Working out what works

It usually appears that while it's relatively easy to identify health inequalities, finding robust evidence for what works in tackling those inequalities is rather more challenging. Some recently published articles tend to uphold that assumption. A UK-based team offers a systematic review of interventions and at a more theoretical or policy level, the Marmot review team publish an account of the use of rapid review techniques to develop policy proposals. Meanwhile, at the coalface, another article reflects bleakly on the effectiveness of partnership working and community engagement.

Drugs misuse

NHS Evidence National Library for Public Health has produced its annual evidence update on drugs misuse. Offering a survey of the past year's learning on the subject, the 2010 update focuses on femaler offenders.

Contraception services

NICE has been consulting on provision of contraceptive services to socially disadvantaged young people up to age 25. The consultation closes 23 June.

Doctors mind the gap

A policy statement from the Royal College of Physicians sets out the organisation's vision for tackling health inequalities. The result of a series of dialogues over the past six months, the report considers options for change. As well as advocating an emphasis on prevention rather than treatment and considering how doctors engage with and empower patients, the policy statement also acknowledges a need for public health and social aspects of medicine to be better taught.

Prison health

The Care Quality Commission has reported on how PCTs are commissioning prison health care over the period 2008-9. CQC commends progress in management and clinical governance. However, it notes there is room for improvement as regards arrangements for transfer and release and drug treatment systems.

Weight watchers?

DH has published research on how to make weight management services more appealing. The report, from research consultants ESRO, looks at motivation to lose weight, barriers to engaging with weight management services and what various groups of people want from such services.

Alcohol policy

Early this month NICE came out in favour of minimum pricing for alcohol, just as the Scottish Parliament vetoed a similar proposal. NICE’s approach is contained in its guidance on preventing harmful drinking and treating the physical complications of alcohol use disorders. More recently, a study by NICE looks at the evidence for reducing the current drink-drive limit.