English health profiles--did they do what was expected? An evaluation of Health Profiles 2006

To assess the impact of Health Profiles 2006 by English local authorities, and to determine what changes need to be made to the profiles to have an impact on their target audience.

A telephone- and web-based survey of a sample of the health profiles' target audience was conducted, along with an analysis of web statistics.

In total, 285 telephone interviews were undertaken. Fifty-three percent of the respondents were National Health Service employees. An evaluation form was also available through the Health Profiles website, which elicited 117 responses (19 scrutiny officers and 83 members of the public).

There was a positive response to the content and format of Health Profiles 2006. The majority of respondents felt that the profiles provided a unique summary of local-authority-based health and health inequality information that was both accessible and understandable.

A number of recommendations are made to improve health profile production as a tool for information for health improvement. These include simplifying graphics, greater local input into commentary, and a more interactive website so that the data can be accessed and explored. However, the recommendations for change must be viewed alongside the number of comments specifically relating to the English health profiles that nothing should be changed other than updating the data and filling in the gaps.