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Castro-Ávila AC, Cookson R, Doran T, Shaw R, Brittain J, Sowden S. Are local public expenditure reductions associated with increases in inequality in emergency hospitalisation? Time-series analysis of English local authorities from 2010 to 2017. Emerg Med J 2024; 41:389-396. [PMID: 38871481 PMCID: PMC11228196 DOI: 10.1136/emermed-2022-212845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reductions in local government funding implemented in 2010 due to austerity policies have been associated with worsening socioeconomic inequalities in mortality. Less is known about the relationship of these reductions with healthcare inequalities; therefore, we investigated whether areas with greater reductions in local government funding had greater increases in socioeconomic inequalities in emergency admissions. METHODS We examined inequalities between English local authority districts (LADs) using a fixed-effects linear regression to estimate the association between LAD expenditure reductions, their level of deprivation using the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) and average rates of (all and avoidable) emergency admissions for the years 2010-2017. We also examined changes in inequalities in emergency admissions using the Absolute Gradient Index (AGI), which is the modelled gap between the most and least deprived neighbourhoods in an area. RESULTS LADs within the most deprived IMD quintile had larger pounds per capita expenditure reductions, higher rates of all and avoidable emergency admissions, and greater between-neighbourhood inequalities in admissions. However, expenditure reductions were only associated with increasing average rates of all and avoidable emergency admissions and inequalities between neighbourhoods in local authorities in England's three least deprived IMD quintiles. For a LAD in the least deprived IMD quintile, a yearly reduction of £100 per capita in total expenditure was associated with a yearly increase of 47 (95% CI 22 to 73) avoidable admissions, 142 (95% CI 70 to 213) all-cause emergency admissions and a yearly increase in inequalities between neighbourhoods of 48 (95% CI 14 to 81) avoidable and 140 (95% CI 60 to 220) all-cause emergency admissions. In 2017, a LAD average population was ~170 000. CONCLUSION Austerity policies implemented in 2010 impacted less deprived local authorities, where emergency admissions and inequalities between neighbourhoods increased, while in the most deprived areas, emergency admissions were unchanged, remaining high and persistent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cristina Castro-Ávila
- Health Sciences, University of York, York, North Yorkshire, UK
- Carrera de Kinesiologia, Universidad del Desarrollo Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Tim Doran
- Health Sciences, University of York, York, North Yorkshire, UK
| | - Robert Shaw
- NHS England and NHS Improvement London, London, UK
| | | | - Sarah Sowden
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
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Gkiouleka A, Wong G, Sowden S, Kuhn I, Moseley A, Manji S, Harmston RR, Siersbaek R, Bambra C, Ford JA. Reducing health inequalities through general practice: a realist review and action framework. HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE DELIVERY RESEARCH 2024; 12:1-104. [PMID: 38551093 DOI: 10.3310/ytww7032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Background Socio-economic inequalities in health have been in the public agenda for decades. General practice has an influential role to play in mitigating the impact of inequalities especially regarding chronic conditions. At the moment, general practice is dealing with serious challenges in relation to workforce shortages, increasing workload and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to identify effective ways so that general practice can play its role in reducing health inequalities. Objectives We explored what types of interventions and aspects of routine care in general practice decrease or increase inequalities in health and care-related outcomes. We focused on cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We explored for whom these interventions and aspects of care work best, why, and in what circumstances. Our main objective was to synthesise this evidence into specific guidance for healthcare professionals and decision-makers about how best to achieve equitable general practice. Design Realist review. Main outcome measures Clinical or care-related outcomes by socio-economic group, or other PROGRESS-Plus criteria. Review methods Realist review based on Pawson's five steps: (1) locating existing theories, (2) searching for evidence, (3) selecting articles, (4) extracting and organising data and (5) synthesising the evidence. Results Three hundred and twenty-five studies met the inclusion criteria and 159 of them were selected for the evidence synthesis. Evidence about the impact of general practice interventions on health inequalities is limited. To reduce health inequalities, general practice needs to be: • connected so that interventions are linked and coordinated across the sector; • intersectional to account for the fact that people's experience is affected by many of their characteristics; • flexible to meet patients' different needs and preferences; • inclusive so that it does not exclude people because of who they are; • community-centred so that people who receive care engage with its design and delivery. These qualities should inform action across four domains: structures like funding and workforce distribution, organisational culture, everyday regulated procedures involved in care delivery, interpersonal and community relationships. Limitations The reviewed evidence offers limited detail about the ways and the extent to which specific interventions increase or decrease inequalities in general practice. Therefore, we focused on the underpinning principles that were common across interventions to produce higher-level, transferrable conclusions about ways to achieve equitable care. Conclusions Inequalities in general practice result from complex processes across four different domains that include structures, ideas, regulated everyday procedures, and relationships among individuals and communities. To achieve equity, general practice needs to be connected, intersectional, flexible, inclusive and community-centred. Future work Future work should focus on how these five essential qualities can be better used to shape the organisational development of future general practice. Study registration This trial is registered as PROSPERO CRD42020217871. Funding This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health and Social Care Delivery Research programme (NIHR award ref: NIHR130694) and is published in full in Health and Social Care Delivery Research; Vol. 12, No. 7. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Gkiouleka
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Geoff Wong
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences and Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sarah Sowden
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Isla Kuhn
- University of Cambridge Medical Library, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Annie Moseley
- Patient and Public Involvement Representative, Norwich, UK
| | - Sukaina Manji
- Department of Educational Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | | | - Rikke Siersbaek
- Health System Foundations for Sláintecare Implementation, Centre for Health Policy and Management, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Clare Bambra
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - John A Ford
- Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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Olivera JN, Ford J, Sowden S, Bambra C. Conceptualisation of health inequalities by local healthcare systems: A document analysis. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:e3977-e3984. [PMID: 35355359 PMCID: PMC10084138 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In 2019, local healthcare systems in England were asked to develop formal plans to reduce health inequalities. Here, we explore plans to understand how local healthcare systems conceptualise health inequalities and why. A broad Internet search and targeted search of NHS websites were conducted to identify all publicly accessible healthcare planning documents (National Health Service (NHS) Long-Term Plan (LTP) response documents) produced by local health partnerships in England. A thematic document analysis of the accessible plans was undertaken in NVivo by coding text relating to health inequalities. Of the 44 documents developed, 13 were publicly accessible. These 13 local plans were submitted to NHS England for review between September 2019 and January 2020 and averaged 167 pages (range: 41-273 pages). Only one document contained a chapter dedicated to health inequalities. After analysis, five themes were identified: (1) variation and (2) vagueness explained how health inequalities were conceptualised and (3) use of value judgements, (4) lack of prior conceptualisation and approach and (5) a lack of commitment to action in the documents to reduce health inequalities explained what led to the overall vagueness and variation. Local healthcare systems were found to conceptualise health inequalities in a vague and varying manner, and their conceptualisations did not reflect established health inequalities frameworks. A clear conceptual national framework for addressing health inequalities is needed to support local healthcare systems, so they can address health inequalities meaningfully and sustainably.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine N. Olivera
- Department of Public Health and Primary CareJesus CollegeUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - John Ford
- Department of Public Health and Primary CareUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Sarah Sowden
- Population Health Sciences InstituteNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
| | - Clare Bambra
- Population Health Sciences InstituteNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
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4
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Pal A, Howarth TP, Rissel C, Messenger R, Issac S, Ford L, Connors C, Heraganahally S. COPD disease knowledge, self-awareness and reasons for hospital presentations among a predominately Indigenous Australian cohort: a study to explore preventable hospitalisation. BMJ Open Respir Res 2022; 9:9/1/e001295. [PMID: 35944944 PMCID: PMC9367193 DOI: 10.1136/bmjresp-2022-001295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is higher among Indigenous Australians than that of non-Indigenous Australians. However, no studies have investigated COPD disease awareness and knowledge among Indigenous Australians. In this study, we assessed the COPD disease awareness among Indigenous and non-Indigenous patients in the Top End Health Service region of the Northern Territory of Australia. Methods Of a total convenience sample of 100 adults, 86 patients consented to participate in this study over a 15-month period. A structured interview was conducted to identify participant’s level of knowledge about COPD, medications, self-management, healthcare interaction and utilisations. Results Most (69%) participants were Indigenous and men (52%). Indigenous patients were significantly younger (mean 56 vs 68 years p<0.001), with a higher proportion of remote residence and current smoking. COPD knowledge across the cohort was low, with 68% of Indigenous and 19% of non-Indigenous participants reporting they ‘know nothing/had never heard of COPD’. Most patients self-reported use of puffers/inhalers and were able to identify medication used; however, adherence to therapy was observed in only 18%. Shortness of breath was the most common symptom for hospital presentation (83%) and 69% of Indigenous patients reported seeking medical attention during an exacerbation. Self-management and COPD action plans were poorly implemented. A significant proportion (49%) reported ≥2 hospital admissions in the preceding 12 months. During exacerbation, although the majority of Indigenous patients were transferred to a tertiary centre from remote communities, patient’s preference was to be managed in their respective local communities. Conclusions Awareness and understanding of COPD are low in this cohort on several domains. Tailored and culturally appropriate initiatives for both patients and health professionals alike are required to improve COPD disease management among Indigenous population. This will not only improve quality of life but also reduce recurrent hospitalisation, healthcare cost and utilisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arijeet Pal
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Timothy P Howarth
- College of Health and Human Sciences, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.,Darwin Respiratory and Sleep Health, Darwin Private Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Chris Rissel
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Raelene Messenger
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Siji Issac
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Linda Ford
- College of Indigenous Futures, Education & Arts, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Christine Connors
- Department of Health & Community Services, Top End Health Service, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Subash Heraganahally
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia .,Darwin Respiratory and Sleep Health, Darwin Private Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.,Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
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Dyer SM, Suen J, Williams H, Inacio MC, Harvey G, Roder D, Wesselingh S, Kellie A, Crotty M, Caughey GE. Impact of relational continuity of primary care in aged care: a systematic review. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:579. [PMID: 35836118 PMCID: PMC9281225 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-03131-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Greater continuity of care has been associated with lower hospital admissions and patient mortality. This systematic review aims to examine the impact of relational continuity between primary care professionals and older people receiving aged care services, in residential or home care settings, on health care resource use and person-centred outcomes. Methods Systematic review of five databases, four trial registries and three grey literature sources to October 2020. Included studies (a) aimed to increase relational continuity with a primary care professional, (b) focused on older people receiving aged care services (c) included a comparator and (d) reported outcomes of health care resource use, quality of life, activities of daily living, mortality, falls or satisfaction. Cochrane Collaboration or Joanna Briggs Institute criteria were used to assess risk of bias and GRADE criteria to rate confidence in evidence and conclusions. Results Heterogeneity in study cohorts, settings and outcome measurement in the five included studies (one randomised) precluded meta-analysis. None examined relational continuity exclusively with non-physician providers. Higher relational continuity with a primary care physician probably reduces hospital admissions (moderate certainty evidence; high versus low continuity hazard ratio (HR) 0.94; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.92–0.96, n = 178,686; incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.99, 95%CI 0.76–1.27, n = 246) and emergency department (ED) presentations (moderate certainty evidence; high versus low continuity HR 0.90, 95%CI 0.89–0.92, n = 178,686; IRR 0.91, 95%CI 0.72–1.15, n = 246) for older community-dwelling aged care recipients. The benefit of providing on-site primary care for relational continuity in residential settings is uncertain (low certainty evidence, 2 studies, n = 2,468 plus 15 care homes); whilst there are probably lower hospitalisations and may be fewer ED presentations, there may also be an increase in reported mortality and falls. The benefit of general practitioners’ visits during hospital admission is uncertain (very low certainty evidence, 1 study, n = 335). Conclusion Greater relational continuity with a primary care physician probably reduces hospitalisations and ED presentations for community-dwelling aged care recipients, thus policy initiatives that increase continuity may have cost offsets. Further studies of approaches to increase relational continuity of primary care within aged care, particularly in residential settings, are needed. Review registration CRD42021215698. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-022-03131-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne M Dyer
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia.
| | - Jenni Suen
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | | | - Maria C Inacio
- Registry of Senior Australians, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia.,Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Gillian Harvey
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - David Roder
- Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.,South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Steve Wesselingh
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
| | | | - Maria Crotty
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Gillian E Caughey
- Registry of Senior Australians, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia.,Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
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Heraganahally SS, Ghimire RH, Howarth T, Kankanamalage OM, Palmer D, Falhammar H. Comparison and outcomes of emergency department presentations with respiratory disorders among Australian indigenous and non-indigenous patients. BMC Emerg Med 2022; 22:11. [PMID: 35045817 PMCID: PMC8772203 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-022-00570-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
There is sparse evidence in the literature assessing emergency department presentation with respiratory disorders among Indigenous patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcomes for Indigenous Australians in comparison to non-Indigenous patients presenting to Emergency Department (ED) with respiratory disorders.
Methods
In this study, two non-contiguous one-month study periods during wet (January) and dry (August) season were reported on, and differences in demographics, respiratory diagnosis, hospital admission, length of hospital stay, re-presentation to hospital after discharge and mortality between Australian Indigenous and non-Indigenous patients was assessed.
Results
There were a total of 528 respiratory ED presentations, 258 (49%) during wet and 270 (51%) in dry season, from 477 patients (52% female and 40% Indigenous). The majority of ED presentations (84%) were self-initiated, with a difference between Indigenous (80%) and non-Indigenous (88%) presentations. Indigenous presentations recorded a greater proportion of transfers from another healthcare facility compared to non-Indigenous presentations (11% vs. 1%). Less than half of presentations (42%) resulted in admission to the ward with no difference by Indigenous status. Lower respiratory tract infections were the most common cause of presentation (41%), followed by airway exacerbation (31%) which was more commonly seen among Indigenous (34%) than non-Indigenous (28%) presentations. Almost 20% of Indigenous patients reported multiple presentations to ED compared to 1% of non-Indigenous patients, though mortality on follow up did not differ (22% for both).
Conclusions
The results of this study may be an avenue to explore possibilities of implementing programs that may be helpful to reduce preventable ED presentation and recurrent hospitalisations among Indigenous population.
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Tanner L, Sowden S, Still M, Thomson K, Bambra C, Wildman J. Which Non-Pharmaceutical Primary Care Interventions Reduce Inequalities in Common Mental Health Disorders? A Protocol for a Systematic Review of Quantitative and Qualitative Studies. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:12978. [PMID: 34948587 PMCID: PMC8701146 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182412978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Common mental health disorders (CMDs) represent a major public health concern and are particularly prevalent in people experiencing disadvantage or marginalisation. Primary care is the first point of contact for people with CMDs. Pharmaceutical interventions, such as antidepressants, are commonly used in the treatment of CMDs; however, there is concern that these treatments are over-prescribed and ineffective for treating mental distress related to social conditions. Non-pharmaceutical primary care interventions, such as psychological therapies and "social prescribing", provide alternatives for CMDs. Little is known, however, about which such interventions reduce social inequalities in CMD-related outcomes, and which may, unintentionally, increase them. The aim of this protocol (PROSPERO registration number CRD42021281166) is to describe how we will undertake a systematic review to assess the effects of non-pharmaceutical primary care interventions on CMD-related outcomes and social inequalities. A systematic review of quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods primary studies will be undertaken and reported according to the PRISMA-Equity guidance. The following databases will be searched: Assia, CINAHL, Embase, Medline, PsycInfo and Scopus. Retrieved records will be screened according to pre-defined eligibility criteria and synthesised using a narrative approach, with meta-analysis if feasible. The findings of this review will guide efforts to commission more equitable mental health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Tanner
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle NE1 8PB, UK; (S.S.); (M.S.); (K.T.); (C.B.); (J.W.)
| | - Sarah Sowden
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle NE1 8PB, UK; (S.S.); (M.S.); (K.T.); (C.B.); (J.W.)
| | - Madeleine Still
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle NE1 8PB, UK; (S.S.); (M.S.); (K.T.); (C.B.); (J.W.)
| | - Katie Thomson
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle NE1 8PB, UK; (S.S.); (M.S.); (K.T.); (C.B.); (J.W.)
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) for the North-East and North Cumbria (NENC), Newcastle Upon Tyne NE3 3XT, UK
| | - Clare Bambra
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle NE1 8PB, UK; (S.S.); (M.S.); (K.T.); (C.B.); (J.W.)
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) for the North-East and North Cumbria (NENC), Newcastle Upon Tyne NE3 3XT, UK
| | - Josephine Wildman
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle NE1 8PB, UK; (S.S.); (M.S.); (K.T.); (C.B.); (J.W.)
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) for the North-East and North Cumbria (NENC), Newcastle Upon Tyne NE3 3XT, UK
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Ford J, Knight J, Brittain J, Bentley C, Sowden S, Castro A, Doran T, Cookson R. Reducing inequality in avoidable emergency admissions: Case studies of local health care systems in England using a realist approach. J Health Serv Res Policy 2021; 27:31-40. [PMID: 34289742 DOI: 10.1177/13558196211021618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE People in disadvantaged areas are more likely to have an avoidable emergency hospital admission. Socio-economic inequality in avoidable emergency hospital admissions is monitored in England. Our aim was to inform local health care purchasing and planning by identifying recent health care system changes (or other factors), as reported by local health system leaders, that might explain narrowing or widening trends. METHODS Case studies were undertaken in one pilot and at five geographically distinct local health care systems (Clinical Commissioning Groups, CCGs), identified as having consistently increasing or decreasing inequality. Local settings were explored through discussions with CCG officials and stakeholders to identify potential local determinants. Data were analysed using a realist evaluation approach to generate context-mechanism-outcome (CMO) configurations. RESULTS Of the five geographically distinct CCGs, two had narrowing inequality, two widening, and one narrowing inequality, which widened during the project. None of the CCGs had designed a large-scale package of service changes with the explicit aim of reducing socio-economic inequality in avoidable emergency admissions, and local decision makers were unfamiliar with their own trends. Potential primary and community care determinants included: workforce, case finding and exclusion, proactive care co-ordination for patients with complex needs, and access and quality. Potential commissioning determinants included: data use and incentives, and targeting of services. Other potential determinants included changes in care home services, national A&E targets, and wider issues - such as public services financial constraints, residential gentrification, and health care expectations. CONCLUSIONS We did not find any bespoke initiatives that explained the inequality trends. The trends were more likely due to an interplay of multiple health care and wider system factors. Local decision makers need greater awareness, understanding and support to interpret, use and act upon inequality indicators. They are unlikely to find simple, cheap interventions to reduce inequalities in avoidable emergency admissions. Rather, long-term multifaceted interventions are required that embed inequality considerations into mainstream decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Ford
- Clinical Lecturer, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge
| | - Julia Knight
- Public Health Registrar, Leicestershire County Council, UK
| | - John Brittain
- Principal Operational Researcher, NHS England and NHS Improvement, UK
| | | | - Sarah Sowden
- Clinical Lecturer and Honorary Public Health Consultant, Population Health Sciences Institute, University of Newcastle, UK
| | - Ana Castro
- Research Fellow, Health Sciences, University of York, UK
| | - Tim Doran
- Professor, Health Sciences, University of York, UK
| | - Richard Cookson
- Professor, Centre for Health Economics, University of York, UK
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