Research links deprivation to hospital admissions

The findings, which were published in a recent issue of the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine cast doubt over Government plans to cut avoidable admission rates as outlined in January’s White Paper. “This study shows that unless the Government directly addresses issues of deprivation, Primary Care Trusts and GPs will be criticised for aspects of healthcare utilisation that are not under their direct control,” said lead researcher Dr Sonia Saxena.

The study analysed data from London’s 31 Primary Care Trusts and examined the association between ill health, material deprivation and hospital admission rates for potentially avoidable admissions.

The researchers used age-standardised hospital admission rates for asthma, diabetes, heart failure, hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These chronic diseases, which are often demanding of hospital resources, can be managed successfully in Primary Care settings with early detection and appropriate management.