Health, Wellbeing, and Public Health

Helping clients understand how a range of conditions and lifestyle choices impact public health, as well as how sustained behaviour change can improve health outcomes and reduce health inequalities

Research, commentary, and events

Project
The indirect economic and societal burden of seasonal influenza on the UK
29 Mar 2022

In 2019, absenteeism and presenteeism cost the UK economy almost £92 billion because of ill-health, but the economic burden specific to seasonal influenza is not well understood. Researchers are exploring the indirect economic and societal burden of seasonal influenza, including its effects on the UK healthcare system.
Project
The socioeconomic impact of poor indoor climate on health and life satisfaction
22 Mar 2022

Poor indoor climate can result in a higher risk of health and wellbeing disorders, especially in children, the elderly and those with existing health conditions. Exposure of Europeans to damp, mould, and insufficient daylight in residential buildings could cost €53 billion over the next 30 years.
Project
Understanding industry contributions to the fight against antimicrobial resistance
01 Feb 2022

The AMR Industry Alliance brings together over 100 biotechnology, diagnostic, generics and research-based biopharmaceutical companies and trade associations in the fight against AMR. RAND Europe assessed the progress of AMRIA members in contributing to tackling AMR and found they are making a difference on diverse fronts.
Project
Assessing the landscape of longitudinal data collection related to gambling
25 Jan 2022

Researchers assessed the feasibility for expanding longitudinal data collection on gambling in the UK. They provide six distinct options, each with their own strengths and drawbacks, for consideration by the charity Action Against Gambling Harms.
Project
Smoke-free environments and the advertising of tobacco and related products
04 Jan 2022

Although EU member states are generally compliant with national rules on smoke-free environments and tobacco-related advertising, some areas require closer scrutiny, including protecting children from the harms of smoking.
Project
Assessing EHR for infectious disease surveillance, prevention and control
10 Dec 2021

Electronic health records (EHR) data could greatly help infectious disease surveillance, but their use varies across Europe. Researchers mapped EHR use to assess the feasibility of using EHR data for infectious disease surveillance.
Commentary
Green Light for Cannabis Legalisation in Germany Is Not a Clear-Cut Decision
06 Dec 2021

The new “traffic light” coalition in Germany recently agreed to regulate the sale of cannabis to adults for recreational purposes in licensed shops. International experience has shown that great care is needed in how cannabis policy is shaped.
Project
Assessing POCT for infectious disease surveillance, prevention and control
02 Dec 2021

Researchers examined the availability of point-of-care testing (POCT) devices to diagnose 56 communicable diseases and related health issues under EU surveillance — not including COVID-19 — and mapped trends in the use of POCT in Europe.
Project
Making outcome-based payment a reality in the NHS: Phase 2
23 Nov 2021

To prepare for the implementation of a pilot scheme to pay for cancer drugs based on achieved outcomes, researchers addressed issues identified in the first phase of research, such as the quality and completeness of real-world data on key patient outcomes.
Project
The impact of antimicrobial resistance on modern medicine
30 Sep 2021

Most research on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) focuses on its effects on communicable diseases. But AMR can result in a wide variety of negative outcomes for patients with non-communicable health conditions and/or who are exposed to certain healthcare services.
Commentary
Australia Contained COVID-19 Early On. Can It Do the Same with Synthetic Opioids?
30 Apr 2021

Australia is at risk of a fentanyl problem, but it is better prepared than North America. If the country can make the same kind of concerted effort it did to keep COVID-19 at bay, that could save thousands of lives.
Commentary
Equal, Rapid Access to Vaccines Is More Important Than Ever as New COVID-19 Variants Emerge
09 Feb 2021

Vaccine nationalism could prolong the pandemic and lead to preventable deaths. If some countries don't receive timely access to vaccines, then the virus will continue to spread in some populations, mutate further, and potentially render existing vaccines less effective.
Project
Evaluation design for multiple long-term health conditions programme
29 Jan 2021

Complex evaluations at multiple levels are gathering evidence for Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity on societal determinants of health such as housing, debt, racism and labour markets. The findings will inform policy to help those most at risk of developing long-term conditions.
Project
COVID-19 and the cost of vaccine nationalism
28 Oct 2020

Without a vaccine, the worldwide economic impact of COVID-19 could be $3.4 trillion a year. But even when a vaccine is available, an unequal allocation of COVID-19 vaccines could cost the global economy up to $1.2 trillion a year in GDP.
Multimedia
Sustainable Pharmaceutical Innovation for COVID-19 and Other Infectious Diseases
16 Sep 2020

RAND Europe's Sonja Marjanovic describes the critical success criteria for innovation in infectious disease, antimicrobial, and vaccine research and development.