In our recent analysis of healthcare use in the last 2 years of life, we point out an important change that’s taking place to life and death in the UK. 

It's time to celebrate World Evidence-Based Healthcare (EBHC)  Day.  In a world dominated by COVID-19 and the associated infodemic, this day arguably has more resonance. Closer to home, EBHC Day also coincides with our Insight 2020 festival and the launch of the Midlands Decision Support network.  What better opportunity to ask, 'what does evidence-informed decision making actually mean'?

Today, the Health Foundation launched the REAL Centre (Research and Economic Analysis for the Long term), an incredibly important initiative to improve long-term planning for health and social care.  The centre’s launch report, the bigger picture, has a simple premise; that if we can understand the changes that have taken place in health and social care and the factors that have driven these changes, then we might be better placed to plan for the future.  The report is based on a detailed and rigorous

A marriage usually needs (at least): a matchmaker, two entities, a (little) money, a proposal and a home.

So here is how I played matchmaker to arrange the marriage between the NHS and R…a marriage that was recently celebrated in ‘Bringing NHS analytics into the 21st Century’ paper.

Health and social care systems do not make best use of existing analytical talents and resources. Analysts are often frustrated and de-skilled; decision-makers don't always make good use of analysis.

If this is true, then what should be done? What is the agenda for analysts? What are the skills, attributes and ways of working that they need to develop? How can they pool resources and expertise? And what about decision-makers? What could they do to make better use of insights from analytical work? What should the future look like?

Eye health and sight loss services have historically had a lower profile in service provision compared to many other specialities. There is a view that the importance of eye health has been underrepresented in many Sustainability and Transformation Partnership (STP) plans.

The Strategy Unit and Ipsos MORI launch guide to implementing Person-Centred Intelligence.

On World Mental Health Day 2019, we bring to a close the Strategy Unit’s guest blog series which explored the overlap between mental and physical health.

The Strategy Unit is leading a partnership providing support on population health management (PHM) for Sustainability and Transformation Partnerships (STPs).

A series of guest blogs from Professor Sir Muir Gray, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health FT Medical Director - Dr Hilary Grant, Health Foundation Chief Executive - Jennifer Dixon, Mind's Director of External Relations - Sophie Corlett, GP & Clinical Director - Dr Paul Turner, and Diabetes UK - Colette Marshall.