Using local authority data for action on health inequalities: the Caerphilly Health and Social Needs Study.
BACKGROUND
Primary care organisations in the United Kingdom have been given new and challenging population health responsibilities to improve health and address health inequality in local communities through partnership working with local authorities. This requires robust health and social needs assessment data for effective local planning.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the use and value of local authority data shared through partnership working between Caerphilly Local Health Group and Caerphilly County Borough Council.


METHODS
Cross-sectional analysis of aggregate electoral division data.


METHODS
Caephilly County Borough, south-east Wales.


METHODS
Local authority datasets identified were categorised into one of six domains: income, unemployment, housing, health, education, and social services. Data were presented at electoral division level as rates in thematic maps and correlations between the variables within and between each domain were explored using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, with particular focus on children in families. Local planning documents were scrutinised to ascertain the use and value of the data.


RESULTS
A broad range of data described a comprehensive picture of health and social inequalities within the borough. Multiple deprivation tended to cluster in electoral divisions, particularly for data relating to children, painting an overwhelming picture of inequality in life chances. The data were used in a wide range of local partnership planning initiatives, including the Health Improvement Programme, Children's Services Plan, and a successful Healthy Living Centre bid.


CONCLUSIONS
Local authority data can help primary care organisations in a population approach to needs assessment for use in local partnership planning targeted at reducing health inequalities.
Fone
David
D
Directorate of Public Health, Gwent Health Authority, Pontypool. david.fone@gwent-ha.wales.nhs.uk
Jones
Andrew
A
Watkins
John
J
Lester
Nathan
N
Cole
Jane
J
Thomas
Gary
G
Webber
Margaret
M
Coyle
Edward
E
D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D011204:Poverty Areas; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014852:Wales