Journal of public health
-
Journal of public health · Jun 2005
Comparative StudyDoes increased use of private health care reduce the demand for NHS care? A prospective survey of general practice referrals.
The use of the private sector for health care is increasing, but it is unclear whether this will reduce demand on the NHS. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between private and NHS outpatient referral rates accounting for their association with deprivation. ⋯ Increased private health care activity does not reduce the demand for NHS care: NHS and private referral rates were positively associated with each other after adjusting for age, deprivation and practice.
-
Journal of public health · Jun 2005
Comparative StudyEvaluation of an independent, radiographer-led community diagnostic ultrasound service provided to general practitioners.
Health care services traditionally offered in a secondary setting are increasingly being offered in a primary setting. There has been little assessment of quality and efficiency of diagnostic services such as ultrasound delivered in primary settings and no studies have looked at independently provided services. ⋯ The community diagnostic ultrasound service offers reduced waiting times compared to the NHS Trust service, and is of comparable quality. This benefit, together with high patient and GP satisfaction levels, may justify the possible reduced cost-effectiveness of the service compared to the NHS Trust service.
-
Journal of public health · Jun 2005
Evidence-based public health: what does it offer developing countries?
The global burden of disease and illness is primarily situated in developing countries. As developing countries have limited resources, it is particularly important to invest in public health and health promotion strategies that are effective. Systematic reviews are central to evidence-based public health and health promotion practice and policy. ⋯ Given the social complexity of human development, and the inter-sections amongst different development goals, there is no question that gains in developing country public health are unlikely to emerge from systematic reviews alone, but will require decisions about inter-sectoral collaboration and social policy initiatives. Nonetheless, evidence around intervention effectiveness has an important role to play in addressing health priorities in developing countries and resource-poor areas. The public health evidence base urgently needs strengthening, with dedicated effort towards increasing the relevance of primary evidence and systematic reviews.