New guidance on digital and mobile interventions

NICE has said digital and mobile interventions could support regular health services in helping people stop smoking and reduce their risk of obesity.

In a new draft guideline, NICE says that digital interventions such as apps, wearable devices and online programmes and websites may help people achieve health goals. 

This includes helping people to be more physically active, manage their weight, quit smoking, reduce alcohol intake or reduce unsafe sexual behaviour.

NICE

Online patient feedback not being used effectively

An NIHR-funded study has found most online patient feedback is positive but is not being used effectively.

The study found people are increasingly reading online feedback from other patients to gauge service quality.

However, fewer people go online to write feedback themselves. 

It also found health organisations and professionals are currently ineffective at using this feedback to improve services.

Healthcare professionals rarely encourage online patient feedback and may be sceptical about it.

NIHR

Community-centred public health

Public Health England has published information about how to build healthy communities and improve population health.

The summary of research findings is intended for use by local authority, NHS and voluntary and community sector decision-makers. 

It hopes the briefing will help them to:

  • Improve the effectiveness and sustainability of action to build healthy communities
  • Embed community-centred ways of working to improve population health

Public Health England

Pharmacy advice campaign gets underway

A new campaign has launched to encourage people to make better use of their pharmacies.

The Public Health England campaign asks people to "take the drama out of minor illnesses".

It includes a TV advert, social media and bus shelter adverts. 

Campaign materials are available to download via the campaign resource centre. 

Materials have also been sent to pharmacies and general practices.

Public Health England

NCVO publishes The Road Ahead report

A new report focuses on the forces and trends likely to affect charities in 2020.

NCVO's The Road Ahead is split into four sections – politics, economy, social change and technology.

The report identifies various challenges and opportunities. It is designed to be a useful tool for anyone involved in planning charity activities.

NCVO

The building blocks of health literacy

In this blog, PIF member Anneliese Levy discusses how the building blocks of health literacy begin at an early age.

She says even very young children try to make sense of changes in their own health and the health of those close to them.

Anneliese argues it is important to empower future generations to take care of their health.

Thoughtful Content

Podcast: NHS language use

In this edition of the Word of Mouth podcast, Michael Rosen talks with Sara Wilcox, NHS content designer, about how words are used on the NHS website. 

Consultant Dr Hugh Rayner also describes his initiative to encourage consultants to write letters to their outpatient clinic patients directly and in clear language, rather than via their GP.

BBC Sounds

Social movements for health

Nesta has published details of seven social movements it has collaborated with as part of its Social Movements for Health campaign.

It defines a health social movement as a people-powered effort to promote or resist change in the experience of health or the systems which shape it. 

Highlighted projects include those working to reduce health inequalities, tackling mental health problems and medical students campaigning for people-powered health.

Nesta

Shift.ms premieres new documentary

PIF member Shift.ms has released a new documentary exploring the link between insomnia, mental health and MS.

AWAKE is an experimental documentary film unfolding over one night.

It includes voices from real late-night phone calls to offer a unique perspective on those experiencing insomnia and a neurological disease.

Shift.ms

The power in the GP Patient Survey

In this blog, Dr Nikki Kanani explains why the GP Patient Survey is much more than just its headline figures.

She says the survey has helped to highlight the work needed to let people know when and where they can get care.

The blog also includes a link to download awareness posters and details of how to request social media banners and images to promote the survey.

NHS England

Workshop: Content accessibility

Scope is hosting an accessible content workshop on Friday 28 February.

The workshop aims to help participants communicate about the importance of accessibility, start applying good practice and make their work more accessible.

Scope