Predicted and observed impacts of COVID-19 lockdowns: two Health Impact Assessments in Scotland and Wales

Abstract

Health Impact Assessment is a key approach used internationally to identify positive or negative impacts of policies, plans and proposals on health and well-being. In 2020, HIAs were undertaken in Scotland and Wales to identify the potential health and well-being impacts of the ‘stay at home’ and physical distancing measures implemented at the start of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. There is sparse evidence evaluating whether the impacts predicted in HIAs occur following policy implementation. This paper evaluates the impacts anticipated in the COVID-19 HIAs against actual observed trends. The processes undertaken were compared and predicted impacts were tabulated by population groups and main determinants of health. Routine data and literature evidence were collated to compare predicted and observed impacts. Nearly all health impacts anticipated in both HIAs have occurred in the direction predicted. There have been significant adverse impacts through multiple direct and indirect pathways including loss of income, social isolation, disruption to education and services, and psychosocial effects. This research demonstrates the value of prediction in impact assessment and fills a gap in the literature by comparing the predicted impacts identified within the HIAs with observed trends. Post-COVID-19 recovery should centre health and well-being within future policies and decisions. Processes like HIA can support this as part of a ‘health in all policies’ approach to improve the health and well-being of populations.

Safe and welcoming “warm hubs”: Building social connections and inclusion in Welsh communities

“…The societal effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including social distancing measures, have had a lasting impact on well-being, including social interaction and isolation, as well as reducing access to services (Dahlgren & Whitehead, 2021;Green et al, 2022). Within Wales, certain population groups have been particularly impacted, including socially deprived communities, older people and those on low incomes (Green et al, 2022).…”

“…The societal effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including social distancing measures, have had a lasting impact on well-being, including social interaction and isolation, as well as reducing access to services (Dahlgren & Whitehead, 2021;Green et al, 2022). Within Wales, certain population groups have been particularly impacted, including socially deprived communities, older people and those on low incomes (Green et al, 2022). In response, public services, including the police and local government workers, are increasingly employing a public health trauma-informed and preventative approach to helping communities (Jones, 2020;Snowdon et al, 2020).…”

A Framework for Implementing National Respiratory Guidelines in Wales

“…We showed that although acceptance and adoption can be measured, adherence is influenced by multiple cofounding factors. Here, adherence to the All Wales COVID-19 hospital guidelines was likely also influenced by local pathways (even geographical layout of hospitals), other national guidance including NICE (424) and WHO (425), lock down (426,427), background comorbidities and health inequality in Wales (428), clinical capacity, and capabilities (as some systems became overwhelmed) (429), as well as policy learnings from experiences of other countries (430,431).…”