Boosting uptake of NHS Health Checks in Bromley Using Heart Age
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Boosting uptake of NHS Health Checks in Bromley Using Heart Age
IRAS ID
146885
Contact name
Gillian Fiumicelli
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
London Borough of Bromley
Research summary
The NHS Health Check is offered to 40-74 year olds in England who don’t have an excluding medical condition. These 15 million patients are invited over a rolling five year period. The programme is a priority for DH, NHS England and Public Health England in their efforts to tackle premature mortality and promote healthy lifestyles.
However, uptake rates are significantly lower than desired, at around 50 per cent. Local authority commissioners of the NHS Health Check currently use a range of letters and marketing to invite the eligible population.
The study is to determine if information about the Heart Age tool during the patient invitation process will increase uptake of NHS Health Checks in the Bromley area.
Around 10,000 members of the eligible population from GP surgeries in Bromley will be randomised to receive one of two letters inviting them to an NHS Health Check. 50% will receive the standard NHS Health Check and the Health Check information leaflet. The other 50% will receive an amended Health Check letter with information about the Heart Age website. This letter will enclose a Heart Age information sheet as well the standard Health Check leaflet.
We will measure differences in responses to the different invitation methods (number of appointments attended).
Uptake data is collected by the local health checks team and anonymised results will be analysed according to established IG processes. There will be no access to any patient identifiable information.
REC name
London - Surrey Borders Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/0483
Date of REC Opinion
14 Apr 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion