Wednesday 26 October 2016

Press release: Public unaware of the factors that increase the risk of dementia

Press release: Public unaware of the factors that increase the risk of dementia

More than a quarter (28%) of the British public is unable to correctly identify any potentially modifiable risk factor for developing dementia, according to new findings from the British Social Attitudes survey, which was commissioned by Public Health England (PHE).

There is growing evidence that a third of dementia cases could be a result of factors potentially in our control, and actions like taking regular exercise and not smoking can reduce your risk of developing it. This means there is huge potential for prevention.
The survey, carried out by the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), asked the public if they could identify any of the following risk factors: heavy drinking, smoking, high blood pressure, depression and diabetes as well as the protective factor of taking regular exercise and found just 2% of the public is able to identify all of them.
Also, more than 1 in 4 people (27%) in Britain incorrectly believe that there is nothing anyone can do to reduce their risks of getting dementia.
Respondents were asked whether they agreed with the statement “there is nothing anyone can do to reduce their risks of getting dementia”. 27% incorrectly agree that there is nothing anyone can do; a further 26% neither agree nor disagree; and only 43% correctly disagreed with the statement.
Older people are more likely to agree that there is nothing anyone can do to reduce their risk of developing dementia: 33% of those aged 65 and over said this compared with 26% of those under 65.                     Public Health England                                                                                                                                  Read the report on the BSA website.

Involving patients and citizens: I statements for research and innovation

Involving patients and citizens: statements for research and innovation

This guidance sets a standard for how patients and citizens should be involved in research and innovation. It was developed as part of the Department of Health's accelerated access review and this guidance aims to provide standards for how patients and the public are involved in research and innovation in medical technologies, diagnostic tools, drugs and digital health care. 
National Voices
Guidance
Press release

Rapid review of evidence of the impact on health outcomes of NHS commissioned health services for people in secure and detained settings

Rapid review of evidence of the impact on health outcomes of NHS commissioned health services for people in secure and detained settings

This rapid review of evidence of the impact on health outcomes of NHS commissioned health services demonstrates that there have been significant improvements in the quality of health care in prison settings. The review will inform future health interventions and prioritisation in England where there are further improvements to be made. 
Public Health England (PHE)
Report
PHE publications

Consultation outcome: Mutual recognition of professional qualifications in healthcare

Consultation outcome: Mutual recognition of professional qualifications in healthcare

Updated: Added consultation response.

The revised Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications (MRPQ) Directive has brought in a number of changes that aim to further facilitate the free movement of professionals within the EU.

This consultation sets out the changes that are specific to the sectoral health professions (nurses, midwives, pharmacists, doctors and dentists). It seeks views on the draft legislation that is needed to implement the changes and any potential impacts of the implementation. It also sets out a number of the cross-sector changes that were covered in the Department for Business Innovation and Skills consultation of March 2015 but that will impact on the health and care professional regulators. 
Department of Health

NMC launches consultation into proposed changes to fitness to practise processes

NMC launches consultation into proposed changes to fitness to practise processes

Proposed changes will enable NMC to be more efficient and effective

The Nursing and Midwifery Council has today launched a consultation on proposed changes to its fitness to practise processes.

The consultation will seek views on changes to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (Fitness to Practise) Rules 2004, which will enable us to be more efficient and effective.

Proposed changes will allow us to give advice, issue warnings and recommend undertakings which we currently cannot do with our legislation.

We are also seeking views on the NMC's approach to reviewing decisions where there has been a finding of no case to answer.

Jackie Smith, NMC Chief Executive and Registrar said:

"I have maintained for a long time that our current legislation is outdated and in need of major reform. We know, and accept that it currently takes too long and costs too much to conclude cases. The launch of this consultation is a crucial step towards modernising our processes, which will better enable us to protect the public.

"We have worked closely with the Department of Health on these proposed changes which will allow us to develop a more proportionate approach to cases, with new powers to resolve some less contentious matters more simply and quickly, taking only the most serious cases to a full hearing."

This consultation follows on from the Department of Health’s consultation which ran from April to June 2016 which sought views on changes to our wider legislation. 

'Super-parenting' improves children's autism

'Super-parenting' improves children's autism

Training mums and dads as "super parents" can dramatically improve a child's autism, a study shows. BBC News

Bengoa review: Radical health care shake-up unveiled

Bengoa review: Radical health care shake-up unveiled

Northern Ireland's health minister unveils a radical plan to improve a health and social care system 'at breaking point'.
BBC News

The mental health college that's a lifeline in 'a sea of being alone'

The mental health college that's a lifeline in 'a sea of being alone'

A scheme in south London pairs healthcare professionals with former patients to provide courses and advice to those with mental health problems

The students gathered on a three-hour “five ways to improve your wellbeing” course in south London are about to have a powerful realisation.

One of the group is asked to think about how many hours a week she spends seeing healthcare professionals, such as health visitors or psychiatrists, about her mental health condition.

I can’t talk to my son or husband because they don’t know what I’m talking about but people here do.

Patients 'welcome' weight loss interventions from their GP, study shows

Patients 'welcome' weight loss interventions from their GP, study shows
GPs opportunistically raising the issue of weight loss and offering referral to weight management programmes is effective and largely welcomed by patients, a study in the Lancet suggests.
GP Online