Social Implications Flashcards
(19 cards)
What is the postcode lottery and what causes it
-The unequal access of healthcare services across different regions based on geographic location
-Variations in funding allocated to different regions and patient populations, resulting in uneven resource distribution. NHS divided into distinct organisations covering different geographical areas and having own budget
-Smaller healthy areas may have less funding or resources
-Lack of uniformity due to regions with less well integrated social or holistic care
What is the impact of the postcode lottery (vague)
-Impacts healthcare services, including IVF, specialist services and mental health support leading to disparities in availability and quality.
-Leads to inequitable access to healthcare services across U.K.
Specific examples of stats which demonstrate postcode lottery impact
-Maternity mortality is 18 out of 100,000 in England in LIA compared to 7-8 in HIA
-34/100,000 for black women
-People with mental health issues in places like Bath and Swindon and 3 times more likely to have a care coordinator than those is Leister/Leicestershire
How is Postcode lottery being dealt with
-NHS England is split into different integrated care systems which were introduced in 2022 and could decide how their budget is spent with a focus on local populations.
Why is obesity an issue in the U.K.
-Around 23% of 10-11 year olds are obese
-In adults since 1993 the proportion of overweight or obese adults has risen from 52.9% to 64.3%
-28% of adults are living with obesity
How is obesity linked to socioeconomic factors
-Unhealthier food is cheaper
-In most deprived areas 10-11 year olds were 31.3% obese compared to 13.5% in least deprived areas
What is ozempic?
A prescription medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It triggers insulin release from the pancreas allowing glucose to enter boyd’s cells, reducing blood glucose levels and act as an appetite suppressant
Is ozempic available in the uk
Not licensed as a use for weight loss in the U.K. It is only licensed for use in diabetic patients
What is Wegovy
-Approved for weight management in the U.K. It is a once a weekly weight loss injection which combined with a healthy diet and exercise can increase weight loss
-It acts as an appetite suppressant so less calories are are consumed
Is Wegovy available in the UK
Yes, it was launched in 2023 available through the NHS who meeting the NICE criteria for adults struggling with obesity and weight related health conditions
What is Mounjaro
Weight loss suppressant s well as targets a second hormone, GIP which helps to regulate energy balance and further enhances weight loss.
-NICE official decision is expected soon to determine availi
What is the risk when someone stops taking weight loss drugs
They may regain the weight they lost and once the treatment is discontinued, normal hunger signals and cravings can return and individuals might find it challenging to maintain reduced calorie intake
What is the issue with access and inequality for weight loss drugs
-Creates disparity between those who can access the NHS and those who can afford private prescriptions so not everyone who can benefit can afford private prescriptions
-This could encouraged people to purchase medications through unregulated suppliers, being risky
-Especially significant among ethnic minorities who have increased health risks associated with obesity but are less likely to have private care access
What is the issue with medicalisation of obesity
-Doesn’t attack the causes such as poor diet and lifestyle or socioeconomic factors but instead is just a ‘quick fix’
What is the risk of weight loss drugs and dependency
-Patients could just regain weight after stopping the use of the drug which could potentially create a reliance on lifelong treatment
What is the sugar tax
-Introduced in 2018 targeted childhood obesity by taxing sugary drinks
-Drinks with over 8g of sugar per 100ml were taxed at 24p per litre leading to reduced sugar consumption, lower obesity rates and fewer cases of tooth decay
-Around 50% of manufacturers reformulated their products to avoid the tax
Was the sugar tax effective?
-Yes, there was a fall in recorded sugar consumption detected and for both adults and child re the BMJ recorded an 11g fall in consumption for adults and 5g for children
-12% reduction in hospital admissions for tooth decay in under 18s
Outline old people in UK
40% of over 65 have long term illness
18% >25% of population by 2025
How is care for older people being improved
Higher budget given for social needs for example 2023/4 budget was 2.8 billion for 2024/5 it is 4.7 million
