Public support for diversity in research
A national survey has found strong public support for diversity in health and social care research.
The YouGov survey, commissioned by the Health Research Authority (HRA), found 9 in 10 people think a diverse mix of participants in health and social care research is important. Other key findings include:
- 7 in 10 people say it is important to include a diverse mix of participants even if the research costs more money or takes more time
- More than half have more confidence in the findings if a study includes a diverse mix of participants
- 3 in 10 black people are not confident they would be looked after if they took part in a health or social care research study, compared with less than 2 in 10 white people
The new survey also shows public involvement to ensure research findings are communicated in an accessible way increases public confidence.
Read the full survey results via the Health Research Authority website here.
Tackling diabetes inequality in the UK
PIF member Diabetes UK has published a series of recommendations to help tackle inequality against people living with diabetes.
The Tackling Inequality Commission Report was informed by the experiences of more than 100 people living with diabetes across the UK.
It sets out the findings of the Diabetes UK Tackling Inequality Commission
The report issues seven key calls to action. They include governments acknowledging the impact of systemic racism on health and addressing the wider environmental factors that can increase someone’s risk of type 2 diabetes.
Read more via the Diabetes UK website here.
NHS must build public trust in health data use
A Health Foundation report says the government and NHS must do more to improve public trust in how the health service handles data.
A survey of public attitudes to health tech and data, carried out by Censuswide on behalf of the Health Foundation, found:
- More than 6 in 10 people trust NHS organisations with their data
- Around 4 in 10 trust companies who provide the NHS with software to collect, store and use health data
- Around 3 in 10 trust local and national government with their health data
The survey also revealed awareness is low. More than 6 in 10 people say they know "very little" or "nothing at all" about how the NHS uses the health data it collects.
The report warns public trust is critical. Without it, initiatives to harness the benefits of greater use of health data will be less likely to succeed.
Find out more about the survey via the Health Foundation website here.
Consultation: Digital Maternity Record Standard
PIF partner the Professional Record Standards Body (PRSB) is holding a series of consultations on its Digital Maternity Record Standard.
Public workshops for women and pregnant people who use maternity services will take place between 8 and 11 January 2024.
Multidisciplinary webinars for professionals and service users will take place between 16 and 25 January 2024.
Find out more and register to attend via the PRSB website here.
Create a population group profile
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has created a new tool allowing users to compare different population groups.
Using Census 2021 data, groups can be selected across a variety of measures including health, education and employment.
Access the tool via the ONS website here.
New decision support tools
NHS England has launched new decision support tools to aid shared decision making.
The tools, which have been added to an existing website page, are grouped under areas including surgery and cardiovascular.
One of the new resources covers heavy periods and is also available in an easy read format.
View all the NHS England decision support tools here.
Creative health review published
The National Centre for Creative Health (NCCH) has published a review outlining how creative health can help tackle pressing issues in health and social care.
Creative health covers activities which support health and wellbeing. It can include visual arts, performance, cooking and activities in nature.
The review includes evidence showing how creative health can help tackle issues including health inequalities.
It also has examples of where this is working in practice.
Read the full review via the NCCH website here.
New evidence collection on healthy ageing
The NIHR has published a new evidence collection outlining eight research findings on healthy ageing.
It outlines key risk factors for poor health before sharing eight studies on topics including the health benefits of weight loss and use of statins.
Access the full collection via the NIHR website here.
Consultation: Menopause diagnosis and management
PIF member NICE is seeking views on its draft guidance on menopause diagnosis and management.
The consultation closes on Friday, 5 January, 2024, at 5pm. Final guidance is expected to be published in May 2024.
View the draft guidance and register to comment here.
Overcoming barriers to integrate self management
This ALLIANCE case study sets out how MySelf-Management overcame barriers to enable self management across the Highlands.
It sets out how the project overcame barriers to "harness partnership working, champion the voice of lived experience and encourage innovative transformation".
Read the full case study via the ALLIANCE website here.