Provided by: RS Risk Solutions
UK Health Outcomes are trailing behind other countries, study reveals.
The UK lags behind most of its peers on life expectancy and other health metrics, according to a recent study by health think tank the kings fund. Specifically, the study found that the UK has a higher-than-average avoidable mortality rate, driven by below-average survival rates for many cancers and poorer outcomes from heart attacks and strokes. The findings were attributed, in part, to the poor performance of the NHS and the below-average health care spending compared to other countries.
The kings fund report was published on 26th June 2023, just weeks before the 75th anniversary of the founding of the NHS, dues for celebrations on 5th July 2023.
Study Findings Explained
Commissioned by the association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry, the study compared the health care systems of 19 countries, including European Union member states, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United States. Findings included the following:
• The UK had the second worst life expectancy among the 19 countries studied.
• The UK had the second highest avoidable mortality rate, with only the United States performing worse. Specifically, Britons were more likely to die sooner from heart attacks or strokes compared to most of their peers.
• Th UK had below-average survival rates for several cancers, including breast, colon, lung and stomach.
• The UK had fewer physical resources than many of its peers, including fewer CT and MRI scanners. Additionally, the NHS had 2.5 beds per 1000 people, compared to the 3.2 bed average.
• The UK had fewer doctors and nurses per head than most of its peers and the NHS had to rely on medical professionals trained abroad. Worse still, UK doctors are the most likely to stop seeing patients in the next three years due to retirement or a career change, according to a study of 10 high-income countries by the Commonwealth Fund. Thus, NHS staffing and resource constraints could yet deepen.
However, the study found that the NHS was efficient within its budget and spent less than other nations. Additionally, the UK was praised for its low use of second-line antibiotics and management of diabetes.
Regardless, the study’s findings indicate that the NHS is trailing behind many of its peers health care systems in terms of performance and critical care outcomes.
Next Steps
To address ongoing NHS concerns, the government is due to release its NHS workforce plan, which, according to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, will be “one of the most significant announcements in the history of the NHS.”
However, with the state of the UKs health care trailing behind other nations, its critical hat everyone remains proactive when it comes to their own health, safety and well-being. With this in mind, it may be prudent for employers to bolster their well-being efforts to improve overall workforce welfare.
Contact us today for additional guidance and well-being resources.
