,000, 2003-2004.
S. Asthana, P. Brigham, J. Halliday, A. Gibson, I. Mackenzie, J. Dicker, G. Floyd, G. Moon. Review of the Effectiveness of measuring Rural Deprivation. South West Public Health Observatory, £24,934. 2001.
S. Asthana, A. Gibson, G. Moon, P. Brigham and J. Halliday. Health Resource Allocation: What Case can be made for Rurality? Rural Health Allocations Forum, £59,214. 2001-2002.
S. Asthana, A. Gibson, J. Halliday, J. Dixon, G. Moon. Evaluation of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Health Action Zone, £438,751, 2000-2002.
S. Asthana, J. Chandler, J. Dixon and J. Halliday, Partnership Working in Plymouth HAZ, Plymouth HAZ, £65,000, 2000-2002.
S. Asthana, G. Moon, J. Dicker and A. Gibson. Inequalities in Health Service Utilization at the General Practice Level. Economic and Social Research Council, £81,481. 1999-2001.
S. Asthana. The additional costs of delivering health and social services in remote and rural areas. Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Health Authority, £16,500. 1999.
S. Asthana. Health Needs and Service Deficiencies within Plymouth Health Action Zone. Plymouth Health Action Zone and University of Plymouth, £78,000. 1998-2001
A.. Gibson, S. Asthana and E. Wragg. Parental Choice, Selection by Ability and a ‘Free Market’ in Education: Raising Educational Standards or the Social Polarization of Schools? The Nuffield Foundation. £39,700. 1997-1999.
S. Asthana and A. Gibson. GP Fundholding and the Provision of Primary Health Care: A Socio-Spatial Analysis. University of Plymouth, QR Funds, £18,000. 1996-1997.
S. Asthana.. Community Participation in HIV Prevention and Care in Madras. Nuffield Foundation, £1,540. 1993.
Research groups
- Health
- Plymouth Inequalities Group
- Social and Public Policy
- VOYAGE: Rural and urban ageing and health inequalities
Key publications are highlighted
Journals
Articles
2016
'A qualitative study of diverse providers' behaviour in response to commissioners, patients and innovators in England: research protocol'
BMJ open
6,
(5)
PEARL
2016
'Equity of utilisation of cardiovascular care and mental health services in England: a cohort-based cross-sectional study using small-area estimation'
Health Services and Delivery Research
4,
(14)
1-712
, DOI
PEARL
2015
'Integration and continuity of primary care: polyclinics and alternatives – a patient-centred analysis of how organisation constrains care co-ordination'
Health Services and Delivery Research
3,
(35)
1-148
, DOI
PEARL
2015
'Integration and Continuity of Primary Care: Polyclinics and Alternatives, a Patient-Centred Analysis of How Organisation Constrains Care Coordination'
Health Services and Delivery Research
3,
Publisher Site
PEARL
2013
'Acute care: The real reason for 'failing' hospitals'
Health Serv J
123,
(6343)
20-22
2013
'Francis and funding: an explanation for ‘failing’ hospitals'
Health Services Journal
2013
'Playing with fire: Limitations of the Big Society for an emergency service'
Public Policy and Administration
28,
(3)
290-305
Publisher Site
2013
'Playing with fire: Limitations of the Big Society for an emergency service'
Public Policy and Administration
28,
(3)
2013
'Policy Analytics Need More Than A Spreadsheet: A case study in funding formulae'
Annals of Operational Research
, DOI
2012
'Lansley is right: age trumps poverty'
Health Serv J
122,
(6306)
16-17
2012
'Tensions between healthcare equity and health equity must be debated'
BMJ
344,
2012
'The medicalisation of health inequalities and the English NHS: the role of resource allocation'
Health Economics, Policy and Law
, DOI
2011
'Devolved commissioning, population size and budgetary risk: evidence from the modelling of ‘fair share’ practice budgets for mental health'
Journal of Health Services Research and Policy
2011
'General practitioner commissioning consortia and budgetary risk: evidence from the modelling of 'fair share' practice budgets for mental health'
J Health Serv Res Policy
16,
(2)
95-101
, DOI
2011
'Resource allocation for English local government: a critique of the four block model'
Journal of the Royal Statistical Society, Series A
174,
(3)
1-18
2011
'Resource allocation for English local government: a critique of the four-block model'
JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL STATISTICAL SOCIETY SERIES A-STATISTICS IN SOCIETY
174,
529-546
, DOI
2011
'Setting health care capitations through diagnosis-based risk adjustment: A suitable model for the English NHS?'
HEALTH POLICY
101,
(2)
133-139
, DOI
2010
'Liberating the NHS? A Commentary on the Langley White Paper, “Equity and Excellence”'
Social Science and Medicine
72,
(6)
815-820
, DOI
2009
'Social exclusion and social justice: a rural perspective on resource allocation'
POLICY AND POLITICS
37,
(2)
201-214
2008
'Deprivation, demography and the distribution of general practice: challenging the conventional wisdom of inverse care'
British Journal of General Practice
58,
(555)
718-727
2008
'Deprivation, demography, and the distribution of general practice: challenging the conventional wisdom of inverse care'
Br J Gen Pract
58,
(555)
720-728
, DOI
2008
'Health care equity, health equity and resource allocation: towards a normative approach to achieving the core principles of the NHS'
Radical Statistics
96,
6-26
2006
'A formula for unfairness'
Health Serv J
116,
(6032)
18-19
2006
'Developing an evidence base for policies and interventions to address health inequalities: the analysis of "public health regimes"'
Milbank Q
84,
(3)
577-603
, DOI
2006
'Inter-agency information sharing in health and social care services: The role of professional culture'
BRITISH JOURNAL OF SOCIAL WORK
36,
(4)
657-669
, DOI
2005
'Policy at the margins: developing community capacity in a rural Health Action Zone'
AREA
37,
(2)
180-188
, DOI
2005
'Rationing in response to NHS deficits: rural patients are likely to be affected most'
BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL
331,
(7530)
1472-1472
, DOI
2004
'The demographic and social class basis of inequality in self reported morbidity: an exploration using the Health Survey for England'
J Epidemiol Community Health
58,
(4)
303-307
2004
'The emergent role of the link worker: a study in collaboration'
J Interprof Care
18,
(1)
17-28
, DOI
2004
'The pursuit of equity in NHS resource allocation: should morbidity replace utilisation as the basis for setting health care capitations?'
Soc Sci Med
58,
(3)
539-551
2004
'What can rural agencies do to address the additional costs of rural services? A typology of rural service innovation'
Health Soc Care Community
12,
(6)
457-465
, DOI
2003
'Allocating resources for health and social care: the significance of rurality'
Health Soc Care Community
11,
(6)
486-493
2002
'Geographies of need and the new NHS: methodological issues in the definition and measurement of the health needs of local populations'
HEALTH & PLACE
8,
(1)
47-60
, DOI
2002
'Partnership working in public policy provision: A framework for evaluation'
SOCIAL POLICY & ADMINISTRATION
36,
(7)
780-795
, DOI
2002
'Themes in British health geography at the end of the century: a review of published research 1998-2000'
Soc Sci Med
55,
(1)
167-173
2001
'The social construction of male 'homosexuality' in India: implications for HIV transmission and prevention'
Soc Sci Med
52,
(5)
707-721
2000
'Estimating the socioeconomic characteristics of school populations with the aid of pupil postcodes and small-area census data: An appraisal'
Environment and Planning A
32,
(7)
1267-1285
2000
'Local markets and the polarization of public-sector schools in England and Wales'
Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers
25,
(3)
303-319
1999
'The geography of fundholding in southwest England: implications for the evolution of primary care groups'
Health Place
5,
(4)
271-278
1998
'School performance, school effectiveness and the 1997 white paper'
Oxford Review of Education
24,
(2)
195-210
1996
'AIDS-related policies, legislation and programme implementation in India'
Health Policy Plan
11,
(2)
184-197
1996
'Community participation in HIV prevention: problems and prospects for community-based strategies among female sex workers in Madras'
Soc Sci Med
43,
(2)
133-148
0
'A Tangled Web: Complexity and Inequality in the English Local Government Finance Settlement'
Local Government Studies
Books
2006
What Works in Tackling Health Inequalities?.
The Policy Press
Chapters
2009
'Health and Development'
in Kitchin R; Thrift N
International Encyclopedia of Human Geography
Oxford
Elsevier
28-34
Reports
2012
Variations in Access to Social Care for Vulnerable Older People in England: Is there a Rural Dimension?.
Variations in Access to Social Care for Vulnerable Older People in England: Is there a Rural Dimension?
Commission for Rural Communities
London
Commission for Rural Communities
2009
Developing a Person Based Resource Allocation Formula for Setting Practice-Level Mental Health Budgets: 2009/10 and 2010/11.
Department of Health, Policy Research Programme
2009
Resource Allocation in Statutory Service provision: an assessment of the police and fire formulae.
Rural Services Partnership
2008
Person Based Resource Allocation (PBRA): The Feasibility of Developing a Need-Based Approach to PBRA.
Department of Health, Policy Research Programme
Other Publications
2010
Funding Implications for Rural PCTs of the new NHS Resource Allocation Methodology.
0
0
Other academic activities
Expert witness or consultancy work
External expert, National Audit Office, Landscape Review on Formula Funding, 2011. Written and oral evidence presented to the All Party Parliamentary Group (Rural Services) Enquiry on Resource Allocation, 9th February, 2010. External expert, DEFRA Evidence Investment Strategy, 2009. Written and oral evidence presented to the Health Select Committee’s Inquiry on NHS Deficits, 19th October, 2006 Technical Advisor on Resource Allocation to Rural Health Allocation Project Team, 2001-2003.