Study: Improving population screening participation among underserved groups
A systematic review looks at interventions which may improve participation by underserved groups in national screening programmes in the UK.
It identified several interventions for which there was good evidence of improvement in uptake of young person and adult screening programmes.
However, there was very little evidence relating to interventions to reduce inequalities in participation in antenatal screening programmes and none for newborn screening programmes.
The review was originally commissioned by Public Health England due to variation in participation both within and between national screening programmes.
Groups at higher risk of the condition targeted by screening also tend to be less likely to participate.
Reducing A&E visits among people with complex health issues
An NHS case study outlines how A&E visits by people with complex health needs were reduced thanks to a proactive Population Health Management (PHM) approach.
More than 500 people with complex health problems made almost 450 fewer visits to A&E or stays on a hospital ward over a two-year period.
Person-centred care was highlighted as a key driver of success.
The inverse care law with a 21st century twist?
In this article, Dr Charlotte Paddison discusses whether the shift towards digital primary care risks widening access inequalities.
A Nuffield Trust evidence analysis found groups of patients who are more likely to be in relatively good health – younger, white, highly educated and living in affluent areas – are more likely to successfully navigate online access to care.
They are also more likely to effectively use new forms of online and remote consultation
Dr Paddison outlines a series of measures to help 'get access right' including co-designing with service users and understanding population need.
How technology can support people with Long Covid
AbilityNet has published a list of resources designed to help people with Long Covid work with technology.
The factsheet includes sections on technology which can help with symptoms like brain fog, alternatives to using a standard keyboard and workplace adaptions.
It also signposts to further resources from trusted sources including PIF members Mind and British Heart Foundation.
Study: Effect of digital interventions on parents' mental health literacy and help seeking for children
A new systematic review explores whether digital health interventions (DHIs) affect mental health literacy, help seeking, or uptake of professional services among parents of children with mental health problems.
Of 11,379 search results, five studies met the inclusion criteria. All studies were rated as having a high or serious risk of bias.
Authors concluded there is no high-quality evidence that DHIs can improve parents’ mental health literacy, help seeking, or uptake of services.
More research is needed to evaluate DHIs by using rigorous study designs and consistent measures.
NHS to pilot ethical AI adoption pilot
The NHS in England is piloting a new approach to the ethical adoption of AI in healthcare which aims to eradicate bias.
Algorithmic Impact Assessments (AIAs) was designed by the Ada Lovelace Institute.
The UK pilot aims to help researchers and developers assess the possible risks and biases of AI systems to patients and the public before they can access NHS data.
While AI has the potential to support better care, it could also exacerbate existing health inequalities if concerns such as algorithmic bias are not accounted for.
NICE recommends new drug for people living with obesity
PIF member NICE has issued draft guidance recommending semaglutide, also known as Wegovy, to adults living with at least one weight-related condition and a BMI of at least 35 kg/m2.
Semaglutide can only be prescribed as part of a specialist weight management service with multidisciplinary input for a maximum of two years.
Comments on the draft guidance can be submitted until 5pm on 1 March.
Resource to help inform older people about self-funded social care
A short video showcases a new evidence-based resource to help older people become better informed about self-funded social care.
The 'Paying for care (older people)’ section on Socialcaretalk offers video and audio clips of people talking about their experiences of self-funding.
It is funded by the National Institute for Health Research, Research for Patient Benefit (NIHR RfPB) programme.
'Put people at the centre of social care reform'
The ALLIANCE is set to issue a joint statement calling for the voices of lived experience and the third sector to be at the forefront of the proposed National Care Service in Scotland.
Individuals and organisations working for disabled people, people living with long term conditions and unpaid carers are all invited to sign the statement.
The deadline for signing is 25 February.
Valuing lived experience and co-production
A recording of the National Voices event Valuing Lived Experience is now available to view.
The event officially launched the new Voices for Improvement project – offering lived experience partners the chance to provide coaching to senior health and care leaders.
Click on the link below to watch the recording via YouTube.