The Cass Review publishes final report
An independent review of gender identity services for children and young people has published its final report.
The Cass Review makes a series of recommendations for commissioners and providers of services for children and young people needing support about their gender.
It also highlights the threat of online misinformation, particularly in relation to the use of puberty blockers and masculinising or feminising hormones.
The report says both sides of the debate point to research to justify a position, regardless of the quality of studies.
Trusted information is needed on all aspects of medical care but particularly to diffuse or manage expectations built up by online claims.
Read the final report via The Cass Review website here.
Digitally empowering patients to better health
A new practical guide explores how digital tools can be used to empower patients.
The 2024 playbook includes information on current patient perceptions of digital empowerment, tips for success and a look ahead to what might come next.
It also includes case studies of successful digital empowerment from NHS Trusts and an exploration of artificial intelligence (AI).
Access the full playbook via the Healthcare Communications website here.
Digital safety kit for public health
A new kit aims to help prevent and reduce the online harm and harassment experienced by public health officials.
Created for the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s Center for Health Communication, it explores the types of harassment public health officials and institutions might experience, including disinformation campaigns.
The kit includes tips on how to recognise and respond to online harassment.
While much of the data focuses on the USA, the issues experienced are largely universal.
View the full kit via the Harvard T.H. Chan School website here.
Public Health Scotland first report on anti-seizure medicines in pregnancy
Public Health Scotland (PHS) has published its first report on anti-seizure medicines in pregnancy.
The report explores medicines prescribed to women aged under 55 in Scotland from April 2018 to September 2023 and exposure during pregnancy.
It focuses on two medicines – valproate and topiramate, as informed by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and Commission on Human Medicines.
The report forms part of its review of the use, benefits and risks of medicines taken in pregnancy across Scotland, as part of its response to the First Do No Harm report.
Access the full report via the Public Health Scotland website here.
Local authority health inequalities dashboard
The Health Foundation is seeking feedback on the beta version of its local authority dashboard.
The dashboard brings together data and insights on the state of health and health inequalities across all local authorities in England.
View the dashboard via the Health Foundation website here.
Suicide prevention support for people with no fixed address
The Suicide Prevention Consortium has published a report exploring suicide prevention for people with no fixed address.
The report highlights four key themes where improvement is needed:
- Attitudes towards people with no fixed address
- Consistent access to suicide prevention support
- Tailored support which reflects people's experiences
- Investment in community and peer support
Download the full report via the National Suicide Prevention Alliance website here.
Using social prescribing to support population health management
The National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP) has published a guide to help integrated care systems use social prescribing to support population health management.
It includes case studies, tips and questions to consider when implementing social prescribing approaches.
Download the guide via the NASP website here.
A series of case studies can also be viewed on the NASP website here.
Event: BMA patient liaison group symposium 2024
The BMA patient liaison group (PLG) symposium 2024 will be held from 9.30am to 2pm on Wednesday, 1 May.
The online event will focus on valuing diversity, co-design and intersectionality in health policy formation.
Register for the symposium here.
Get more information about the event, including a full programme, via the BMA website here.