Factors shaping gender incongruence and gender dysphoria, and impact on health services
Laura outlines what is known about the factors that shape gender incongruence and gender dysphoria. The briefing looks at the systems in place for children, adolescents and adults and the impact on the NHS from increased referrals for gender identity care.
Child food insecurity and Free School Meals
Stephanie summarises child food insecurity and Free School Meal initiatives in England. The POSTnote highlights relevant research evidence, provides stakeholder perspectives, and discusses the challenges involved in providing Free School Meals.
Public health and climate change: a One Health approach
Hannah discusses how the One Health approach can be used to tackle key impacts of climate change and threats to public health. The POSTnote takes a global perspective on implementation, with areas of focus on UK policy.
Katerina outlines the components and outcomes of different Problem-solving courts. The POSTnote goes on to highlight the opportunities and challenges to implementation across England and Wales.
Mental Health Act reform – children and young people
Susie describes how and when the Mental Health Act (MHA) 1983 is used to treat children and young people under 18. This POSTnote was released after the government published a draft Mental Health Bill to amend the MHA and it includes stakeholder perspectives on the potential impact of the reforms.
Invisible disabilities in education and employment
Rebecca discusses the types of invisible disabilities in the UK and relevant legislation and policy. The briefing also explores the experiences of adults with invisible disabilities and strategies aimed at increasing access and inclusion.
Devyani’s POSTnote on the ethical debate around assisted dying examines how it functions within health services where it is legal as well as evidence and expert opinion on key practical considerations.
Faye provides an overview of current trends in distance learning including supporting digital skills for life and work, personalising learning programmes, and higher education models.
Monitoring wastewater for COVID-19
In this rapid response, Amelie looks at the role of wastewater monitoring systems in detecting COVID-19 outbreaks and supporting the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Screen use and health in young people
Amelie looks at the opportunities and risks of using screens for children and young people. The briefing outlines the evidence on the possible effects on health and development and how to support healthy screen use.
Early interventions to reduce violent crime
Francesca looks at the types and prevalence of violent crime, describing the risk factors associated with involvement as a victim or perpetrator of violent crime. The POSTnote also presents evidence on the effectiveness of early interventions.
Sleep and Health: Lev explains existing research on sleep and sleep disorders. This includes the effects of poor sleep on performance and health, as well as its role in road safety, education and more.
Shift work: Lev examines how working outside of daytime hours affects overall health and performance. The briefing highlights how research can inform the design of interventions to manage these impacts.
Sleep and Long-Term Health: Lev describes existing research examining the long-term health outcomes associated with disruptions to sleep and the circadian rhythm including mental health, obesity and neurogenerative disease.
Cressida’s POSTnote – funded by the Nuffield Council on Bioethics – assesses current approaches to promoting integrity in research, how these mechanisms can be improved and current challenges within research culture.
Joanna examines how housing, outdoor space, and transport can be made more age-friendly. The POSTnote also looks at challenges to design and implementation, including public attitudes, economic barriers, and local planning.
Lucy discusses the current methods used to manage and treat obesity, including population-wide interventions focused on preventing obesity, lifestyle interventions, specialist services, and weight-loss surgery.
Louise describes the causes and prevalence of allergic disorders in children and investigates the links between allergy, genetics and the environment.