Health Inequalities
Health inequalities are differences in health across the population, and between different groups in society, that are systematic, unfair, and avoidable. They are caused by the conditions in which we are born, live, and work, and which influence our opportunities for good mental and physical health.
The Health and Care Act 2022 sets out the role acute trusts have in helping to tackle health inequities, particularly in regard to access, outcomes, experience, behaviours, and the wider determinants of health. This can be challenging, particularly in areas that are remote, rural, and/or suffer deprivation, however, we must give it due consideration as we develop integrated services.
Health Inequality Strategy Task and Finish Group Meeting Documentation – 3rd March 2025
Core20PLUS5
Core 20PLUS5 is an approach designed to support Integrated Care Systems (ICS) to drive targeted action in healthcare inequalities improvement. There is a version for adults and children. Core20 is the most deprived 20% of the population, as measured by the index of multiple deprivation; PLUS is those ICS-chosen groups experiencing poorer than average health access and/or outcomes, who may not be captured within the Core20 and who would benefit from tailored healthcare approaches, i.e. inclusion health groups; 5 refers to the key clinical areas of health inequalities.
For adults, they are maternity, severe mental illness, chronic respiratory disease, early cancer diagnosis, and hypertension, with smoking cessation recognised as a common positive intervention for all. For children, the 5 are asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, oral health, and mental health. Devon is using Core20PLUS5 to segment the population to prioritise attention and resources.
