Health Inequalities DES

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Clinical Terms
A Directed Enhanced Service that requires UK Primary Care Networks to address health disparities through targeted interventions and service improvements.

What does Health Inequalities DES mean?

What is ?

The Health Inequalities Directed Enhanced Service (DES) is a contractual framework introduced by NHS England that requires Primary Care Networks to identify and address unfair, avoidable differences in health among different population groups. It focuses on proactive care for underserved communities, particularly those experiencing deprivation, ethnic minorities, and other vulnerable groups. PCNs must develop action plans, implement targeted interventions, and monitor outcomes to reduce healthcare disparities and improve equitable access to quality care.

Health Inequalities DES Best Practices

What is ?

  • Perform detailed population health needs assessments to identify specific inequalities in your PCN area
  • Implement a data-driven approach to target interventions at the most vulnerable groups
  • Engage with community organisations and local stakeholders to develop culturally appropriate solutions
  • Create clear metrics to measure improvements in access and outcomes for underserved populations
  • Provide staff training on cultural competence and addressing social determinants of health

Use Health Inequalities DES in a Sentence

What is ?

  1. Our Primary Care Network has implemented several initiatives under the Health Inequalities DES to improve access for patients from deprived neighbourhoods.
  2. The funding allocated through the Health Inequalities DES has enabled us to employ a dedicated social prescriber focused on vulnerable patients.
  3. Quarterly reporting requirements for the Health Inequalities DES help ensure accountability in addressing healthcare disparities.
Frequently Asked Questions about
Health Inequalities DES

What does Health Inequalities DES mean?

Health Inequalities DES (Directed Enhanced Service) is a contractual specification that requires Primary Care Networks in the UK to identify and address unfair differences in health outcomes among population groups. It provides a framework and funding for PCNs to implement targeted interventions that improve access to healthcare for underserved communities, reduce disparities in health outcomes, and tackle the social determinants of health affecting vulnerable patients.

How does the Health Inequalities DES benefit patients?

The Health Inequalities DES benefits patients by ensuring more equitable access to healthcare services, particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. It funds targeted interventions such as extended clinic hours, outreach services, and social prescribing specifically for underserved groups. Patients who might otherwise face barriers to care receive more proactive support, tailored communication, and services designed to meet their specific needs, ultimately improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

What responsibilities do PCNs have under the Health Inequalities DES?

Under the Health Inequalities DES, PCNs must conduct population health needs assessments to identify health disparities in their area, develop action plans with specific interventions targeting underserved groups, implement these interventions using additional workforce capacity, record and monitor ethnicity and deprivation data, engage with community organisations, and regularly report on progress and outcomes. PCNs must also ensure staff receive appropriate training on addressing health inequalities and cultural competence.

How is the Health Inequalities DES funded?

The Health Inequalities DES is funded through the Network Contract DES, with a specific allocation for health inequalities work. This funding is provided to PCNs based on their registered patient population, with additional weighted payments that recognise deprivation levels in the PCN area. The funding supports dedicated staff time, service development, and specific interventions designed to tackle health disparities. PCNs must demonstrate how they've used this funding to address inequalities as part of their regular reporting requirements.

How does the Health Inequalities DES relate to wider NHS priorities?

The Health Inequalities DES aligns directly with the NHS Long Term Plan and Core20PLUS5 approach, which prioritise reducing health disparities as a key strategic objective. It represents the practical implementation of the NHS commitment to addressing unfair differences in health outcomes at a local level. The DES contributes to wider system goals of population health management, prevention of ill health, and creating a more equitable health service. It also supports the NHS's response to findings from the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted and exacerbated existing health inequalities.

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