The NHS Health Check – increasing uptake to tackle health inequalities
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Healthwatch Bath and North East Somerset looks at why some people are less likely to attend an NHS Health Check, despite the service helping to identify early signs of serious health conditions and reduce future risk. They spoke to local people and GP practices to understand awareness, barriers and what might encourage more people to take part.
While many who attend a Health Check find it useful and make positive changes to their health, uptake remains uneven. People most at risk - including men, younger adults and those in lower income communities - are less likely to attend.
The findings show that awareness of the Health Check is still limited, particularly among people engaged face to face. Some people said they had not received an invitation, were unsure what the Health Check involved, or ignored messages, especially when sent by text.
Practical barriers also play a role. These include difficulty attending appointments during working hours, limited transport, and challenges booking appointments. For some, wider factors such as lack of time, low motivation, or concerns about engaging with health services - particularly among men - also influenced decisions.
When people do attend a Health Check, the experience is overwhelmingly positive. Most respondents said it helped them understand their health better, with many making lifestyle changes as a result.
To improve uptake, Healthwatch recommend a stronger focus on awareness, communication and accessibility. This includes clearer, more informative invitations, using a mix of communication methods rather than relying on text messages alone, and tailoring messages to different groups.
They also recommend making it easier for people to attend by offering flexible appointment times, a range of booking options, and opportunities to combine the Health Check with other appointments. Outreach in community settings and workplaces could help reach those least likely to engage.
Finally, Healthwatch recommends continued focus on reducing inequalities by targeting groups who are less likely to attend, monitoring uptake across different communities, and involving local people in shaping future improvements.