Health Needs of Population of South Yorkshire - Case Study Example

Health Needs of Population of South Yorkshire Table of Contents Critical Outline of the Purpose of HNA and Some Models for Practice 2 A Brief Picture Barnsley 4 Critical Discussion of Issues Related With Smoking 8 Conclusion 10 References 11 Introduction The aim of this report is to conduct health needs assessment (HNA) of population from the community in Barnsley town (South Yorkshire) in order to provide an evidence base for future development and improvement of services. The key objectives in addressing this aim are to: Evaluate the theory and practice of community health needs assessment within the primary care setting of Barnsley Critically apply the process of community health needs assessment demonstrated through the interpretation and presentation of information generated from the practice area of Barnsley Analyse the identified health priority for action in relation to local and national policy, current evidence and the client perspective Critical Outline of the Purpose of HNA and Some Models for Practice Cowley (2007) stated that health visiting in England actually began in 19th century during the period of rapid industrialisation and migration population from rural to urban area (Cowley, 2007). In this similar context, Sakellari (2012) stated that health visiting is associated with targeting towards reducing health inequalities and promoting quality of life within communities. Accordingly, it has been stated that HNA is an analytical approach that is related with the review of population health issues in order to generate a set of recommendations for undertaking actions that facilitate in development and improvement in the health outcomes. It has been proclaimed that the improvement in health of populations in communities and individuals are largely based on the collection of relevant information pertaining to health and social infrastructure (Sakellari, 2012). In the words of Cavanagh & Chadwick (2005), HNA is an analytical approach for reviewing the health problems experienced by the population for ascertaining priorities and resource distributions that will facilitate in improving health condition of the population. In general, the primary goal of HNA is to improve the health condition of targeted population who are at risk. Moreover, the analytical approach used in HNA process generates prospects for engaging with specific communities and compiling evidences from them along with employing evidence based method to influence service changes and development with their full participation. Responding to this, various tools have been developed by individuals and organisations in the recent years for undertaking HNAs. In this regard, Hooper & Longworth (2002) have provided a detailed guideline that involves five steps which offer the process for undertaking HNAs. These five steps propounded by Hooper & Longworth (2002) are being represented below: Step 1: Getting started Step 2: Identifying health priorities Step 3: Assessing a health priority for action Step 4: Planning for change Step 5: Moving on review Source: (Hooper & Longworth, 2002) Cavanagh & Chadwick (2005) have further stated that health triangle is a systematic tool that helps in determining the key health issues associated with the population, reviewing the relation between health condition determinant factors and health functioning, structuring the collection and presentation of data to compile a useful profile (Cavanagh & Chadwick, 2005). Cowley (2007) stated that the first step of determining the health needs is associated with identifying the population which requires consideration. Moreover, it has been stated that international statistics, national statistics, country statistics and health protection agency serve as a vital source for obtaining information about health (Cowely, 2007). Therefore, in order to prepare this report a review of research and policy document on the health need of population in Barnsley is being conducted. Additionally, the sources of information included research studies, service evaluations and policies and strategies of various governmental and non-governmental organisations such as local authorities, health authorities, community health and councils. Moreover, in order to ascertain the nature of population in relation to health needs assessment in Barnsley town (South Yorkshire) review of available statistical information has been conducted. A Brief Picture Barnsley Geographical Map of Barnsley Source: (Crown, 2013). The population of Barnsley is nearly 232,000. The total population of Barnsley is estimated to increase by 7.2% by 2021. The age distribution in Barnsley is ascertained to be quite similar to that of nationally. However, marginally lower proportion of young population aged between the years 25 to 39 has been observed. In this regard, 19% of the total population in Barnsley is ascertained to be under 16 years of age while 17% of the total population is determined to be aged above 65 years (Barnsley Clinical Commissioning Group, 2013). Life expectancy is also observed to be 8.7 years lower for men and 7.4 years lower for women than the average England. It has been ascertained that one third of total population in Barnsley lives in the worst 10% of areas in England in terms of health deprivation and disability scores. Moreover, a massive population in Barnsley is identified to suffer from high level of ill-health and disabilities. At the same time, it has been determined that mental problem in Barnsley has severe impact on the overall population living in the town. In addition, the misuse of drugs in Barnsley is also ascertained to be increasing in the recent years. Besides, misuse of drug and alcohol consumption among the population in Barnsley is also identified to be higher as compared to other areas of England (BMBC, 2011). However, it has been observed that smoking in pregnancy is worse in Barnsley than average England. At the same time, the death related with smoking is also worse in Barnsley as compared to other areas of England. In addition, adult smoking is also comparatively worse than average England. Moreover, it has been ascertained that smoking causes about 20% of death of people who are over 35 years. The population in the age range of 16-29 is determined to constitute the highest age group influenced with the smoking related illness (Script Media 2011). The death rate due to cancer, heart disease and stroke is relatively higher in Barnsley than other areas in England. Graphical representation of death rate due to heart disease and stroke along with cancer is being illustrated below: Early Death Rates From Heart Disease And Stroke Source: (Crown, 2013). Early Death Rates from Cancer Source: (Crown, 2013). From the above presented statistics, it can be stated that smoking is one of the most serious causes of illness and risk associated with developing fatal diseases including various types of cancer in Barnsley. It is also a major cause of premature death of people in Barnsley. Smoking in pregnancy in Barnsley has resulted in increased risk for infants associated with low birth weight and premature delivery (Script Media, 2014). Moreover, it has been ascertained that prevalence of smoking in Barnsley is highest than other areas in England. Thus, it can be stated that there is an immediate health evaluation need in Barnsley regarding the issue of smoking (NEPHO, 2013; South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, 2012). Critical Discussion of Issues Related With Smoking Smoking is ascertained to be one of the major public health concerns. There is an increased risk for all the smokers to acquire life threatening diseases such as lung cancer, respiratory, digestive and cardiovascular disorders (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2013). In order to conduct health need assessment, Bradshaw’s Model of Need is required to be considered which includes normative need, felt need, expressed need and comparative need (World Health Organization, 2001). Correspondingly, based on this evaluation the allied issues can be effectively traced which are faced by the community of Barnsley. Furthermore, smoking during the pregnancy is observed to harm the health of both women and infants. Nonetheless, the overall smoking consumption in England has been observed to decline (Health and Social Care Information Centre, 2013). According to Marmot Review (2010), there are several key health behaviours that are responsible for the development of chronic diseases such as smoking, unhealthy nutrition and obesity. Accordingly, it has been emphasized that in order to reduce the health inequalities, it is crucial to address these health behaviours efficiently. In this regard, it has been stated that investing in the early years is important for preventing ill-health associated with smoking or other health behaviours. Besides, it has been firmly proclaimed that the role of stakeholders in making decisions both at local and national level is imperative for ill-health prevention. Accordingly, focusing on public intervention programs related with smoking is observed to have a significant and positive impact on the ill-health prevention (The Marmot Review, 2010). Correspondingly, various programmes have been initiated by the government and non-government organisations as school-based intervention programme to prevent ill-health as an outcome of smoking (NHS Health Scotland, 2012). Besides, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has developed public guidelines related with smoking cessation services. The smoking cessation services target every individual who smokes or consumes any other form of tobacco (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2013). Furthermore, National Health Service has also initiated a program known as ‘Stop Smoking Services’ which has significantly assisted in reducing tobacco consumption rate. Although the programs and initiatives directed towards the preventing ill-health have been effectual yet it is essential to strengthen the measures that have been undertaken. It is also imperative to focus on the root causes of smoking related diseases i.e. the service provisions need to be directed towards preventing consumption of cigarettes or any other form of tobacco instead of focusing on diseases caused by it. Conclusion Conclusively, it can be affirmed that the issue of smoking is a serious problem in Barnsley, which requires immediate attention for ensuring development and improvement in the health condition of the entire population. Smoking is ascertained have a significant impact on the health of pregnant women and their unborn infants, adult along with children. In this regard, certain programs have been initiated by the government which have been able to deliver positive outcomes. However, more stringent and effective service provisions are required to be undertaken for bringing the health condition of population in Barnsley into the mainstream of national healthcare. References BMBC, 2011. Barnsley Adults and Communities. Adult Social Care. [Online] Available at: http://www.yhsccommissioning.org.uk/docs/BarnsleyMPS.pdf [Accessed February 03, 2014]. Cowley, S., 2007. Principles of British Health Visiting. Rev Esc Enferm USP, Vol. 41, pp. 756-61. Crown, 2013. Health Profile 2013. Barnsley, pp. 1-4. Cowely, S., 2007. Community Public Health in Policy and Practice: A Sourcebook, 2e. Bailliere Tindall. Cavanagh, S. & Chadwick, K., 2005. Summary: Health Needs Assessment at a Glance. Introduction. [Online] Available at: http://www.nice.org.uk/media/150/35/Health_Needs_Assessment_A_Practical_Guide.pdf [Accessed February 03, 2014]. Health and Social Care Information Centre, 2013. Statistics on Smoking: England, 2013. Smoking Prevalence, Consumption and Trends in Adults. [Online] Available at: http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB11454/smok-eng-2013-rep.pdf [Accessed February 03, 2014]. Hooper, J. & Longworth, P., 2002. Health Needs Assessment Workbook. NHS Health Development Agency. [Online] Available at: http://www.nice.org.uk/niceMedia/documents/hna.pdf [Accessed February 03, 2014]. Health and Social Care Information Centre, 2012. Smoking, Drinking and Drug Use among Young People in England in 2012. Smoking and Health. [Online] Available at: https://catalogue.ic.nhs.uk/publications/public-health/surveys/smok-drin-drug-youn-peop-eng-2012/smok-drin-drug-youn-peop-eng-2012-repo.pdf [Accessed February 03, 2014]. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2013. Smoking Cessation Services. NICE Public Health Guidance 10. [Online] Available at: http://www.nice.org.uk/nicemedia/live/11925/39596/39596.pdf [Accessed February 03, 2014]. NHS Health Scotland, 2012. Evidence Summary: Public Health Interventions to Support Smoking Cessation and Prevention of Uptake. School Based Interventions. [Online] Available at: http://www.mnic.nes.scot.nhs.uk/media/22125/smoking_cessation_-_final.pdf [Accessed February 03, 2014]. NEPHO, 2013. Barnsley. Community Mental Health Profiles 2013. Barnsley. [Online] Available at: http://www.nepho.org.uk/cmhp/index.php?pdf=E08000016 [Accessed February 03, 2014]. NHS Barnsley Clinical Commissioning Group, 2013. A Commissioning Plan 2013-14 and Beyond That Puts the People of Barnsley First. Barnsley People and their Needs. [Online] Available at: http://www.barnsleyccg.nhs.uk/Downloads/CCG%20Documents/Plans%20and%20strategies/NHS%20Barnsley%20CCG%20Commissioning%20Plan%201314v6.pdf [Accessed February 03, 2014]. South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, 2012. Barnsley Business Delivery Unit. Stop Smoking Services. [Online] Available at: http://www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/barnsley.pdf [Accessed February 03, 2014]. Script Media, 2014. High Levels of Pregnant Smokers in Town. News. [Online] Available at: http://www.wearebarnsley.com/news/article/4537/high-levels-of-pregnant-smokers-in-town [Accessed February 03, 2014]. Script Media, 2011. Shocking Smoking Statistics Revealed For Barnsley. News. [Online] Available at: http://www.wearebarnsley.com/news/article/334/shocking-smoking-statistics-revealed-for-barnsley [Accessed February 03, 2014]. Sakellari, E., 2012. Assessment of Health Needs; the Health Visiting Contribution to Public Health. International Journal of Caring Sciences, Vol. 5, Iss. 1, pp. 19-25. The Marmot Review, 2010. Fair Society, Healthy Lives. Strategic Review of Health Inequalities in England post-2010, pp. 1-24. World Health Organization, 2001. Community Need Assessment. What Is “Health Need”? [Online] Available at: http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/102249/E73494.pdf [Accessed February 03, 2014]. Read More