NHS Health Check programme: a rapid review update

Abstract

ObjectiveTo update a rapid review published in 2017, which evaluated the NHS Health Check programme.MethodsAn enlarged body of evidence was used to readdress six research objectives from a rapid review published in 2017, relating to the uptake, patient experiences and effectiveness of the NHS Health Check programme. Data sources included MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, Health Management Information Consortium (HMIC), Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Global Health, PsycINFO, the Cochrane Library, NHS Evidence, Google Scholar, Google, ClinicalTrials.gov and the ISRCTN registry, Web of Science, Science Citation Index, The Cochrane Library, NHS Evidence, OpenGrey and hand searching article reference lists. These searches identified records from between January 1996 and December 2019. Screening, data extraction and quality appraisal using the Critical Appraisals Skills Programme checklists were performed in duplicate. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluations was implemented. Data were synthesised narratively.Results697 studies were identified, and 29 new studies included in the review update. The number of published studies on the uptake, patient experiences and effectiveness of the NHS Health Check programme has increased by 43% since the rapid review published in 2017. However, findings from the original review remain largely unchanged. NHS Health Checks led to an overall increase in the detection of raised risk factors and morbidities including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, raised blood pressure, cholesterol and chronic kidney disease. Individuals most likely to attend the NHS Health Check programme included women, persons aged ≥60 years and those from more socioeconomically advantaged backgrounds. Opportunistic invitations increased uptake among men, younger persons and those with a higher deprivation level.ConclusionsAlthough results are inconsistent between studies, the NHS Health Check programme is associated with increased detection of heightened cardiovascular disease risk factors and diagnoses. Uptake varied between population subgroups. Opportunistic invitations may increase uptake.

2023 ESH Guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension The Task Force for the management of arterial hypertension of the European Society of Hypertension

“…However, participation in the screening procedures may be less in some categories (e.g. men, younger individuals, people with lower socioeconomic backgrounds) than in others [59]. In the USA, the US Preventive Services Task Force suggests screening for hypertension in adults aged 18 years or older [60].…”

“…Despite limited evidence on the optimal frequency of screening, they recommend yearly screening in adults 40 years old and in those at increased risk for developing hypertension such as blacks, individuals with high-normal BP and people who are overweight or obese [60]. Opportunistic BP measurements are now also encouraged in several countries [59] and have been recently supported in USA by the increased detection, treatment and control of hypertension associated with BP measurements in barber shops or by pharmacists [61]. Based on the available evidence, we recommend opportunistic screening for hypertension in all adults (i.e.…”

Critical Assessment of Current Health Policies Used for Managing Diabetes in the United Kingdom.

“…Despite herein discussed limitations of NHS-HC targeted screening programme, analytic investigation of its effectiveness between 2013-2017 showed improved detection of T2DM in attendees than in no attendees, see Figure 1. Those findings suggest that after further reduction of above-mentioned limitations in line with expanding scope of the programme for younger population these outcomes might be further improved in the future [21]. Second existent universal awareness programme in the UK is the NHS Diabetes scheme.…”

Missing persons? Men's use of primary care services

“…A review of almost 100 studies from 2009 to 2019 for Public Health England found that most of those that looked at sex differences concluded that men were less likely to attend. 2 It seems clear, therefore, that men of working age (under 65 years) are making less use of general practice than women. Previous research, albeit using data from 2010, has additionally shown that the difference cannot be accounted for by women attending for reproductive issues; even if these are taken into account, men of working age are still significantly less likely to attend (Figure 1).…”

“…Health checks aim to detect risk factors for heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease and stroke. A review of almost 100 studies from 2009 to 2019 for Public Health England found that most of those that looked at sex differences concluded that men were less likely to attend 2 …”