Later Life Specialist Library
The purpose of this AEU is to highlight important secondary research, guidelines and policy documents which will help health professionals to support older people who are experiencing challenges with independent living due to serious health problems
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Tuesday 28 April 2009
Keeping Well in the Economic Downturn
Patient Information Forum
Changes in the economy may cause increased levels of stress and anxiety. In anticipation of these issues, NHS Bristol developed a leaflet providing advice to individuals on maintaining wellbeing in times of economic hardship.
The leaflet was prepared by NHS Bristol’s lead for mental health and wellbeing and researched with a local readers’ panel to ensure it was clear, accessible and relevant. It is being included in redundancy packs produced by Jobcentre Plus Bristol and distributed to local businesses, GP surgeries and voluntary organisations. This is an effective way of providing practical information to local communities in difficult times.
Full Article
Changes in the economy may cause increased levels of stress and anxiety. In anticipation of these issues, NHS Bristol developed a leaflet providing advice to individuals on maintaining wellbeing in times of economic hardship.
The leaflet was prepared by NHS Bristol’s lead for mental health and wellbeing and researched with a local readers’ panel to ensure it was clear, accessible and relevant. It is being included in redundancy packs produced by Jobcentre Plus Bristol and distributed to local businesses, GP surgeries and voluntary organisations. This is an effective way of providing practical information to local communities in difficult times.
Full Article
Working to put People First: The Strategy for the Adult Social Care Workforce in England
Department of Health
Our vision for the future is a confident, enabled, and well equipped adult social care workforce transforming services in the way the Government set out in Putting People First: This will enable people, even those most disabled or disadvantaged, to participate as citizens in society and take as much control as possible over their own lives. Social care will play an important part in helping to deliver equality and human rights for people using services.
We need all of those who are leading, working in, and training the social care workforce to work together to make this transition with passion, understanding, and belief in why their role is important.
Full Text
Our vision for the future is a confident, enabled, and well equipped adult social care workforce transforming services in the way the Government set out in Putting People First: This will enable people, even those most disabled or disadvantaged, to participate as citizens in society and take as much control as possible over their own lives. Social care will play an important part in helping to deliver equality and human rights for people using services.
We need all of those who are leading, working in, and training the social care workforce to work together to make this transition with passion, understanding, and belief in why their role is important.
Full Text
Good relationship with parents may prevent teen drinking problems
Mental Health Foundation
Teenagers who have a strong relationship with their parents may start drinking at a later age -- which may, in turn, lessen their risk of developing alcohol problems, a new study suggests.
The findings, published in the May issue of the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, underscore the important role parents play in the risk of problem drinking.
Full Article
Teenagers who have a strong relationship with their parents may start drinking at a later age -- which may, in turn, lessen their risk of developing alcohol problems, a new study suggests.
The findings, published in the May issue of the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, underscore the important role parents play in the risk of problem drinking.
Full Article
2009 Annual Evidence Update - Obesity - Childhood Obesity: Surveillance and Prevention
National Library for Public Health
This evidence update covers childhood obesity: surveillance and prevention. It is an update of the evidence from March 2008 to March 2009. The 2008 evidence update can still be viewed in the Annual Evidence Update Archive
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This evidence update covers childhood obesity: surveillance and prevention. It is an update of the evidence from March 2008 to March 2009. The 2008 evidence update can still be viewed in the Annual Evidence Update Archive
More
Obesity 'linked to ADHD'
NHS Choices
A drug “used to treat hyperactive children” could help to “solve Britain's obesity crisis,” The Daily Telegraph has claimed. The newspaper says that a new study has shown one-third of severely obese adults who fail to lose weight have undiagnosed Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
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A drug “used to treat hyperactive children” could help to “solve Britain's obesity crisis,” The Daily Telegraph has claimed. The newspaper says that a new study has shown one-third of severely obese adults who fail to lose weight have undiagnosed Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
More info
Monday 27 April 2009
Figures you can trust, a briefing on the data quality in the NHS
Audit Commission
The importance of data for NHS bodies and the patients and public they serve has never been higher. Good quality information underpins the delivery of effective patient care. The majority of
hospital funding is already dependent on accurate activity and costing data under Payment by Results (PbR). World Class Commissioning and the development of practice based commissioning rely on good data being available. And regulators are placing increasing importance on formation and data in their assessment and screening processes. Quality cannot be effective as the ganising principle of the NHS without good data to underpin it.
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The importance of data for NHS bodies and the patients and public they serve has never been higher. Good quality information underpins the delivery of effective patient care. The majority of
hospital funding is already dependent on accurate activity and costing data under Payment by Results (PbR). World Class Commissioning and the development of practice based commissioning rely on good data being available. And regulators are placing increasing importance on formation and data in their assessment and screening processes. Quality cannot be effective as the ganising principle of the NHS without good data to underpin it.
Full Text
National Sentinel Stroke Audit Phase II (clinical audit) 2008
Royal College of Physicians
Despite many improvements in stroke services over the past decade, a quarter of patients in the National Sentinel Audit for Stroke 2008 were not offered the best treatment for stroke, a stay in a dedicated stroke unit.
The audit, funded by the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership (HQIP), was carried out on behalf of the Intercollegiate Stroke Group by the Royal College of Physicians' Clinical Effectiveness and Evaluation Unit (CEEu), and covers 100% of eligible hospitals in England Wales and Northern Ireland. Individual hospital results will be available on the College website from 10.00 am on Thursday 23 April.
Full Article
Despite many improvements in stroke services over the past decade, a quarter of patients in the National Sentinel Audit for Stroke 2008 were not offered the best treatment for stroke, a stay in a dedicated stroke unit.
The audit, funded by the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership (HQIP), was carried out on behalf of the Intercollegiate Stroke Group by the Royal College of Physicians' Clinical Effectiveness and Evaluation Unit (CEEu), and covers 100% of eligible hospitals in England Wales and Northern Ireland. Individual hospital results will be available on the College website from 10.00 am on Thursday 23 April.
Full Article
Stem cells used 'to cure diabetes'
NHS Choices
"Stem cell transplants 'have freed patients with type 1 diabetes of daily insulin injections'" The Daily Telegraph has said. The news comes after research which allowed volunteers to go, on average, for two and a half years without using the multiple daily injections normally needed to manage their condition.
More info
"Stem cell transplants 'have freed patients with type 1 diabetes of daily insulin injections'" The Daily Telegraph has said. The news comes after research which allowed volunteers to go, on average, for two and a half years without using the multiple daily injections normally needed to manage their condition.
More info
Tuesday 21 April 2009
Increased symptoms lead mentally disordered to become victims of violence
Mental Health Foundation
Contrary to common stereotypes, individuals with major mental disorders are more likely to become victims of violent crimes when they are experiencing an increase in symptoms than they are to commit crime, according to a new study by Brent Teasdale, an assistant professor of criminal justice at Georgia State University.
Teasdale found that patients experiencing delusions, hallucinations and worsening symptoms generally are most likely to become victims of violence. In addition, individuals with mental disorders are particularly vulnerable for victimization during times of homelessness and when suffering from alcohol abuse.
Full Article
Contrary to common stereotypes, individuals with major mental disorders are more likely to become victims of violent crimes when they are experiencing an increase in symptoms than they are to commit crime, according to a new study by Brent Teasdale, an assistant professor of criminal justice at Georgia State University.
Teasdale found that patients experiencing delusions, hallucinations and worsening symptoms generally are most likely to become victims of violence. In addition, individuals with mental disorders are particularly vulnerable for victimization during times of homelessness and when suffering from alcohol abuse.
Full Article
Multiple births 'more likely to trigger depression'
Mental Health Foundation
Mothers of twins or triplets could be more likely to suffer postnatal depression than other new mums, a poll out today suggests.
A survey of more than 1,000 mothers who had a multiple birth found 17% had experienced postnatal depression, while a further 18% said they were "not sure" if they had.
According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, around one in 10 new mothers will develop postnatal depression, which can include feelings of helplessness or being over-anxious about the baby.
Full Article
Mothers of twins or triplets could be more likely to suffer postnatal depression than other new mums, a poll out today suggests.
A survey of more than 1,000 mothers who had a multiple birth found 17% had experienced postnatal depression, while a further 18% said they were "not sure" if they had.
According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, around one in 10 new mothers will develop postnatal depression, which can include feelings of helplessness or being over-anxious about the baby.
Full Article
Improving the patient experience: developing solutions to delivering sustainable pathways in cardiac surgery
NHS Improvement
The Heart Improvement Programme, one of 4 clinical specialities which form NHS Improvement, is currently running a number of National Priority Projects focussing on aspects of service improvement throughout cardiovascular care.
In cardiac surgery the programme is focussing on helping cardiothoracic units meet the target of 18-weeks from referral (by a GP) to definitive treatment by building on work carried out over the last 12 months that centred on cardiology pathways and diagnostics. The 18-week target is a particularly challenging one for cardiac surgeons as a variable amount of the eighteen weeks is taken up by referring cardiologists performing first and second phase diagnostics etc.
The project also supports organisations to review and implement recommendations outlined in the National Confidential Inquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (The Heart of the Matter June 2008).
Full Article
The Heart Improvement Programme, one of 4 clinical specialities which form NHS Improvement, is currently running a number of National Priority Projects focussing on aspects of service improvement throughout cardiovascular care.
In cardiac surgery the programme is focussing on helping cardiothoracic units meet the target of 18-weeks from referral (by a GP) to definitive treatment by building on work carried out over the last 12 months that centred on cardiology pathways and diagnostics. The 18-week target is a particularly challenging one for cardiac surgeons as a variable amount of the eighteen weeks is taken up by referring cardiologists performing first and second phase diagnostics etc.
The project also supports organisations to review and implement recommendations outlined in the National Confidential Inquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (The Heart of the Matter June 2008).
Full Article
Thursday 16 April 2009
More Teachers 'suffering mental breakdowns'
Mental Health Foundation
Teachers' mental health is increasingly being put at risk by the pressures heaped on them during school time, union leaders said today. Half of all teachers have considered leaving the profession due to stress, citing the long hours, excessive workload, lack of support and poor pupil behaviour, according to the National Union of Teachers (NUT) teacher mental health working party.
In addition, a large-scale HSE survey found teaching to be the most stressful occupation in the UK, it said.
Full Article
Teachers' mental health is increasingly being put at risk by the pressures heaped on them during school time, union leaders said today. Half of all teachers have considered leaving the profession due to stress, citing the long hours, excessive workload, lack of support and poor pupil behaviour, according to the National Union of Teachers (NUT) teacher mental health working party.
In addition, a large-scale HSE survey found teaching to be the most stressful occupation in the UK, it said.
Full Article
Wednesday 15 April 2009
One Voice Report
Help the Aged and Age Concern
Age Concern and Help the Aged, the UK’s two leading charities for older people, have come together to speak with one voice. Influencing public policy is at the hear t of our mission. In the UK, it is clear that nothing short of radical government-led change will ensure that all older people are able to live life to the full in the decades ahead. This repor t sets out our agenda for action.
Overseas, the challenges are in some ways even greater. Age Concern and Help the Aged have a mission to think and act globally. While this repor t focuses mainly on domestic policy in England, and in the UK, our campaigning will cover international issues too. Chapter 8 sets out our priorities in this area.
Full Article
Age Concern and Help the Aged, the UK’s two leading charities for older people, have come together to speak with one voice. Influencing public policy is at the hear t of our mission. In the UK, it is clear that nothing short of radical government-led change will ensure that all older people are able to live life to the full in the decades ahead. This repor t sets out our agenda for action.
Overseas, the challenges are in some ways even greater. Age Concern and Help the Aged have a mission to think and act globally. While this repor t focuses mainly on domestic policy in England, and in the UK, our campaigning will cover international issues too. Chapter 8 sets out our priorities in this area.
Full Article
Putting Prevention First. NHS Health Check: Vascular Risk Assessment and Management Best Practice Guidance.
Department of Health
The vascular risk assessment and management programme – formerly known as the vascular check programme and now called NHS Health Check – is a national initiative. The tests, measurements and risk management interventions that make up the check can be delivered in different settings and in different ways to suit the needs of local populations. It is however important that the tests and measurements themselves are quality assured. Equally, it is key that the actions taken at certain thresholds are the same where possible, and in line with national guidelines where appropriate, if a systematic approach to the check across England is to be achieved.
Full Text
The vascular risk assessment and management programme – formerly known as the vascular check programme and now called NHS Health Check – is a national initiative. The tests, measurements and risk management interventions that make up the check can be delivered in different settings and in different ways to suit the needs of local populations. It is however important that the tests and measurements themselves are quality assured. Equally, it is key that the actions taken at certain thresholds are the same where possible, and in line with national guidelines where appropriate, if a systematic approach to the check across England is to be achieved.
Full Text
Standard Evaluation Framework for Weight Management Interventions
National Obesity Observatory
This document aims to guide the reader through the process of using the Standard Evaluation
Framework (SEF). It introduces the concepts of evaluation, describes the SEF, and provides guidance on how to use it.
The SEF is a list of data collection criteria and supporting guidance for collecting high quality information that supports the evaluation of weight management interventions across England.
In this document, the term weight management intervention refers to any intervention that explicitly sets out to manage or reduce body weight (including the primary prevention of weight gain). This includes projects focusing on diet, physical activity, or both in combination. It is intended to be applicable to a range of approaches including interventions conducted with individuals on a one-to-one basis or in groups, and in clinical or community settings.
Full Text
This document aims to guide the reader through the process of using the Standard Evaluation
Framework (SEF). It introduces the concepts of evaluation, describes the SEF, and provides guidance on how to use it.
The SEF is a list of data collection criteria and supporting guidance for collecting high quality information that supports the evaluation of weight management interventions across England.
In this document, the term weight management intervention refers to any intervention that explicitly sets out to manage or reduce body weight (including the primary prevention of weight gain). This includes projects focusing on diet, physical activity, or both in combination. It is intended to be applicable to a range of approaches including interventions conducted with individuals on a one-to-one basis or in groups, and in clinical or community settings.
Full Text
Diabetes Community Health Profiles
Yorkshire & Humber Public Health Observatory
The Diabetes Community Health Profiles bring together a wide range of data on diabetes in adults into a single source for the purposes of benchmarking. A Diabetes Community Health Profile is available for every PCT in England at www.yhpho.org.uk/diabetesprofiles.aspx. It was last updated on 17th March 2009. A similar document focusing on children and young people with diabetes is planned for Summer 2009. Further details of all the data sources used in this profile and direct links to the source data are available in the Data Guide (www.yhpho.org.uk/dchpdataguide.aspx).
Click here for the profile for Leeds PCT.
More Info
The Diabetes Community Health Profiles bring together a wide range of data on diabetes in adults into a single source for the purposes of benchmarking. A Diabetes Community Health Profile is available for every PCT in England at www.yhpho.org.uk/diabetesprofiles.aspx. It was last updated on 17th March 2009. A similar document focusing on children and young people with diabetes is planned for Summer 2009. Further details of all the data sources used in this profile and direct links to the source data are available in the Data Guide (www.yhpho.org.uk/dchpdataguide.aspx).
Click here for the profile for Leeds PCT.
More Info
Thursday 9 April 2009
Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives: 1 year on.
Every Child Matters
Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives: A Cross-Government Strategy for England was published in January 2008 and was the first step in a sustained programme to combat obesity and support people to maintain a healthy weight.
The most recent data from the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) for 2007/08 and from the Health Survey for England (HSE) for 2007 suggests that, as a nation, we are seeing some success in halting the relentless rise in childhood obesity.
One Year On sets out our progress to date but also the areas we need to focus on together over the next year. The report sets out how we can continue our drive to combat obesity by helping people to make healthier choices; creating an environment that promotes healthy weight; providing quality services that identify, advise, refer and treat those at risk; and strengthening the delivery system.
Full Text
Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives: A Cross-Government Strategy for England was published in January 2008 and was the first step in a sustained programme to combat obesity and support people to maintain a healthy weight.
The most recent data from the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) for 2007/08 and from the Health Survey for England (HSE) for 2007 suggests that, as a nation, we are seeing some success in halting the relentless rise in childhood obesity.
One Year On sets out our progress to date but also the areas we need to focus on together over the next year. The report sets out how we can continue our drive to combat obesity by helping people to make healthier choices; creating an environment that promotes healthy weight; providing quality services that identify, advise, refer and treat those at risk; and strengthening the delivery system.
Full Text
Wednesday 8 April 2009
Tolerance of alcohol abuse linked to suicide
Mental Health Foundation
Continued tolerance of excessive drinking is partly to blame for high suicide rates among young men, President Mary McAleese warned today.
As bereavement group Console claimed recession-hit Celtic Tiger executives may be a suicide risk, Mrs McAleese also condemned the ongoing acceptance and culture of alcohol abuse in Ireland.
The President said: "The link between increased suicides among young males and increases in alcohol abuse should be setting off alarm bells in every home, school, street, peer group, community and across our country generally.
Full Text
Continued tolerance of excessive drinking is partly to blame for high suicide rates among young men, President Mary McAleese warned today.
As bereavement group Console claimed recession-hit Celtic Tiger executives may be a suicide risk, Mrs McAleese also condemned the ongoing acceptance and culture of alcohol abuse in Ireland.
The President said: "The link between increased suicides among young males and increases in alcohol abuse should be setting off alarm bells in every home, school, street, peer group, community and across our country generally.
Full Text
Service for Adults with Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASC)
Adult Autism Strategy, Department of Health
This advice note for commissioners of services for adults with autistic spectrum conditions (ASC) is one of a number of actions that I have publicly committed to taking forward to make real changes to the health, well-being and social inclusion of all adults with ASC. The Government’s programme of work aims to do a number of things, including supporting professionals who work with people with ASC; developing a better understanding through research and good practice guidance and making the right links with other strands of cross-government work that will be beneficial to adults with ASC. This work on adults is alongside the cross-government work in relation to children and, when coupled with the right transition arrangements, will help deliver more joined-up and holistic support for all people with ASC.
Full Text
This advice note for commissioners of services for adults with autistic spectrum conditions (ASC) is one of a number of actions that I have publicly committed to taking forward to make real changes to the health, well-being and social inclusion of all adults with ASC. The Government’s programme of work aims to do a number of things, including supporting professionals who work with people with ASC; developing a better understanding through research and good practice guidance and making the right links with other strands of cross-government work that will be beneficial to adults with ASC. This work on adults is alongside the cross-government work in relation to children and, when coupled with the right transition arrangements, will help deliver more joined-up and holistic support for all people with ASC.
Full Text
Babies at Risk from Vitamin E?
NHS Choices
New research has shown that “Vitamin E ‘can increase the risk of heart defects in babies,’” says the Daily Mail. The newspaper warns that consuming as little as three-quarters of the recommended daily amount of vitamin E while pregnant can lead to a nine-fold increase the risk of a heart problem at birth.
The research compared the diets of women with healthy babies and babies born with congenital heart defects.
Full Article
New research has shown that “Vitamin E ‘can increase the risk of heart defects in babies,’” says the Daily Mail. The newspaper warns that consuming as little as three-quarters of the recommended daily amount of vitamin E while pregnant can lead to a nine-fold increase the risk of a heart problem at birth.
The research compared the diets of women with healthy babies and babies born with congenital heart defects.
Full Article
Friday 3 April 2009
NHS Management: Time for Transparency at the Top
King's Fund
Another month, another resignation. The departure of the Mid Staffordshire Foundation Trust Chief Executive, following a Healthcare Commission investigation over mortality rates, has sparked much debate within the service. While the circumstances surrounding Martin Yeates’ leaving may have been unique, or at least unusual, comparisons have been made in the national and trade press with the recent departure of other high-profile chief executives – for example in London and Yorkshire and Humber SHAs.
There is little new in this. Turnover is high – the average tenure of a chief executive is said to be around two and a half years. And therein lies the problem.
Full Article
Another month, another resignation. The departure of the Mid Staffordshire Foundation Trust Chief Executive, following a Healthcare Commission investigation over mortality rates, has sparked much debate within the service. While the circumstances surrounding Martin Yeates’ leaving may have been unique, or at least unusual, comparisons have been made in the national and trade press with the recent departure of other high-profile chief executives – for example in London and Yorkshire and Humber SHAs.
There is little new in this. Turnover is high – the average tenure of a chief executive is said to be around two and a half years. And therein lies the problem.
Full Article
Health Action Planning and Health Facilitation for people with learning disabilities: good practice guidance
HM Government
In 2001, the Government published the white Paper for learning disabilities, Valuing People, which included specific targets relating to the health of people with learning disabilities, namely:
health facilitators to be identified for people with learning disabilities by spring 2003;
all people with learning disabilities to be registered with a GP by June 2004; and
all people with learning disabilities to have a health action plan by June 2005.
To support this, the department of Health issued detailed guidance for learning disability Partnership boards: Action for Health – Health Action Plans and Health Facilitation. In this guidance, a health action plan is described as:
‘the actions needed to maintain and improve the health of an individual and any help needed to accomplish these. It is a mechanism to link the individual and the range of services and supports they need if they are to have better health... the plan is primarily for the person with learning disabilities and is usually co-produced with them.’
Full Text
In 2001, the Government published the white Paper for learning disabilities, Valuing People, which included specific targets relating to the health of people with learning disabilities, namely:
health facilitators to be identified for people with learning disabilities by spring 2003;
all people with learning disabilities to be registered with a GP by June 2004; and
all people with learning disabilities to have a health action plan by June 2005.
To support this, the department of Health issued detailed guidance for learning disability Partnership boards: Action for Health – Health Action Plans and Health Facilitation. In this guidance, a health action plan is described as:
‘the actions needed to maintain and improve the health of an individual and any help needed to accomplish these. It is a mechanism to link the individual and the range of services and supports they need if they are to have better health... the plan is primarily for the person with learning disabilities and is usually co-produced with them.’
Full Text
Wednesday 1 April 2009
The Coronary Heart Disease National Service Framework
Department of Health
This is the eighth annual progress report for the Coronary Heart Disease National Service Framework (CHD NSF), highlighting the achievements made in 2008.
The Coronary Heart Disease National Service Framework (CHD NSF) is a commitment made in 2000 to improve the quality of cardiac care across the country. This report demonstrates how 2008 was by no means an exception in providing the improvements that have made the CHD NSF such a success.
There have been achievements in many areas of cardiac care and, combined with the close working relationship the Department of Health has with NHS Improvement, the focus of 2008 was achieving consistent quality of care that we will be able to continue taking forward.
Full Text
This is the eighth annual progress report for the Coronary Heart Disease National Service Framework (CHD NSF), highlighting the achievements made in 2008.
The Coronary Heart Disease National Service Framework (CHD NSF) is a commitment made in 2000 to improve the quality of cardiac care across the country. This report demonstrates how 2008 was by no means an exception in providing the improvements that have made the CHD NSF such a success.
There have been achievements in many areas of cardiac care and, combined with the close working relationship the Department of Health has with NHS Improvement, the focus of 2008 was achieving consistent quality of care that we will be able to continue taking forward.
Full Text
Supporting Diabetes Care
The Information Centre for Health and Social Care
There are now over 2.4 million people with diabetes in England and Wales, and with this figure
expected to continue to increase, it is vital that those working with diabetes and in the health
service have all the information they need to plan resource and ultimately improve patient care.
In this brochure we look at the information on diabetes provided through The NHS Information Centre (The NHS IC), and also about the National Diabetes Information service (NDIS) which will bring together all diabetes data and resources from a variety of sources and organisations.
Full Text
There are now over 2.4 million people with diabetes in England and Wales, and with this figure
expected to continue to increase, it is vital that those working with diabetes and in the health
service have all the information they need to plan resource and ultimately improve patient care.
In this brochure we look at the information on diabetes provided through The NHS Information Centre (The NHS IC), and also about the National Diabetes Information service (NDIS) which will bring together all diabetes data and resources from a variety of sources and organisations.
Full Text
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