Wednesday 28 August 2013

Response to NHS Health Check criticism

The following post was submitted as a letter to the editor of the Times newspaper last week in response to their leading article on the benefits of NHS Health Checks:

Given the recent conflicting headlines in regard to NHS Health Checks, providers of the programme are understandably confused and frustrated by the inconsistency of the messages being reported in the press.

On 21st July 2013, Public Health England (PHE) announced a drive to extend the national health check programme and widely praised its potential to ‘save up to 650 lives a year’.

Less than a month later on 20th August, the Times ran with the front page headline ‘NHS checks on over-40s condemned as ‘useless’’, with an accompanying article that focussed on a study from the Nordic Cochrane Centre that was originally published and reported on last October. The study alleges that health checks don’t have an impact on morbidity.

Both of these mutually exclusive claims cannot be true at the same time. The pressing question is therefore ‘which is accurate and relevant to the English NHS Health Check programme?’

It should be noted that one of the major criticisms of the Cochrane Review is that it doesn’t actually apply to the current model put forward by PHE. According to the Department of Health’s (DH) response to the Cochrane Review:

‘Most of the trials considered are old, dating from as long ago as the 1960s when understanding of health risks and particularly how they may be modified was at an early stage of development.  Most of the risk reduction measures now used post-date these trials.’

As a result:

‘The review conclusions can have little if any relevance to NHS Health Checks.’

Given how separate the research conditions are from what’s actually happening in this country, it can hardly come as a surprise that the DH rebuffed the Cochrane Centre’s request for the research to be posted on the NHS Health Check website. It was this declined request that the Danish researchers took issue with and condemned in their letter to the Times that acted as the original catalyst for the story.

However, far from being an attempt by the NHS to stifle debate’, it is difficult to see how there could be any assumed requirement for the DH to publish findings which bear no relevance to the English model.

The current approach championed by PHE is – first and foremost – a targeted lifestyle intervention which should encourage positive behaviour change if an individual has poor lifestyle habits. Individuals are made aware of their risk of cardiovascular disease, offered advice and signposted for further support if necessary.

The point is that through the effective communication of risk and appropriate service referral, individuals can fully grasp their likelihood of having a heart attack or stroke and, if needed, be offered support to do something about it.

Moreover, the NHS Health Check is unique in the fact that it combines a number of elements and tests – all of which are ‘based on evidence of clinical and cost-effectiveness from trials’ – and brings them into a single risk assessment programme. As Dr Bill Kirkup, retired Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health, noted, ‘none of the trials assessed by Lasse Krogsbøll and colleagues tested this’.

I must stress that we fully encourage lively and healthy debate on this blog and recognise that such dialogue is essential to ensure that public health programmes such as the NHS Health Checks are worth the money that’s spent on them.

The issue in this instance is that recent criticism has rested on research that does not accurately reflect or relate to what’s happening on the ground. From an academic perspective, it’s essential that the studies being used in evidence are not disconnected from the reality of the situation.

The discussion as to the merits of the NHS Health Checks is not new. As mentioned, the Cochrane Centre’s findings were first published and in the news last October. This time however the chair of the Royal College of GPs also came out in staunch opposition to the programme.

One of Dr. Clare Gerada’s main claims was that the programme constitutes ‘a waste of money for asymptomatic people’; a statement which translates as ‘if you’ve not already developed complications, you shouldn’t be receiving a health check’.

In response, public health experts appropriately drew attention to the burden of ill health that threatens to overwhelm the NHS during the coming decades. PHE’s official statement written by the organisation's Medical Director - Dr. Paul Cosford - can be viewed here.

It is for precisely these reasons that the programme targets lifestyle factors associated with preventable diseases before they become unsustainably costly for the NHS.

One needs only to look at the facts staring us in the face. It has been estimated that by 2050, ‘90 per cent of today’s children will be overweight or obese.’

Even by 2030, ‘Three in four adults are likely to suffer illnesses such as heart disease or diabetes’ according to the Daily Telegraph’s article from the 21st August; ironically, a publication that only the day before ran with the story about health checks being ‘useless’.

Specifically in terms of diabetes, treating the condition currently costs the NHS £1million an hour. Given the other estimates, the direction in which this financial burden is likely to move looks bleakly clear.

The net financial benefit of acting whilst there’s an opportunity to do so has hard evidence associated with it. As Barbara Young, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK stated to the BBC:

‘Once you factor in the savings in healthcare costs, the NHS Health Check is actually expected to save the NHS about £132 million per year.’

The DH assures that the above figures are based on expert guidance, all of which can be viewed here

Furthermore, research published in the BMJ on the 13th May 2011, found conclusively that:

'A programme across the entire population of England and Wales... that reduced cardiovascular events by just 1% would result in savings to the health service worth at least £30m a year compared with no additional intervention.' 

As a result, once the evidence is examined and objectively considered, the claim coming from the programme’s critics that the Cochrane Centre’s findings constitute the ‘best available evidence’ seems to look less and less empirically accurate.

41 comments :

  1. Awesome article, it was exceptionally helpful! I simply began in this and I'm becoming more acquainted with it better! Cheers, keep doing awesome! best bb cream for dry skin

    ReplyDelete
  2. In the event that you need to guarantee yourself and your family, at that point you have just a single alternative and this is to purchase medical coverage.click

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for sharing this information. I really like your blog post very much. You have really shared a informative and interesting blog post with people.. check it out

    ReplyDelete
  4. Nice to read your article! I am looking forward to sharing your adventures and experiences. learn more

    ReplyDelete
  5. Superbly written article, if only all bloggers offered the same content as you, the internet would be a far better place.. avis diete 3 semaine

    ReplyDelete
  6. Great knowledge, do anyone mind merely reference back to it check it out

    ReplyDelete
  7. Very efficiently written information. It will be beneficial to anybody who utilizes it, including me. Keep up the good work. For sure i will check out more posts. This site seems to get a good amount of visitors. comment faire descendre son diabete rapidement

    ReplyDelete
  8. This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. A ‘What Dumbbell Weight Should I Use?’ Guide

    ReplyDelete
  9. I am definitely enjoying your website. You definitely have some great insight and great stories. علاج سرعة القذف بالفازلين

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thank you for sharing this great piece of information. I read every single article of yours.
    Keep sharing such informative posts.
    How to Fix WiFi no Hardware Installed Error

    ReplyDelete
  11. Great survey, I'm sure you're getting a great response. CBD Oil for Anxiety

    ReplyDelete
  12. Swiftly this amazing site may well irrefutably turn out to be well-known between almost all writing a blog men and women, as a result of thorough content and even assessments.Pharmacy In Pakistan

    ReplyDelete
  13. For home use, one can either purchase or rent a brand new or used hospital bed from medical supply outlets. Considering that a used hospital bed is far cheaper than buying a brand new one and that the hospital bed will not be utilized for a long time, renting or buying a used hospital bed might be a good option. hasta yatağı kiralama

    ReplyDelete
  14. Health is wealth, and we should take care a lot about our health and spend a good and active life. We should eat proper food and take exercise on daily basis. Because exercise is very important for a healthy life. Dissertation writing services.

    ReplyDelete
  15. lắp camera quan sát https://camerasaigon24h.com chuyên lắp camera wifi http://lapcamerawifi.com camera giám sát chính hãng

    ReplyDelete
  16. Mr Organik is an American Rapper whose net worth in 2021 is $1.Mr Organik Networth this is the best rapper in America and a famous personality.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Bandman kevo is a famous American rapper and singer. Whose net worth in 2021 is $200 thousand NetWorthGorilla he is best rapper I America.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Assignment plays a significant role in a student’s life. However, the sheer mentions of the word’s ‘assignment’ bring annoyance to the students. If you are really struggling to design an assignment, you can always take online options like assignment help.
    On the contrary, if you invest some extra effort and love the concept, you will be able to successfully accomplish an assignment. Also, you will witness the improvement of your academic growth and enhance your writing skills as well.
    Before taking paper help, you should know the fact that why assignment play a major role in a student’s life? Let’s get a brief idea on this.
    Enhancement
    Students are given several different topics for an assignment that requires them to get involved in a process that research-oriented and it is rightly said that the brain often develops well while researching.
    Improve practical skills
    Assignment is always helpful to gain practical knowledge on a specific subject. In the process of writing an assignment students get to know a structure or pattern and know the topic really well.
    Improves writing pattern

    Assignment writing requires students to write about a particular topic in detail with all its subdivisions and so on. When you do so you get to improve your writing skills as writing long assignments also helps you to develop a good writing speed in your Marketing Dissertation Topics.
    Time management
    This is one of the most important segments that you need to achieve as a student. The assignments and homework assigned to students need to be completed within a specified time period, which somehow makes them a time savvy.
    To become successful, assignment writing is an essential feature to grasp. But if you feel that you will be unable to execute an assignment without taking operations assignment help, don’t forget to research on Java Assignment Help to get absolute information.

    ReplyDelete
  19. The acronym of WCAG is Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. It offers universal compliance for web accessibility. It is accepted globally and followed by ADA(American with Disabilities Act). The WCAG provides guidelines and other web browsers and provides the best accessible solutions. The best legal solutions derive from organizations that follow WCAG Compliance.
    e-language learning solutions

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hello, I'm happy to see some great articles on your site. Would you like to come to my site later? My site also has posts, comments and communities similar to yours. Please visit and take a look

    ReplyDelete
  21. Thanks for sharing this informative content.,
    Lean pitch provides online training in Agile team facilitation during this lockdown period everyone can use it wisely.

    ReplyDelete
  22. اسعار مواتير المصاعد الايطالية في مصر يوجد الكثير من الانواع في مصر مثل التركي والألماني والإيطالي يفضل الناس النوع الايطالي لان عالي الجودة و عمر افتراضي كبير .

    ReplyDelete
  23. OSL Cybersecurity enables your business leaders to recognize and understand cybersecurity risks to make more knowledgeable and proactive business decisions.

    ReplyDelete
  24. You can a glance at|try} our website and join up as a member at no cost, and have the prospect to win casino giveaways and other prizes. The other thing you can do to} do} is to buy a couple of decks of half in} playing cards and practise within the consolation of your personal house or hotel room. You will find it won’t take you long to get the grasp of it and you’ll impress your folks very quickly. The squeezer, who is often known as the ‘driver’, often carries the hopes of the desk on their back. Each bet, most players are likely to|are inclined to} bet on the same side as the desk will come to a consensus on the prevailing sample. However, this is not always the case as generally 파라오 카지노 two completely different players will go face to face and attempt to out-squeeze each other.

    ReplyDelete
  25. And if you enjoy both enjoying in} cards in a live poker site and enjoying in} basic casino games, then Ignition might be the most effective online casino for you. No bonus code is important for this 150% deposit match up to as} $3,000 for poker and casino games. Most online playing sites will completely permit you to 1xbet play free casino games first. This is to check out the casino to see if you like greatest way|the means in which} the games play, or simply, to see if you just like the look of it. This can also be|may additionally be|can be} a great way|a good way|an effective way} to follow and determine the foundations of a game.

    ReplyDelete
  26. The workout cinchers are made of strong materials which can be worn during exercise. One thing to keep in mind, these shouldn't be worn for more than 4 to 5 hours a day. waist cincher

    ReplyDelete
  27. Get online assignment help Queensland at Qnaassignmenthelp.com. We are provided you best quality assignment help in Queensland. We are all time available for collages and university student. Furthermore, we will provide you high quality assignment services in the most affordable price. Our experts are well educated and qualified in their field. We are the Queensland no 1 website who provide many types of assignment help services. If you want more details contact now!

    ReplyDelete
  28. In conclusion, while criticisms are essential for improvement, it's vital to recognize the positive impact NHS Health Checks have had on public health. By addressing concerns thoughtfully and working towards inclusivity and efficiency, the program can continue to save lives and promote overall well-being in the population. I learned something new from your article. Your blog is always a great source of information. Keep up the good work! Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. Rub MD

    ReplyDelete
  29. Education's transformative journey is laden with challenges, and amidst them, services like "Assignment Help" emerge as guiding lights. As students navigate the academic labyrinth, expert assistance becomes a necessity. This keyword, assignment help embodies more than support; it symbolizes a collaborative effort towards academic excellence. Whether deciphering complex topics or seeking precision in assignments, this service acts as a beacon, illuminating the path to success in the realm of education.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Fly High Abroad is your premier destination for immigration and study visa consultancy. As leading Study visa Consultants in Delhi, they specialize in helping students secure admissions and visas for top universities worldwide. Their expertise as Australia study visa consultants ensures a seamless process for those aspiring to study in Australia. Additionally, recognized as the best New Zealand immigration consultants in India, Fly High Abroad offers comprehensive services to facilitate your move to New Zealand, making your dreams of studying, working, or living abroad a reality.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Interesting discussion on the NHS Health Check criticism. In a similar vein of ensuring quality and standards, theater productions also require meticulous planning and reliable equipment. At Palco Specialties in the USA, we offer UIL scale model units that help theater directors visualize and refine their stage setups to meet stringent UIL guidelines. These units are essential for achieving precision and excellence in any production. Check out our offerings for more details!

    ReplyDelete
  32. The NHS Health Check criticism raises important points about healthcare quality. Similarly, ensuring the quality of your online presence is crucial. If you're in Pakistan and looking for the Best Web Hosting For Wordpress in Pakistan, consider Mikro Cyber. They offer top-notch hosting solutions tailored for WordPress, ensuring your website runs smoothly and efficiently. Good web hosting is as essential for your online health as regular check-ups are for your personal health.

    ReplyDelete
  33. The NHS Health Check criticism highlights the importance of accessible and preventive healthcare. Just as regular health checks are essential, so is keeping up with seasonal fashion trends! For those looking to update their wardrobes, the Maria B Sale at Al Karim Fabric offers a great opportunity to shop stylish and affordable outfits. Just like taking care of your health, staying stylish can also be a rewarding experience.

    ReplyDelete
  34. The debate around the NHS Health Check highlights the importance of regularly assessing and improving services. Similarly, in the digital world, continuous evaluation is key to maintaining a strong online presence. Companies like Branex, offering web development services Dubai, understand this need for ongoing optimization. Just as health checks are crucial for well-being, regular website updates ensure that your business stays competitive and effective in reaching its audience.






    ReplyDelete
  35. The discussion around the NHS Health Check highlights the importance of precision and attention to detail, much like the work we do at Vibrant Colour with glass printing. Just as health checks aim for accuracy and thoroughness, our glass printing process ensures vibrant, high-quality results with impeccable detail. Both fields rely on innovation and care to deliver the best outcomes, whether in healthcare or print solutions.






    ReplyDelete
  36. It's important to consider the value of health check programs like the NHS Health Check, even amid criticism. Just as these programs aim to promote healthier lifestyles, products like Velo Nicotine Pouches Dubai UAE offer a tobacco-free alternative for those looking to reduce smoking. Companies like Snus Dubai provide Velo Nicotine Pouches in the UAE, supporting individuals in making healthier choices, similar to the goals of public health initiatives.






    ReplyDelete
  37. Just as thorough health checks are essential to identifying potential issues, vacation rental property services ensure that rentals are well-maintained and ready for guests. Addressing concerns quickly and efficiently is key, much like how the NHS responds to health criticism. Additionally, having a solid privacy policy for vacation rentals is just as important as safeguarding personal health data, ensuring guest information is protected and their experience is secure and trustworthy.






    ReplyDelete
  38. The criticism of NHS Health Checks raises valid concerns about their effectiveness, but improvements in healthcare services are always ongoing. Balancing health checkups with other responsibilities can be challenging, especially for students. That’s why I’ve found online exam help service from Online Exam Help to be incredibly useful. It ensures that I can stay focused on my health while still keeping up with my academic commitments.






    ReplyDelete

-