NHS Health Check programme: a protocol for a realist review.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Services Research
• Cardiovascular Disease Prevention

Background:

• The NHS Health Check programme aims to reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in England's adult population.
• Delivery varies significantly across Local Authorities (LAs), impacting uptake and implementation.
• Understanding these variations is crucial for optimizing the programme's effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the operational mechanisms of the NHS Health Check in diverse settings and populations.
• To identify factors influencing programme delivery and outcomes.
• To inform evidence-based recommendations for improving the NHS Health Check programme.

Main Methods:

• A realist review following Pawson's five iterative stages.
• A survey distributed to all 152 Local Authorities in England.
• Stakeholder engagement with public health bodies, providers, and the public.

Main Results:

• Significant variation exists in NHS Health Check activity and implementation across different areas.
• Detailed data on programme delivery, including COVID-19 impacts and referral services, will be mapped.
• The study will correlate delivery data with programme outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Findings will guide tailored strategies for improving NHS Health Check implementation and design.
• Recommendations will focus on enhancing delivery in varied settings and for diverse population groups.
• The research aims to maximize the intended outcomes of cardiovascular risk reduction.