Understanding the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) in public health research
The Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) is a widely used measure in public health research and policymaking relating to health inequalities. By identifying areas with the greatest levels of deprivation, resources can be allocated more effectively to tackle systemic issues that contribute to unequal health outcomes. This blog provides an overview of the IMD and it’s use in public health research.
Expansion of our Living Evidence Maps
We’re delighted to say that we are expanding our Living Evidence Maps. Until recently, the maps have only included systematic reviews and umbrella reviews. However, we have now mapped the available research from primary studies and included these too. We already have over 480 systematic and umbrella reviews and have now added more than 570 […]
“The more we know about ourselves the more we can grow as a people”
In this blog, Sharon Cumberbatch, an NHS nurse, shares her life story as a first-generation black British Caribbean, a health care trainee and a health care professional. In honour of Black History Month, Sharon reflects on the aspirations that have driven her in life, her experiences of systemic racism but also experiences of solidarity. She highlights the importance of learning – about the world but also about our own and others’ histories – as the cornerstone of caring communities.
Ripple Effects: Reclaiming Our Stories
In this blog, Chris Frederick, a Lived Experience Advisor, explores how his life has been shaped by the intergenerational and historical trauma experienced by his family and within black communities. In honour of Black History Month, Chris traces the connections between the Windrush Generation, the Brixton riots, and the rise of Black mental health advocacy in the 21st century, highlighting the ongoing work of black communities to address health inequalities and tackle mental health stigma.
Harnessing Health Impact Assessments for a fairer and healthier future
A healthy population is key to citizen wellbeing, a productive economy and manageable public services. Policy decisions on jobs, income, housing, education, transport and green space have a major impact on health, but do not involve the Department of Health and Social Care. As the government sets out policies to deliver on its manifesto commitments, how can we ensure health is considered across government, mitigating the potential adverse impacts, ensuring equity and accentuating the positives? Here we argue that Health Impact Assessments are a key tool to cross-government action on health and health inequalities.
Feeding two birds with one scone: Leveraging NHS anchor activity to reduce health inequalities and contribute to thriving communities
Discussions around population health and economic growth and their interconnectedness have intensified since the new government came to power. Parliament and cabinet members highlight the importance of cutting NHS waiting times and optimising prevention programmes to enable people to stay healthy and economically active. What seems to be less discussed – at least for now – is how the fundamental drivers of poor health and health inequalities will be tackled and to what extent the NHS can contribute to this goal.
A new tool to help ICBs allocate general practice funding more equitably – introducing eFIT
In this blog, we introduce eFIT, a tool that helps Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) allocate funding more equitably by considering socio-economic factors. By addressing inequalities in general practice funding, eFIT aims to provide additional resources to practices serving disadvantaged communities, working towards fairer health care outcomes for all.
How do the Conservative and Labour manifestos measure up in terms of health inequalities?
The manifestos have been published, but what are they likely to mean for health and care inequalities? Let’s take a closer look and examine the underlying evidence.
Why political parties need to address health inequalities before the elections
The NHS is one of the key issues which will decide how the electorate votes in the UK general election this July. [1] Political parties are signalling that they share this concern with pledges for reducing waiting times, improving healthcare through technology and innovation, and increasing workforce and capacity. In parallel, major public health charities, […]
Improving health is a political choice but how do we make it a shared political goal?
It was striking to read the devastating results of the last fifteen years of austerity policies on the future of the NHS in the recent BMJ Commission, all within less than nine pages [1]. The numbers are telling; declining life expectancy, deteriorating physical and mental health of young children, and increasing infant and child deaths disproportionately […]
What works to tackle ethnic inequalities through anti-racist interventions
BMJ Open has recently published an in-depth review examining anti-racist interventions to address ethnic inequalities in healthcare. In this blog, two of the review’s authors reflect on what this means for primary care.
The path to recovery: The crucial role of my GP in overcoming schizophrenia post brain haemorrhage
In this blog, a member of our Citizens’ Panel highlights the pivotal role of a dedicated GP in guiding their recovery from a life-changing condition. They emphasise the transformative impact of compassionate healthcare and support in navigating both physical and mental health challenges.
Navigating self-referrals to mental health services
In this blog, one of our Citizen Panel members reflects on their experience of using self-referral for seeking mental health care.
Welcome to the Health Equity Evidence Centre
Despite decades of evidence about health and care inequalities, there has been little progress in addressing them. Stand-out successes in the UK include the cross-government strategy on health inequalities in the 2000s which reduced the gap in life expectancy and infant mortality and the roll out of the COVID-19 vaccinations across minority ethnic groups. A fundamental reason why […]