An article examined the impacts of the global economic crisis on European health systems. The recession had led to more frequent poor health status, rising incidence of some communicable diseases, and higher suicide rates. Available data were likely to underestimate the broader mental health crisis linked to increased rates of stress, anxiety, and depression among those who were economically vulnerable. Many European governments had reduced public expenditure on health services and introduced or increased user charges. Nonetheless the recession presented an opportunity for reforming and restructuring health promotion actions and taking a long-term perspective.
Source: David McDaid, Gianluca Quaglio, Antonio Correia de Campos, Claudio Dario, Lieve Van Woensel, Theodoros Karapiperis, and Aaron Reeves, 'Health protection in times of economic crisis: challenges and opportunities for Europe', Journal of Public Health Policy, Volume 34
Links: Abstract
Date: 2013-Dec
A report examined the extent and nature of food poverty among families and young people in the United Kingdom, based on a survey of Barnardo's services. It said that services reported an increase in people who struggled to afford basic provisions throughout the year, and that the Christmas period presented particular difficulties. 90 per cent of services reported referring people to food banks in the past 12 months, and 94 per cent of those services said that the number of referrals had either remained high or increased.
Source: Jenny Peachey, Nicola Smith, and Neera Sharma, Families in Need of Food Parcels: The food poverty crisis unwrapped, Barnardo's
Links: Report | Barnardos press release
Date: 2013-Dec
A report examined the issue of sexualization, which it said had become a political and policy issue that was often misunderstood. The report brought together a multi-disciplinary group of writers to outline research on a range of issues to clarify the extent of existing knowledge. The report focused on the United Kingdom, but included research from a range of countries where appropriate. Chapters covered: sexuality; social change and sex; sex, gender and media; and young people, sex, and sexuality.
Source: Feona Attwood, Clare Bale, and Meg Barker, The Sexualization Report
Links: Report | CCIG press release
Date: 2013-Dec
A government minister said that there would be a review of psychoactive substances ('legal highs'), with a view to introducing legislation to enhance legal enforcement.
Source: , Written Ministerial Statement 12 December 2013, columns 57-58WS, House of Commons Hansard, TSO
Links: Hansard | Terms of reference
Date: 2013-Dec
A think-tank report examined whether the National Health Service in England was adequately prepared to meet the challenges of pandemic flu, following its recent and ongoing reorganization. It highlighted three potential problems: the impact of change on the level of expertise, personal relationships, and institutional memory; whether there were clear lines of responsibility and accountability; and the co-ordination of private service providers in a contract-led system. It said that the system was as yet untested, but there was fragmentation, and a lack of clarity around roles and responsibilities, throughout the organizational structures. The report made suggestions for short-term solutions.
Source: Hilary Pickles and David Rowland, Getting behind the Curve? Is the new NHS ready for pandemic flu?, Centre for Health and the Public Interest
Links: Report
Date: 2013-Dec
A report examined the transfer of public health responsibilities to local authorities, looking at how the transfer had gone so far, the extent of integration with local government, and the impact on public health priorities and spending. It said that some issues had arisen as public health teams adapted to working within local government culture and structure, but the logistical transfer had been largely successful. It said that good attempts had been made to integrate public health with other local government departments, but greater engagement with community stakeholders would be required. The report made recommendations.
Source: Claire Mansfield, Healthy Dialogues: Embedding health in local government, New Local Government Network
Links: Report | NLGN press release
Date: 2013-Dec
A report examined early years interventions, strategies and approaches in the WHO European region that influence the emergence of health inequalities throughout the life-course.
Source: Bjarne Bruun Jensen, Candace Currie, Alan Dyson, Naomi Eisenstadt, and Edward Melhuish, Early Years, Family and Education Task Group: Report, World Health Organisation
Links: Report
Date: 2013-Dec
A report by a committee of MPs said that the government should introduce new legislation around psychoactive substances, and must improve the collection of data on addiction to prescription drugs.
Source: Drugs: New psychoactive substances and prescription drugs, Twelfth Report (Session 2013–14), HC 819, House of Commons Home Affairs Select Committee, TSO
Links: Report
Date: 2013-Dec
The Scottish government began consultation on proposals for Scotland s first strategy for youth sport.
Source: Giving Children and Young People a Sporting Chance: A draft strategy for Scotland, Scottish Government
Links: Consultation document | Supporting document | Summary | Scottish Government press release
Date: 2013-Dec
An article examined how austerity policies had affected health in Europe, and the response of European health systems to the financial crisis. Many governments had cut public expenditure on health sharply during the financial crisis. The consequences for health outcomes had begun to emerge, with an increase in poor health status, and rising rates of anxiety and depression among economically vulnerable groups. The incidence of some communicable diseases, along with the rate of suicide, had increased significantly. The recession had also driven structural reforms.
Source: GianLuca Quaglio, Theodoros Karapiperis, Lieve Van Woensel, Elleke Arnold, and David McDaid, 'Austerity and health in Europe', Health Policy, Volume 113 Issue 1-2
Links: Abstract
Date: 2013-Dec
An article examined the progress of Loneliness Harms Health, a series of local campaigns to address loneliness among older people through targeting health and well-being boards. It discussed how evidence-based campaigning influenced newly formed boards, and identified implications for commissioner and provider practice.
Source: Anna Goodman and Marianne Symons, 'Evidence-based campaigning on loneliness in older age: an update from the Campaign to End Loneliness', Working with Older People, Volume 17 Number 4
Links: Abstract
Date: 2013-Nov
A think-tank report examined local responses to the use of alcohol in the United Kingdom, including under-age drinking, binge drinking and dependent street drinkers. It said that each problem varied across communities, but there were examples of best practice. It called for: better community policing of proxy purchasing, with more severe punishments; city centres to restrict access by people who were very drunk; and local partnerships that brought together local authorities, police and retailers.
Source: Jonathan Birdwell, Ian Wybron, and Emma Vandore, Sobering Up, Demos
Links: Report | Summary | Demos press release | BBC report
Date: 2013-Nov
A report examined the issue of railway suicide across the United Kingdom. It highlighted inconsistencies in how data on suicide was collected and the way emergency services, government agencies and the police collaborated. It said that the alleged association between mental illness and railway suicide required further research. The report recommended: changes to the physical environment, based on existing evidence; the collection of more rigorous and detailed data; better preventative co-ordination between emergency services; and more effective preventive intervention in high-risk groups.
Source: Kamaldeep Bhui, Jason Chalangary, and Edgar Jones, Railway Suicides in the UK: Risk factors and prevention strategies, Careif/Cultural Consultation Service/NHS England/British Transport Police
Links: Report | Careif press release | CCS press release
Date: 2013-Nov
A new book examined the use of criminal law as a tool for protecting public health.
Source: Adrian Viens, John Coggon, and Anthony Kessel (eds), Criminal Law, Philosophy and Public Health Practice, Cambridge University Press
Links: Summary
Date: 2013-Nov
The government responded to a report by a committee of MPs on clinical trials.
Source: Government Response to the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee Inquiry into Clinical Trials, Cm 8743, Department of Health, TSO
Links: Response | MPs report
Date: 2013-Nov
An article examined the school meal choices made by young people. The study found that the most popular dishes were 'grab and go' foods, such as sandwiches, pizza, or desserts. Pupils receiving free school meals were more likely to select the more nutritionally valuable dishes. The article said that school food standards should be reassessed in light of students' preferences.
Source: Hannah Ensaff, Jean Russell, and Margo Barker, 'Meeting school food standards: students food choice and free school meals', Public Health Nutrition, Volume 16 Issue 12
Links: Abstract
Date: 2013-Nov
A briefing paper outlined the action needed to create environments where people were more likely to walk or cycle for short journeys. Aimed at those who worked in or represented local authorities, it summarized the importance of action on obesity and discussed active travel. It outlined the regulatory and policy approaches that could be taken.
Source: Nick Cavill and Harry Rutter, Obesity and the Environment: Increasing physical activity and active travel, Public Health England
Links: Report | PHE press release
Date: 2013-Nov
A report by a committee of MPs said that the government should not proceed with plans to control khat under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. The committee recommended the introduction of a licensing scheme for importers of the plant.
Source: Khat, Eleventh Report (Session 2013–14), HC 869, House of Commons Home Affairs Select Committee, TSO
Links: Report | BBC report
Date: 2013-Nov
A report evaluated The Silver Line telephone helpline for older people in the United Kingdom. It said there was a need for the service, and that The Silver Line should work with local authorities to ensure appropriate support provision in all areas.
Source: Samantha Callan, When I Get Off the Phone I Feel Like I Belong to the Human Race : Evaluation of The Silver Line helpline pilots, Centre for Social Justice
Links: Report
Date: 2013-Nov
A study examined trends in food expenditure and nutrition during the economic downturn. The briefing note said that British households had cut real expenditure on food brought into the home. Households with young children had reduced expenditure, calories and real expenditure per calorie more, on average, than other household types, and households had started buying foods with more calories per kilogram. All household types had moved away from eating fruit and vegetables, with the largest switches by households with young children and single-parent households.
Source: Rachel Griffith, Martin O Connell, and Kate Smith, Food Expenditure and Nutritional Quality over the Great Recession, Institute for Fiscal Studies
Links: Briefing note | IFS press release
Date: 2013-Nov
The government published an agreement which both set out how NHS England was accountable for the delivery of certain public health services, and described the expert support role for Public Health England. Individual service specifications, published alongside the agreement, provided details of the public health evidence and advice that was needed to support effective commissioning.
Source: NHS Public Health Functions Agreement 2014-15: Public health functions to be exercised by NHS England, Department of Health
Links: Agreement | Service specifications
Date: 2013-Nov
A think-tank report examined the case for a more extensive adult immunization programme for adults in the United Kingdom. It said that the government should commit to a life-course vaccination programme, with age group based, as well as risk group based, recommendations for vaccination.
Source: David Sinclair and Trinley Walker, Immune Response: Adult immunisation in the UK – improving access to vaccination for older people, International Longevity Centre – UK
Links: Report | ILC press release | NHS press release
Date: 2013-Nov
An article examined influential public health-related European Union-level policy outputs since the Maastricht Treaty in 1992, and whether they were perceived as achievement, failure, or missed opportunity. Drawing on interviews with experts, it said that there were often diverging respondent views. The establishment of DG SANCO, European Union public health agencies, and tobacco control were generally viewed as achievements, while the Health in All Policy approach was perceived as a missed opportunity. The article concluded that, in general, the European Union had begun to develop competencies in supporting, co-ordinating and supplementing member states, but some areas required further development.
Source: Nicole Rosenkotter, Timo Clemens, Kristine Sorensen, and Helmut Brand, 'Twentieth anniversary of the European Union health mandate: taking stock of perceived achievements, failures and missed opportunities – a qualitative study', BMC Public Health, Volume 13
Links: Abstract
Date: 2013-Nov
A report by a committee of peers said that limited progress had been made in building on opportunities for sports participation, transport, volunteering and regeneration. The committee had found there was confusion on timeframes, targets, and ownership for delivery of the legacy elements. Recommendations included: action on sports facilities and coaching; a single minister to take charge of the spectrum of legacy activities; and the Mayor of London to take responsibility for delivering regeneration in East London and the Olympic Park.
Source: Keeping the Flame Alive: The Olympic and Paralympic legacy, First Report (Session 2013–14), HL 78, House of Lords Olympic and Paralympic Legacy Select Committee, TSO
Links: Report | Inside Housing report
Date: 2013-Nov
An article examined published guidance for the economic evaluation of public health interventions and outlined a 12 point checklist to support government, National Health Service commissioners, and health economists in their consideration of economic evaluation methodology.
Source: Rhiannon Tudor Edwards, Joanna Mary Charles, and Huw Lloyd-Williams, 'Public health economics: a systematic review of guidance for the economic evaluation of public health interventions and discussion of key methodological issues', BMC Public Health, Volume 13
Date: 2013-Oct
Official guidance was issued on the management of overweight and obesity among children and young people.
Source: Managing Overweight and Obesity among Children and Young People: Lifestyle weight management services, NICE public health guidance 47, National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
Links: Guidance | NICE press release | BBC report
Date: 2013-Oct
The Chief Medical Officer published her annual report for 2012.
Source: Chief Medical Officer, Annual Report of the Chief Medical Officer 2012: Our children deserve better – prevention pays, Department of Health
Links: Report | DH press release | Centre for Mental Health press release | RCOG press release | RCM press release
Date: 2013-Oct
A survey examined the use of evidence in public health and how differing types of data and literature are used. The survey was designed to capture a snap shot picture of the views of the public health workforce on their use of evidence, and the difficulties they encounter in accessing material. The results highlighted the complexity of the interpretation and use of evidence. The report recommended further research to confirm findings and to inform better access to and use of evidence.
Source: Evidence in Public Health: The results from an online survey, UK Health Forum
Links: Report
Date: 2013-Oct
A report examined child health in Scotland. It provided information on the physical activity and health of Scottish children and adolescents.
Source: Child's Play 2013? Active Healthy Kids Scotland report card, Active Healthy Kids Scotland
Date: 2013-Oct
A report examined the trends in recorded alcohol consumption over the period 1990-2010, outlining comparable alcohol-attributable death rates, alcohol-related illness, national policies on alcohol, and progress on policy implementation.
Source: Status Report on Alcohol and Health in 35 European Countries, WHO Regional Office for Europe
Links: Report
Date: 2013-Oct
A report examined the impact that obesity had on social care. It noted the service implications and highlighted a need both for better data and for further consideration of the links between the health and social care aspects of the issue.
Source: Social Care and Obesity: A discussion paper, Local Government Association
Links: Report
Date: 2013-Oct
The Scottish Government published the responses to its consultation on alcohol licensing.
Source: Further Options for Alcohol Licensing: Summary of consultation responses, Scottish Government
Links: Consultation responses | Summary
Date: 2013-Oct
An article examined the promotion of behavioural change and healthy lifestyles as a central part of tackling health inequalities. This approach tended to place the responsibility for ill-health on individuals, rather than taking action on the social and relational determinants of health.
Source: Paul Crawshaw, 'Public health policy and the behavioural turn: the case of social marketing', Critical Social Policy, Volume 33 Issue 4
Links: Abstract
Date: 2013-Oct
A report reviewed health improvement and associated programmes in Wales. It said that a lot of good work was being done: but it was often fragmented and spread too thinly. To achieve the necessary improvements, at pace and in depth, there was a need to focus efforts on a smaller number of multifaceted, integrated high-impact areas.
Source: Transforming Health Improvement in Wales: Working together to build a healthier, happier future, Public Health Wales
Links: Report | PHW press release | BBC report
Date: 2013-Sep
A collection of essays examined the impact of austerity on health policy. It looked at the public health impact of economic decline – higher unemployment, job insecurity, fuel poverty, homelessness, and other social ills – that had a direct effect on the National Health Service. Although existing budget restrictions might be tough for those working at the frontline, it was the longer-term trend of an ageing population that would prove to be the NHS's biggest challenge. The question was whether health policy-makers would make the necessary response to demographic change.
Source: Claudia Wood (ed.), Health in Austerity, Demos
Date: 2013-Sep
A report by a committee of MPs said that the lack of transparency of many clinical trials was 'unacceptable', and that it had not been impressed with government efforts to tackle the problem. Many trials were unregistered and unpublished, meaning that the information that they generated remained invisible to both the scientific community and the public. This undermined public trust, slowed the pace of medical advancement, and potentially put patients at risk.
Source: Clinical Trials, Third Report (Session 2013-14), HC 104, House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee, TSO
Links: Report | Additional written evidence | Committee press release | Guardian report | Telegraph report
Date: 2013-Sep
A study examined the relationship between taking part in cultural and sporting activities, attending cultural places, and key quality of life measures in Scotland. There was consistent evidence that people who participated in culture and sport or attended cultural places or events were more likely to report that their health was good and that they were satisfied with their life than those who did not participate. This finding remained true even when other factors were accounted for such as age, economic status, income, area deprivation, and education qualification.
Source: Clare Leadbetter and Niamh O Connor, Healthy Attendance? The impact of cultural engagement and sports participation on health and satisfaction with life in Scotland, Scottish Government
Links: Report
Date: 2013-Aug
A new book examined the complex relationship between public health research and policy, using tobacco control and health inequalities as contrasting case studies. It said that it made more sense to focus on ideas, rather than evidence, as the unit of analysis when studying public health knowledge exchange. Focusing on research-informed ideas usefully drew attention to the centrality of values, politics, and advocacy for public health debates.
Source: Katherine Smith, Beyond Evidence Based Policy in Public Health: The interplay of ideas, Palgrave Macmillan
Links: Summary
Date: 2013-Aug
A report said that immediate changes were needed to the way alcohol was advertised, backed up by a complete ban on advertising at all sporting, cultural, and music events, in order to protect children and young people from excessive exposure to alcohol advertising.
Source: Stick to the Facts: Alcohol advertising regulation that balances commercial and public interest, Alcohol Concern
Links: Report | Alcohol Concern press release
Date: 2013-Aug
A new book examined public health and well-being policies, and their influence on practice, focusing on the importance of inter-agency and inter-professional approaches.
Source: Rob Baggott, Partnerships for Public Health and Well-Being: Policy and practice, Palgrave Macmillan
Links: Summary
Date: 2013-Aug
An article examined the most influential individuals in public health and their strategies for influencing policy. The most powerful individuals in public health were found to be managers – not usually considered targets for research.
Source: Kathryn Oliver, Frank de Vocht, and Martin Everett, 'Who runs public health? A mixed-methods study combining qualitative and network analyses', Journal of Public Health, Volume 35 Number 3
Links: Abstract
Date: 2013-Aug
An article examined the association between social capital (specifically trust and social participation) and self-rated health using British Household Panel Survey data. The association appeared to be confounded by shared environmental factors not previously considered by researchers. However, the association with trust remained, adding to existing empirical evidence that generalized trust might be an independent predictor of health.
Source: Giuseppe Giordano, Juan Merlo, Henrik Ohlsson, Maria Rosvall, and Martin Lindstrom, 'Testing the association between social capital and health over time: a family-based design', BMC Public Health, Volume 13
Date: 2013-Jul
The coalition government published a plan of action designed to improve the quality and take-up of school food in England. The plan's authors said that the government should introduce free school meals for all primary school pupils, starting with the most deprived areas.
Source: Henry Dimbleby and John Vincent, The School Food Plan, Department for Education
Links: Plan | DE press release | ATL press release | Childrens Society press release | NAHT press release | Newcastle University press release | NUT press release | RSPH press release | BBC report | Daily Mail report | Guardian report (1) | Guardian report (2) | Guardian report (3)
Date: 2013-Jul
The coalition government announced (following consultation) that it was abandoning plans to introduce a minimum price for alcohol in England and Wales. It said that there was not enough concrete evidence that its introduction would be effective in reducing harms associated with problem drinking without penalizing people who drank responsibly.
Source: Next Steps Following the Consultation on Delivering the Government's Alcohol Strategy, Home Office
Links: Report | Consultation responses | Hansard | HOC research brief | ACPO press release | Addaction press release | Alcohol Research UK press release | Methodist press release | PHE press release | RCP press release | RCPsych press release | BBC report | Daily Mail report
Date: 2013-Jul
A report said that even though health and well-being boards in England had only had statutory responsibilities since April 2013, many had already made substantial progress towards delivering on the high expectations set for them on issues such as integration and health inequalities.
Source: Making a Local Difference: State of play and challenges ahead for health and wellbeing boards, NHS Confederation
Links: Report | NHS Confederation press release
Date: 2013-Jun
A paper gave projections of expenditure on public health and long-term care until 2060 in developed (OECD) countries. On average, total health and long-term care expenditure was projected to increase by 3.3 and 7.7 percentage points of national income between 2010 and 2060, under two different scenarios.
Source: Christine de la Maisonneuve and Joaquim Oliveira Martins, A Projection Method for Public Health and Long-Term Care Expenditures, Economics Department Working Paper 1048, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
Links: Paper
Date: 2013-Jun
A report analyzed, by age and other variables, two of the measures of national well-being – 'satisfaction with health' and 'evidence of mental ill-health' – and their relationship to well-being. In 2010-11, for people aged 16 and over: 66 per cent were satisfied with their health, with a slightly higher proportion of men than women; satisfaction decreased to 53 per cent of those aged 80 and over; 19 per cent had some indication of anxiety or depression, with a higher proportion of women than men, and a higher proportion of those aged 40-59 or 80 and over.
Source: Jen Beaumont and Helen Lofts, Measuring National Well-being – Health, 2013, Office for National Statistics
Links: Report
Date: 2013-Jun
A report examined the evidence for the benefits of the arts to health, and how the arts could interact with health and well-being.
Source: Arts, Health and Wellbeing Beyond the Millennium: How far have we come and where do we want to go?, Royal Society for Public Health/Philipp Family Foundation
Links: Report | Summary | RSPH press release
Date: 2013-Jun
A report said that most community-based interventions designed to reduce emergency hospital admissions did not achieve their aim.
Source: Martin Bardsley, Adam Steventon, Judith Smith, and Jennifer Dixon, Evaluating Integrated and Community-Based Care: How do we know what works?, Nuffield Trust
Date: 2013-Jun
A paper examined the effects of anti-smoking policies on smoker well-being. There was 'fairly robust' evidence that increases in tobacco taxes raised the relative well-being of likely smokers, and some evidence that the ban on smoking in public places did the same.
Source: Andrew Leicester and Peter Levell, Anti-Smoking Policies and Smoker Well-Being: Evidence from Britain, Working Paper Thisyr/13, Institute for Fiscal Studies
Date: 2013-Jun
A report said that there would be 'substantial health and social benefits' from introducing a minimum unit price for alcohol. Alcohol was 45 per cent more affordable than in 1980, and both men and women could exceed the recommended low-risk daily drinking guidelines for £1. Minimum pricing targeted the heaviest drinkers, but would have a minimal impact on the amount spent by moderate drinkers. Individuals and families on low incomes would be among the least affected by minimum pricing.
Source: Tim Stockwell and Gerald Thomas, Is Alcohol Too Cheap in the UK? The case for setting a minimum unit price for alcohol, Institute of Alcohol Studies
Links: Report | IAS press release
Date: 2013-May
The inspectorate for education and children's services said that personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education in England was inadequate in 40 per cent of cases examined.
Source: Not Yet Good Enough: Personal, social, health and economic education in schools, HMI 130065, Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills
Links: Report | OFSTED press release | Accord Coalition press release | BHA press release | EVAW press release | BBC report | Guardian report
Date: 2013-May
An article critically examined claims that criminal justice had displaced health from its formerly dominant position in relation to drug policy. It said that there was evidence of both continuity and change. What others had attributed to 'criminalization' in fact reflected broader changes in the nature of criminal justice itself. The transformation of 'penal-welfarism' helped to explain the development of more punitive and coercive forms of drug control: but this was only part of the story. There was considerable continuity in relation to the importance of drug treatment and harm reduction.
Source: Michael Shiner, 'British drug policy and the modern state: reconsidering the criminalisation thesis', Journal of Social Policy, Volume 42 Issue 3
Links: Abstract
Date: 2013-May
An article examined the effect of the economic crisis in Europe on health systems. Whereas immediate rises in suicides and falls in road traffic deaths were anticipated, other consequences, such as HIV outbreaks, were not, and were better understood as products of state retrenchment. Although there were many potentially confounding differences between countries, the interaction of fiscal austerity with economic shocks and weak social protection was what ultimately seemed to escalate health and social crises.
Source: Marina Karanikolos, Philipa Mladovsky, Jonathan Cylus, Sarah Thomson, Sanjay Basu, David Stuckler, Johan Mackenbach, and Martin McKee, 'Financial crisis, austerity, and health in Europe', The Lancet 27 March 2013
Links: Abstract
See also: Philipa Mladovsky, Divya Srivastava, Jonathan Cylus, Marina Karanikolos, Tamas Evetovits, Sarah Thomson, and Martin McKee, Health Policy Responses to the Financial Crisis in Europe, World Health Organisation (Regional Office for Europe)
Date: 2013-Apr
A report said that family doctors had untapped potential to engage in a more pro-active approach to improving the health and well-being of the local population. Such a focus was essential if the National Health Service were to meet the challenges of responding to rising rates of chronic illness at all population ages, during a time of financial austerity.
Source: Ruth Thorlby, Reclaiming a Population Health Perspective: Future challenges for primary care, Nuffield Trust
Links: Report | Summary | Nuffield Trust press release | NAPC press release
Date: 2013-Apr
An article said that strong primary care in European countries was associated with better population health; lower rates of unnecessary hospitalizations; and relatively lower socio-economic inequality. Overall health expenditures were higher in countries with stronger primary care structures: but comprehensive primary care was also associated with slower growth in healthcare spending.
Source: Dionne Kringos, Wienke Boerma, Jouke van der Zee, and Peter Groenewegen, 'Europe s strong primary care systems are linked to better population health but also to higher health spending', Health Affairs, Volume 32 Number 4
Links: Abstract
Date: 2013-Apr
An article examined the value of healthcare spending growth in 14 western countries between 1996 and 2006. An average yearly avoidable mortality decline of 2.6-5.3 per cent was found across countries. Simultaneously, healthcare spending rose between 1.9 and 5.9 per cent per year. Most countries with above-average spending growth demonstrated above-average reductions in avoidable mortality.
Source: Richard Heijink, Xander Koolman, and Gert Westert, 'Spending more money, saving more lives? The relationship between avoidable mortality and healthcare spending in 14 countries', European Journal of Health Economics, Volume 14 Number 3
Links: Abstract
Date: 2013-Apr
An article examined the growing influence of asset-based approaches to public health, focusing on Scotland. As material inequalities had grown, the pursuit of non-material explanations for health outcomes had – paradoxically – proliferated. At one level, a greater recognition of psycho-social factors had deepened the understanding of the societal determinants of health, the links between mental and physical health, and the social nature of human need. Too often, however, psycho-social factors were abstracted from the material realities of people's lives, and functioned as an alternative to addressing questions of economic power and privilege and their relationship to the distribution of health.
Source: Lynne Friedli, '"What we ve tried, hasn t worked": the politics of assets based public health', Critical Public Health, Volume 23 Number 2
Links: Abstract
Date: 2013-Apr
An article compared and contrasted results obtained when the cost-effectiveness of smoking cessation was modelled for several different European countries. Health and economic results for different countries were found to vary significantly for the same reductions in smoking. This suggested that it might be inappropriate to assume that evidence from one country would produce similar health and economic effects if the same levels of smoking cessation were achieved in another.
Source: David Cohen, Fasihul Alam, and Paul Jarvis, 'An analysis of the economic impact of smoking cessation in Europe', BMC Public Health, Volume 13
Date: 2013-Apr
A coalition government report said that the health and social care systems in England should be doing more to tackle premature mortality.
Source: Living Well for Longer: A call to action to reduce avoidable premature mortality, Department of Health
Links: Report | Hansard | DH press release | RCN press release | Hansard | RCGP press release
Date: 2013-Mar
An article examined the patterns of health loss in the United Kingdom, the leading preventable risks that explained some of these patterns, and how outcomes compared with a set of comparable countries in the European Union and elsewhere in 1990 and 2010. For both mortality and disability, overall health had improved substantially in absolute terms from 1990 to 2010. But the UK's performance in terms of premature mortality was persistently and significantly below the mean of European countries, and required additional concerted action. Further progress in tackling premature mortality would probably require improved public health, prevention, early intervention, and treatment activities. The growing burden of disability needed an integrated and strategic response.
Source: Christopher Murray et al., 'UK health performance: findings of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2010', The Lancet 5 March 2013
Links: Abstract | DH press release | IHME press release | Labour Party press release | BBC report | Guardian report | Telegraph report
Date: 2013-Mar
The coalition government published a summary of responses to consultation on personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. It said that PSHE would remain a non-statutory subject, and that it was unnecessary to provide new standardized frameworks or programmes of study.
Source: Consultation on PSHE Education: Summary Report, Department for Education
Links: Consultation responses | Hansard | DE press release | Accord Coalition press release | BHA press release | Brook press release | Christian Institute report | NAT press release | PFEG press release | Population Matters press release | Relate press release | SEF press release
Date: 2013-Mar
A report set out a strategic plan designed to reduce the harm to public health from alcohol. It recommended that a minimum price of at least 50p per unit of alcohol should be introduced for all alcohol sales.
Source: Health First: An evidence-based alcohol strategy for the UK, University of Stirling
Links: Report | BMA press release | IAS press release | Labour Party press release | BBC report | Guardian report | Telegraph report
Date: 2013-Mar
An article examined the strength of association between key adolescent health outcomes and a range of individual and social factors. Individual factors such as self-esteem were associated with general health, physical activity, and healthy eating. However, the influence of family, peers, school, and local community appeared to be equally important for these outcomes, and more important for smoking, drug use, and healthy weight.
Source: Dougal Hargreaves, Dominic McVey, Agnes Nairn, and Russell Viner, 'Relative importance of individual and social factors in improving adolescent health', Perspectives in Public Health, Volume 133 Number 2
Links: Abstract
Date: 2013-Mar
A new book examined differences in the way European countries had addressed health protection and health promotion issues.
Source: Johan Mackenbach and Martin McKee, Successes and Failures of Health Policy in Europe: Four decades of divergent trends and converging challenges, Open University Press
Links: Summary
Date: 2013-Mar
An article sought to develop a measure of the effectiveness of primary care in terms of population health outcomes. The public health impact (PHI) measure was a potential alternative metric of practice performance, measuring the estimated mortality reduction in the registered population. Rewards under the existing pay-for-performance scheme were not closely aligned to the public health impact of practices.
Source: Mark Ashworth, Peter Schofield, Tim Doran, Richard Cookson, Matthew Sutton, Paul Seed, Amanda Howe, and Robert Fleetcroft, 'The public health impact score: a new measure of public health effectiveness for general practices in England', British Journal of General Practice, Volume 63 Number 609
Links: Abstract
Date: 2013-Mar
The coalition government published a framework for improving sexual health in England. It said that a concerted effort was needed by local councils to cut rates of sexually transmitted infection and reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies.
Source: A Framework for Sexual Health Improvement in England, Department of Health
Links: Framework | DH press release | BHA press release | Brook press release | NAT press release | SEF press release | THT press release
Date: 2013-Mar
A paper said that a reformed system of alcohol excise taxes would be more effective at targeting those drinking above recommended levels than a minimum unit price for alcohol.
Source: Rachel Griffith, Andrew Leicester, and Martin O Connell, Price-Based Measures to Reduce Alcohol Consumption, Briefing Note 138, Institute for Fiscal Studies
Links: Briefing Note
Date: 2013-Mar
A literature review examined the key components of health visitor interventions. It looked at relationships between the existing health visiting service and its processes, and outcomes for children and families.
Source: Sarah Cowley, Karen Whittaker, Astrida Grigulis, Mary Malone, Sara Donetto, Heather Wood, Elizabeth Morrow, and Jill Maben, Why Health Visiting? A review of the literature about key health visitor interventions, processes and outcomes for children and families, National Nursing Research Unit (King s College, London)
Links: Report | Appendices
Date: 2013-Feb
A report made a series of recommendations designed to help tackle the obesity crisis. They included: food-based standards to be mandatory in all hospitals; a ban on new fast food outlets being located close to schools and colleges; a duty on all sugary soft drinks, increasing the price by at least 20 per cent, to be piloted; and 'traffic light' food labelling to include calorie information for children and adolescents – with visible calorie indicators for restaurants, especially fast food outlets.
Source: Measuring Up: The medical profession's prescription for the nation's obesity crisis, Academy of Medical Royal Colleges
Links: Report | AMRC press release | Civitas blog post | RCOG press release | RCP press release | Guardian report
Date: 2013-Feb
An article said that social housing could and should be the local hub for cost-effective, human-scale efforts to promote health and well-being.
Source: Tony Stacey and Ian Hembrow, 'How local housing can unlock lasting health and care', Housing Care and Support, Volume 16 Number 1
Links: Abstract
Date: 2013-Feb
A report examined the role of co-production in shifting the focus of health and social care in Scotland toward prevention and independence. Co-production recognized that people had 'assets' – such as knowledge, skills, characteristics, experience, friends, family, colleagues, and communities – that could be brought to bear to support their health and well-being.
Source: Elke Loeffler, Gerry Power, Tony Bovaird, and Frankie Hine-Hughes (eds), Co-Production of Health and Wellbeing in Scotland, Governance International
Links: Report
Date: 2013-Feb
The coalition government published an overview of its plans for the delivery of a public health surveillance strategy. It said that an integrated system could strengthen surveillance as a component of a broader public health knowledge and intelligence function.
Source: Public Health Surveillance: Towards a public health surveillance strategy for England, Department of Health
Links: Report | DH press release
Date: 2013-Jan
A report said that drugs policy should have a stronger health focus, in order to help reduce the harm caused by illegal drug use.
Source: Drugs of Dependence – The role of medical professionals, British Medical Association
Links: Report | BMA press release | BBC report
Date: 2013-Jan
A study found that home equity had a strong impact on individual health. Home equity lowered the likelihood of home-owners exhibiting a broad range of medical conditions. This was due to increased use of private healthcare, reduced hours of work, and increased exercise. Home equity, unlike income, did not increase risky health behaviours such as smoking and drinking. The positive health effects of home equity gains on home-owner health over the business cycle offset the negative effects of labour market conditions and work intensity.
Source: Eleonora Fichera and John Gathergood, House Prices, Home Equity and Health, Working Paper 13/01, Health Economics Resource Centre, University of York
Links: Paper
Date: 2013-Jan
A policy report for the opposition Labour Party examined options for improving children's health, including the introduction of legal limits on the sugar, fat, and salt content of food.
Source: Children, Food and Obesity, Labour Party
Links: Report | Labour Party press release
Date: 2013-Jan
A report said that short-sighted reforms to contraception and other sexual health services could lead to a significant increase in the number of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, resulting in £137 billion extra healthcare and benefits costs by 2020.
Source: Stephen Lucas, Unprotected Nation: The financial and economic impacts of restricted contraceptive and sexual health services, Brook/Family Planning Association
Links: Summary | Brook/FPA press release | RCOG press release
Date: 2013-Jan
A new book examined health impact assessment, and how it could help decision-making by predicting the consequences for health of choosing different options in terms of policies, plans, and projects.
Source: John Kemm, Health Impact Assessment: Past achievement, current understanding, and future progress, Oxford University Press
Links: Summary
Date: 2013-Jan
A report (based on a study in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales) said that employers should do much more to ensure that an employee s mild illness did not escalate into long-term absence and sickness-related worklessness.
Source: Mark Weston and Julia Manning, Work as a Health Outcome in the Devolved Nations: How Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland tackle sickness-related worklessness, 2020health
Links: Report | 2020 press release
Date: 2013-Jan
A new book examined health and well-being during each life stage.
Source: Mary Larkin, Health and Well-Being Across the Life Course, SAGE Publications
Links: Summary
Date: 2013-Jan
