Read all about it

An interesting study from the US compares public health professionals’ and journalists’ understanding of what makes a good story. The study considers the role and meaning of health literacy, with particular focus on the health news agenda for local newspapers. An excellent example of the divergence between biomedical science and news agendas can be found in the splendid deconstruction on NHS Choices Behind the Headlines of the “laughter really is the best medicine” study coverage. Elsewhere, Rob Findlay, in a series on the HSJ blog, has been looking at how UK newspapers report healthcare stats and waiting times in particular.

Breathless

Around one in four people are “likely to be diagnosed and receive medical attention for COPD during their lifetime” according to a recent Canadian study published in the Lancet, which compares lifetime risk for COPD with that for other chronic diseases. Another study published in BMC Public Health takes an international perspective on assessing impact of COPD in the working age population. While there’s general agreement that this condition presents a huge challenge to health services, there’s less agreement on approaches. With the recent publication of an outcomes strategy (for COPD and asthma) and quality standards, DH has taken a stand. Current spending is mapped by Dr Foster for Pulse, revealing the inevitable variations. HSJ reports on GP-commissioned clinics for COPD in Norfolk, designed to promote self-management and reduce hospital admissions. NHS Improvement summarises what has been learned from National Improvement Projects on managing COPD as a long term condition, again focusing on self-management and reducing admissions.