What builds good health?
The Health Foundation has published an introduction to the building blocks of good health. The guide explains how a person’s opportunity for health is influenced by much more than the NHS and why people in the UK do not all have the same chance to be healthy. It also sets out how action to strengthen the building blocks of health can lead to improvements in the health of the whole population for the benefit of individuals, society and the economy.
Read the full guide via The Health Foundation website here.
Survey: Misinformation interventions reduce misperceptions but increase scepticism
Three online survey experiments have tested the potential negative effects of existing strategies to combat misinformation and compared them with three alternative interventions. Current strategies include fact-checking, media literacy tips and media coverage of misinformation. However, the online surveys suggested, while all interventions successfully reduce belief in false information, they also negatively impact the credibility of factual information. Authors argue this highlights the need for further improved strategies that minimise harms and maximise the benefits of interventions against misinformation.
Read the full survey findings via the Nature journal website here.
Disability awareness and language guidelines
AbilityNet has published free resources to help increase understanding of the term "disability awareness". The resources cover key topics including definitions, language guidelines and advice on accessibility. They also discuss the importance of "Nothing about us, without us."
Access the full list of resources via the AbilityNet website here.
Study: Exploring the foundations of a digital health information service
A new study aims to identify key aspects required for digital promotion of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients’ self-management. Researchers found patients seek information from healthcare professionals about treatment but wanted a digital solution to offer relevant and practical information about the disease, treatment and self-management. Both patients and healthcare professionals saw opportunities for increasing health data availability to patients. However, healthcare professionals expressed concerns about adapting, maintaining and ensuring the relevance of patient health information without increasing their workload and compromising care.
Read the full study findings via the BMC website here.
Health minister sets out plan to tackle health inequalities in Northern Ireland
Health minister Mike Nesbitt has said tackling health inequalities must be at the heart of reform in Northern Ireland. Mr Nesbitt announced a series of initiatives to tackle inequalities last week. They include Live Better – an initiative to bring health support to the communities which need it most by pulling multiple programmes together. This will cover areas including health screening and vaccination, mental health support and building health literacy.
Find out more about the planned initiatives via the Department of Health NI website here.
Study: Digital interventions to modify skin cancer risk behaviours
A new study compares three digital health interventions designed to modify UV radiation exposure, sun protection, and skin cancer detection behaviours among young adults at moderate to high risk of skin cancer. The study compared a basic and enhanced version of a modular website programme (active interventions) with an e-pamphlet. Researchers found the active interventions were effective in improving several skin cancer risk and skin cancer prevention behaviours. Compared with the basic intervention, the enhanced intervention added to the improvement in sun protection but not other behaviours.
Read the full study findings via the JMIR website here.
Information on national pharmacy services
Community Pharmacy England has published a new webpage for patient groups and other non-healthcare professional organisations. The page is designed to help users find out more information about pharmacy services and what resources are available to share with their audiences. In particular, Community Pharmacy England would like to highlight the Pharmacy First and NHS Flu Vaccination services.
View the new page via the Community Pharmacy England website here.
Involving consumers in research
La Trobe University has published a starter kit of useful resources to help increase consumer involvement in research. While the university is based in Australia, the kit also includes links to international resources and practical tips which are applicable across nations.
Access the kit via the La Trobe University website here.
Entries open for BGS Special Medal 2024
Nominations are now being accepted for the BGS Special Medal 2024. The British Geriatrics Society (BGS) awards the medal to a person who has made an outstanding contribution to promoting the health and wellbeing of older people. The award celebrates the work of non-healthcare professionals, including volunteers. Nominations are accepted from the not-for-profit and public sectors including charities, voluntary sector organisations and health and social care support agencies. Entries must be submitted by 5pm on Wednesday, 31 July.
Find out more and enter your nomination via the BGS website here.