Aiming for health gain in the UK

Health gain is a term describing an improvement in health status, arising from defined inputs. The focus on outcome is a welcome change from the traditional emphasis in the health sector on structures and process of care. Inputs include the spectrum of health care from primary prevention through to rehabilitation. The health gained from such interventions depends on the effectiveness of care and the willingness particularly of doctors to change practice to aspects of care of known benefit to patients. Relatively modest inputs in health care can lead to considerable health gain. This has economic implications in a climate of reducing resources for health care internationally. However at a population level, better health may result from inputs in sectors other than health, particularly education, housing and higher employment rates. The public also need a mechanism for becoming involved in the debate about improving their health. The developments to support health gain in the UK have opened up a challenging new era for the health services there.