Evidence briefs

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.

Telephone triage and digital triage aim to improve access to general practice by making early clinical decisions with signposting where necessary. However, the impact of triage systems on health and care inequalities remains uncertain. This brief examines the differential impacts of telephone and digital triaging systems on disadvantaged groups.

The NHS policy for free primary healthcare has proven insufficient to remove barriers for unwell migrants. This brief presents current available evidence relating to what works to address inequalities for people seeking asylum, migrants and refugees accessing primary care.

There are substantial inequalities in the uptake of cervical screening across socioeconomic and ethnic groups. This brief summarises the evidence on what works to address inequalities in cervical screening and provides recommendations for health practitioners and policymakers.

Self-referral of patients directly to specialist services may help relieve pressure from GPs; however, concerns have been raised that this may increase inequalities. This brief presents recommendations to mitigate the potential of self-referral to increase inequalities.