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Showing results for tags 'Health inequalities'.
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Content ArticleThere have been two turning points in trends in life expectancy in England this century. From 2011, increases in life expectancy slowed after decades of steady improvement, prompting much debate about the causes. Then, in 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic was a more significant turning point, causing a sharp fall in life expectancy, the magnitude of which has not been seen since World War II. This article from the King's Fund examines trends in life expectancy at birth up to 2022, the impact of Covid-19 on life expectancy, gender differences and inequalities in life expectancy, causes of the changing trends since 2011, and how life expectancy in the UK compares with other countries.
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Content ArticleThis research letter in JAMA Internal Medicine describes a multicentre retrospective cohort study that investigated associations between stigmatising language, errors in the diagnostic process and demographics for hospitalised patients. The study found that stigmatising language in patient documentation was associated with diagnostic error and multiple diagnostic process errors. The prevalence of stigmatising language was higher in documentation relating to Black patients and patients with housing instability. The authors argue that this may be indicative of clinician biases that interfere with data gathering, communication and clinical reasoning. They call for further research to explore the mechanisms behind this and to understand how clinician use of stigmatising language can be reduced.
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EventDecades of research has shown that the health of the population in England is unequal, with people who live in more deprived areas experiencing illness earlier in life and dying younger. Previous Health Foundation analysis has projected that 9.3 million people could be living with major illness by 2040, which is 2.6 million, or 39%, more people than in 2019. In April, the Health Foundation’s REAL Centre published its second report in their ‘Health in 2040’ series, this time exploring how current patterns of ill health vary with deprivation across England, and to what extent this is projected to change by 2040. The findings have important implications for health inequality among the working age population and how it poses a challenge to labour supply and economic growth. This webinar will convene experts to explore what the findings mean for how we might need to change as a society, and what can we do to better prepare for the future. Register
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News Article
Record 3.7m workers in England will have major illness by 2040, study finds
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
A record 3.7 million workers in England will have a major illness by 2040, according to research. On current trends, 700,000 more working-age adults will be living with high healthcare needs or substantial risk of mortality by 2040 – up nearly 25% from 2019 levels, according to a report by the Health Foundation charity. But the authors predicted no improvement in health inequalities for working-age adults by 2040, with 80% of the increase in major illness in more deprived areas. Researchers at the Health Foundation’s research arm and the University of Liverpool examined 1.7m GP and hospital records, alongside mortality data, which was then linked to geographical data to estimate the difference in diagnosed illness by level of deprivation in England in 2019, the last year of health data before the pandemic. They then projected how levels of ill health are predicted to change in England between 2019 and 2040 based on trends in risk factors such as smoking, alcohol use, obesity, diet and physical activity, as well as rates of illness, life expectancy and population changes. Without action, the authors warn, people in the most deprived areas of England are likely to develop a major illness 10 years earlier than those in the least deprived areas and are also three times more likely to die by the age of 70. Read full story Source: The Guardian, 17 April 2024 -
Content ArticleThis Health Foundation report explores how patterns of diagnosed ill health vary by socioeconomic deprivation in England. This report is the second output from the REAL Centre’s programme of research with the University of Liverpool. Building on the projections in Health in 2040, this report is one of the first studies to unpack patterns of inequalities in diagnosed illness by socioeconomic deprivation across England and project them into the future. Stark inequalities are projected to stubbornly persist up to 2040, with profound implications not only for people’s quality of life, but also their ability to work and the wider economy. The report also finds that health inequality is largely due to a small group of long-term conditions, with chronic pain, type 2 diabetes and anxiety and depression projected to increase at a faster rate in the most deprived areas.
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News Article
Report suggests people with breast cancer are being ‘systematically left behind’
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
Many people with breast cancer are being “systematically left behind” due to inaction on inequities and hidden suffering, experts have said. A new global report suggests people with the condition are continuing to face glaring inequalities and significant adversity, much of which remains unacknowledged by wider society and policymakers. The Lancet Breast Cancer Commission highlights a need for better communication between medical staff and patients, and stresses the importance of early detection. It also highlights the need for improved awareness of breast cancer risk factors, with almost one in four cases (23%) of the disease estimated to be preventable. The Lancet Commission’s lead author, Professor Charlotte Coles, department of oncology, University of Cambridge, said: “Recent improvements in breast cancer survival represent a great success of modern medicine. “However, we can’t ignore how many patients are being systematically left behind. “Our commission builds on previous evidence, presents new data and integrates patient voices to shed light on a large unseen burden. “We hope that by highlighting these inequities and hidden costs and suffering in breast cancer, they can be better recognised and addressed by healthcare professionals and policymakers in partnership with patients and the public around the world.” Read full story Source: The Independent, 15 April 2024 -
Content Article
The Lancet Breast Cancer Commission (15 April 2024)
Patient Safety Learning posted an article in Cancers
Despite tremendous advances in breast cancer research and treatment over the past three decades—leading to a reduction in breast cancer mortality of over 40% in some high-income countries—gross inequities remain, with many groups being systematically left behind, ignored, and even forgotten. The work of the Lancet Breast Cancer Commission highlights crucial groups, such as those living with metastatic breast cancer, and identifies how the hidden costs of breast cancer and associated suffering are considerable, varied, and have far-reaching effects. The Commission offers a forward-looking and optimistic road map for how the health community can course correct to address these urgent challenges in breast cancer. -
Content Article
Throughout 2023, the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA) carried out the first ever national inquiry into musculoskeletal (MSK) health inequalities. The inquiry found that the prevalence and impact of musculoskeletal conditions are not experienced equally across the population. Musculoskeletal conditions are linked to deprivation and age, are more prevalent in women and disproportionately affect some ethnic groups. Deprivation is a significant driver of inequalities in MSK health. People in deprived areas experience more chronic pain, are more likely to have a long term MSK condition and experience worse clinical outcomes and quality of life. These inequalities are avoidable through changes in the design and delivery of MSK services, and actions to address wider determinants of health and prevention. The report makes recommendations to reduce health inequalities in MSK care, treatment and outcomes. -
Content ArticleThis National Paediatric Diabetes Audit (NPDA) report on care and outcomes 2022/23 found that the prevalence of children and young people cared for in Paediatric Diabetes Units (PDUs) in England and Wales has increased from 33,251 in 2021/22 to 34,371 in 2022/23, despite a fall in the incidence of new cases. It also found that the percentages of children and young people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes receiving all six key annual healthcare checks have increased, but there remains much variability between PDUs (and completion rates for those with Type 2 remain lower than for those with Type 1). Other findings include: Percentages of young people with early signs of micro and macrovascular complications for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes show very little change in 2022/23 compared to the previous audit year Use of diabetes related technology has increased in 2022/23, with around half of children and young people with Type 1 diabetes using insulin pumps and half using a real time continuous glucose monitor (rtCGM) Around a quarter of all new cases of Type 1 diabetes had diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at diagnosis, compared to 25.6% in 2021/22. The report also states that, despite improvements in outcomes and use of technologies across different ethnicities and areas of deprivation, inequalities remain evident. In terms of rtCGM use, the inequality gap by deprivation has reduced, however the difference in use between Black and White children with Type 1 diabetes has widened from 8.6% in 2021/22 to 14% in 2022/23.
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EventThis webinar organised by WHO Europe will explore the access gaps in rural areas and the role that PHC plays in tackling this issue. Panellists from diverse backgrounds will delve into the multifaceted factors influencing access in rural, isolated and dispersed population areas. Register for the webinar
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Content Article
Sands is the UK's leading charity working to save babies' lives and support bereaved families. In this blog, Julia Clark and Mehali Patel from the Sands Saving Babies’ Lives research team, draw on their recent Listening Project to illustrate the value of working with bereaved parents. Julia and Mehali argue that hearing and amplifying these unique insights is vital to developing safer, more equitable neonatal and maternity care. -
News Article
Black people who spot cancer symptoms are taking twice as long to be diagnosed
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
Black and Asian people who spot cancer symptoms are taking twice as long to be diagnosed as white people, a shocking new study shows. Research by Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) and Shine Cancer Support shows that people from minority ethnic backgrounds face an average of a year’s delay between first noticing symptoms and receiving a diagnosis of cancer. These groups report more negative experiences of cancer care than white people, limited knowledge about the diseases and lack of awareness of support services, which all contribute to later diagnostic rates. “In a year that’s revealed that the UK’s cancer survival lags behind comparable countries, I am saddened but unsurprised that people from minority ethnic groups face additional hurdles that delay their diagnosis.” said Ceinwen Giles, co-ceo of Shine Cancer Support. “We know that catching cancer earlier saves lives, yet with year long waits for some people, collaborative efforts between health leadership, advocacy groups and the pharmaceutical industry are required.” Read full story Source: The Independent, 9 April 2024 -
Content ArticleCancer Equals is a campaign launched by Bristol Myers Squibb, to understand and help address the many factors that lead to delays in cancer diagnosis and variations in cancer experiences between people from different backgrounds. Cancer Equals research shows that people from minority ethnic groups experience seven months longer delays between noticing cancer symptoms and diagnosis compared to white individuals. Many factors lead to these delays in diagnosis and differences in people’s experience of cancer – no one’s story is the same. Delays to diagnosis will and do impact prognosis, changing the course of peoples’ lives. Health disparities and inequalities are an ongoing and pressing issue, with the UK government, NHS and patient groups committed to increasing earlier diagnosis and improving outcomes for people living with cancer.
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Content ArticleThe Health Foundation has produced a new dashboard which presents data and insights on the state of health and health inequalities across all local authorities in England. You can discover: how our health is shaped by factors such as the quality of our housing, employment and income how local authorities in England compare on healthy life expectancy areas of lower and higher life expectancy within each local authority. This free resource forms part of the Health Foundation's evidence hub, which provides a wide range of data, insights and analysis on how the circumstances in which we live shape our health and drive health inequalities.
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Content ArticleOn 27 February 2024, NHS Resolution's Safety and Learning team delivered a virtual forum on delivering health in the prison and justice system. The aim of the session was to discuss the realities, best practice, challenges and recommendations around collaborating to support healthcare delivery in the justice system.
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Content Article
LitHealth podcasts
Patient Safety Learning posted an article in Recommended video and audio resources
Lit Health will be lighting a fire underneath the status quo of healthcare through interviews with authors, healthcare leaders, and policymakers working to create a healthcare environment that is equitable, transparent, and that welcomes the needs of every patient – especially our vulnerable populations including the mentally ill, people of colour and women who feel they are at risk in our current system, the elderly, and anyone who feels bias or the isms affect their health and quality of life. -
News Article
Cost of private Covid jabs risks widening health inequalities, experts warn
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
Experts and patient groups have warned that the high cost of private Covid vaccinations could exacerbate health inequalities and leave those more at risk from the virus without a vital line of defence. Both high street chain Boots and pharmacies that partner with the company Pharmadoctor are now offering Covid jabs to those not eligible for a free vaccination through the NHS, with the former charging almost £100 for the Pfizer/BioNTech jab. While Pharmadoctor says each pharmacy sets its own prices, it suggests the Pfizer/BioNTech jab will set customers back £75-£85, while the latest Novavax jab will cost about £45-£55. However experts have raised concerns that the high cost of the private jabs will widen inequalities, with the vaccinations unaffordable for many. “The most disadvantaged in society are most likely to be exposed to respiratory viruses due to things like poverty, intergenerational households and crowded workplaces. While they might be most in need of a seasonal vaccine, they will also be the least likely to afford £100 in the midst of a cost of living crisis,” said Dr Marija Pantelic, of the University of Sussex. Read full story Source: The Guardian, 28 March 2024 -
Content ArticleThis Lancet article highlights three challenges to measuring and analysing social determinants of health (SDoH) for which data science—a cross-disciplinary set of skills to make judgements and decisions with data by using it responsibly and effectively—can be harnessed. The three challenges the authors examine are: Data necessary for capturing the exposure of interest at multiple levels appropriately are not always available nor easy to measure. SDoH are distal to individual health outcomes compared to biomedical determinants such as comorbidities. The distal placement of SDoH in relation to health outcomes results in requires long periods of time to observe their effect.
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Content Article
Amplifying maternal voices toolkit (MMHA, 18 March 2024)
Patient-Safety-Learning posted an article in Maternity
Drawing on insights from Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA) Lived Experience Champions, member organisations and local contacts, this toolkit offers creative ideas and practical tools to empower individuals in shaping perinatal mental health care at a local level. The toolkit explores innovative examples of ongoing efforts to bring about this much-needed change. It contains resources relating to: Breaking barriers Demonstrating impact Making connections Sharing stories -
Content ArticleThis practical guide from NHS Providers aims to support NHS trust board members to address health inequalities as part of their core business. It outlines why trusts should act on health inequalities, includes a vision for what good looks like, a self-assessment tool for trusts to use to determine where they are in their journey and a list of suggested objectives for board members. It covers a wide range of trust work, from operational and clinical delivery of services, to the trust’s role as an anchor institution and as an employer of NHS staff. The suggested objectives are drawn from NHS England (NHSE) policy, guidance, and good practice from the sector.
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Content ArticleFar from being a drain, equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is an investment that can improve workforce wellbeing and experience, and enhance service design and delivery. It also ensures patients are involved in designing care. NHS Confederation sought the views of healthcare leaders to understand their perspectives on the value of an EDI approach to tackling inequalities in the NHS. This briefing captures what they found and what leaders need as a result.
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EventuntilThe Patient Information Forum (PIF) is hosting a new two-day workshop offering key data on health literacy and digital exclusion, plus top tips and examples of good practice. This streamlined health and digital literacy training has been developed in response to feedback from PIF members. It explores the key health and digital literacy challenges facing the UK and the potential solutions. Examples of good practice will be shared throughout. Key topics An introduction to health literacy What is the health literacy challenge and who is affected? Solutions to the health literacy challenge Becoming a health-literacy friendly organisation An introduction to digital literacy The challenge of digital exclusion Carrying out a digital inequalities assessment Overcoming digital inequalities Cost Members - £250 Non-members - £400 including VAT Register for the workshop
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Content Article
This is part of our series of Patient Safety Spotlight interviews, where we talk to people working for patient safety about their role and what motivates them. Rachel speaks to us about how patient partnership is key to tackling major issues facing the healthcare system and describes the central role of communication in improving patient safety. -
News ArticleBlack children in the UK are at four times greater risk of complications following emergency appendicitis surgery compared with white children. Researchers revealed these alarming disparities in postoperative outcomes recently. The study, led by Dr Amaki Sogbodjor, a consultant anaesthetist at Great Ormond Street Hospital and University College London, showed that black children faced these greater risks irrespective of their socioeconomic status and health history. Appendicitis is one of the most prevalent paediatric surgical emergencies; approximately 10,000 cases are treated annually in the UK. However, this marks the first attempt to scrutinise demographic variances in postoperative complication rates related to appendicitis. Dr Sogbodjor emphasised the critical need for further investigation into the root causes of these disparities. "This apparent health inequality requires urgent further investigation and development of interventions aimed at resolution," she said. Read full story Source: Surgery, 25 March 2024
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News ArticleMinisters are being urged to roll out a better testing regime for one of the country’s biggest killers, with the most recent figures showing death rates for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease more than three times higher in some of the most deprived areas of the country. More than 20,000 people a year in England die from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The most significant cause of COPD is smoking, but a significant proportion of cases are work-related, triggered by exposure to fumes, chemicals and dust at work. Figures from the Office for National Statistics reveal that death rates from the disease are significantly higher in more deprived areas of the country. The NHS is rolling out targeted lung screening across England for people aged between 55 and 74 who are current or former smokers. The charity Asthma + Lung UK says the checks will identify many people who may have COPD, but there is no established protocol for them to be diagnosed and given appropriate treatment and support. Dr Samantha Walker, interim chief executive at Asthma + Lung UK, said: “Once targeted lung health checks are fully rolled out, millions of people could be told they have an incurable lung disease like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but they won’t be given a firm diagnosis or signposted to the right support, which is simply unacceptable. “What we need to see is a national referral pathway in place for those people who show signs of having other lung conditions as part of this screening process to ensure that people with all suspected lung conditions get the diagnosis and treatments that they deserve. We know that people with lung disease will live better, fuller lives with an earlier diagnosis.” Read full story Source: The Guardian, 24 March 2024
