Digital health literacy is becoming increasingly important as more health information is shared through digital platforms. However, many individuals face challenges in accessing digital devices and understanding or critically evaluating digital health information. This evidence brief examines effective strategies for improving health and digital health literacy, particularly among disadvantaged groups.
The NHS Constitution states that access to NHS services is based on clinical need, not an individual’s ability to pay. Most NHS services are free of charge. There is a large evidence base describing the problems that people with low incomes face accessing healthcare; much of the international literature relates to insurance premiums. However, there is little research describing how to ensure people on low incomes are not inadvertently excluded from healthcare services.
Tackling chronic disease risk factors requires a systemic approach that addresses the structural barriers that disadvantaged groups face in managing their health. In this evidence brief, we focus on how health care services, as part of this system, can improve behavioural interventions aiming to tackle chronic disease risk factors like smoking, obesity, or hypertension, so that they better address the needs and preferences of disadvantaged groups.
Millions of people in England have an undiagnosed health problem, with people living in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas more likely to be unaware of a health problem. In this evidence brief we explore what works to improve case finding for disadvantaged groups, specifically those lower socioeconomic and ethnic minority groups.
In this evidence brief, we examine the current state of Health Impact Assessments (HIAs) in the UK and their potential to reduce health inequalities. HIAs are essential to the Health in All Policies approach, which integrates health considerations across government. We offer recommendations to increase HIA use, emphasising the need for stronger leadership and dedicated resources to fully embed HIAs in national policy-making.
People who visit emergency departments more frequently than the average often experience multiple socioeconomic difficulties and health problems. In this brief we summarise evidence on how health care services can better support these patients. Meeting these patients’ needs requires an integrated approach that cuts across different health care services but may also involve local authorities and the voluntary sector.
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in the UK, particularly impacting socioeconomically disadvantaged and ethnic minority groups. Primary care services have a significant role to play in mitigating inequalities in lipid management within health care. This evidence brief examines the available evidence on inequalities across the NHS England cholesterol pathway.
An estimated 15 million GP appointments are used every year dealing with issues between primary and secondary care. A dysfunctional primary-secondary care interface is likely to widen health inequalities by disproportionately impacting underserved populations. This evidence brief examines the evidence and provides recommendations on what works to reduce inequalities at the primary-secondary care interface.
Morbidity and mortality in people who suffer from severe mental illness (SMI) is substantially higher than the general population. In the UK, annual screening for physical health conditions is available for people with SMI, however uptake is low. This brief examines available evidence for interventions to improve delivery of physical health checks for people with SMI in primary care.
