Disadvantaged Communities updates
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Disadvantaged
Communities
Our research
Safer Management of Multiple Long-Term Conditions in Disadvantaged Communities
Disadvantaged communities lack access to services, face marginalisation and have limited opportunities. Disadvantage has many causes. A location’s history, its economy and social support all play a role.
People living in disadvantaged areas are more likely to have poor health. They might face more than two long-term health conditions at once. This is known as having multiple long-term conditions. They also face increased patient safety risks. This can make health management harder.
This theme focuses on underserved people with complex care needs. The overarching aim is to reduce inequalities in health and care for all.
Projects
Specific projects in this theme focus on:
Uptake of preventative health interventions e.g. screening and vaccination.
Late diagnosis and emergency presentation e.g. to cancer services.
Optimal treatment access.
Improved treatment compliance.
How multiple long-terms conditions complicate cancer care.
Unmet care needs in people experiencing homelessness.
Financial impacts of childhood illness and barriers to care.
Mental health support in families and younger populations with complex care needs.
Approach
Our Approach
Our approach is to understand:
- The challenges to patient safety behaviour in marginalised communities.
- The medical needs and social support required for appropriate care.
- How to manage risk as patients transition between different care settings.
- How to achieve timely care in such patient groups.
- How to improve treatment optimisation.
Sharing of Regional Records
The theme will work with patients, doctors, service providers, and a range of patient and carer groups. Many different voices will add to the usefulness of research outputs. These voices will include those from the most disadvantaged areas. They will also include experts who have a wealth of experience in the research field.
Sharing of regional health and social care records will inform our projects. This will make it safer to handle multiple care needs. It will do so in underserved communities. These regions are in both North East England and across the rest of the country.
Finding the value in PPIE
PhD Student Abi Collins on her PPIE work with two North East youth groups
Three independently funded projects
Seeking to better understand what underpins social differences in cancer patients with late diagnoses