Framework to remove healthcare barriers for people seeking asylum
A report by the British Red Cross finds people seeking asylum often have complex health needs and face significant barriers to accessing timely, quality and appropriate healthcare. Key barriers highlighted in the Delivering with dignity report include:
- A lack of translation services and difficulty communicating with health care staff.
- Lack of understanding regarding entitlements and location of primary health services.
- Digital exclusion.
- A lack of training or guidance on how to navigate healthcare services in England.
The report sets out a framework of good practice to remove these barriers and ensure people can access the healthcare they are entitled to. It is based on five pillars including working in partnership and valuing lived experience.
Access the full report via the British Red Cross website here.
Survey: Translation and interpretation services
NHS England is leading a piece of work to understand what is, and is not, working in translation and interpretation services across different healthcare organisations. The results will support the development of an improvement framework to enable stronger partnership working and system-based approaches. The survey is aimed at organisational and professional stakeholders in translation and interpreting services working in healthcare. The deadline for submissions is 6 September.
Take part via Join the Conversation here.
App aims to overcome language barriers in healthcare settings
An app aimed at overcoming language barriers between patients and nursing or midwifery staff has been rolled out at a London NHS trust. The smartphone and laptop app contains translations of thousands of clinical phrases, questions and answers which clinical staff can use during interactions with patients. It is designed to facilitate two-way translated interactions without the need for non-clinical translation websites or hand signals.
Read the full story via the Nursing Times website here.
Contemporary challenges to health information for all
In this editorial for The Lancet Global Health, the authors outline the key challenges facing the goal of health information for all. These include information overload, infodemics and inequities. Alongside systemic strengthening of health information, the authors highlight areas which deserve extra attention. These include tailoring information to specific needs and populations based on co-production, resources to support health professionals and local opinion leaders, and building trust alongside health literacy and critical thinking.
Read the full editorial via The Lancet Global Health website here.
Publication of new NICE indicators
PIF member NICE has published three new indicators covering cardiovascular disease prevention in the general population, cardiovascular disease modifiable risk factors and smoking cessation success in people with bipolar, schizophrenia and other psychoses. NICE indicators can be used to support high quality care by identifying where improvements are needed and setting priorities for support.
Stoptober 2024 campaign resources published
The Department of Health and Social Care has released resources for this year's Stoptober campaign. All assets feature the key message: "Stop smoking for Stoptober and you're 5 times more likely to quit for good." Editable versions are available to provide details of local services or websites.
Access all resources via the Department of Health and Social Care website here.
Webinar: Patient community recommendations on enhancing clinical research initiatives
An upcoming webcast features five patient community-based organisations discussing how clinical research can be made more inclusive. Key topics include the obstacles and limitations experienced by diverse patient groups in accessing clinical trials, fostering meaningful community connections and tips on disseminating crucial information within diverse communities. The webcast takes place from 11am to noon on 10 September. It is a rebroadcast of a session which took place at the 2024 Patients as Partners in Clinical Research conference.
Register for your free place here.
Watch: An early intervention app and suicide prevention
In this webinar recording Tellmi and Bristol University present details and findings from a collaborative project involving young people with first-hand experience of suicidal ideation or intentions. The focus was on how the Tellmi app could be enhanced as a tool for suicide prevention. The webinar also features Thomas, a young individual who has battled with suicidal thoughts, who shared his path to recovery.