HEAT case study
Gloucestershire colleagues adopted HEAT and tested it on the Gloucestershire Carers Hub.
The project was led by a commissioning officer who had an insight into the work of the Carers Hub, through his experience within the Older People’s Hub, and public health.
The project team included colleagues in the Older People’s Hub and the Data and Analysis team at Gloucestershire County Council, with some advice from one of the public health team (in the council’s Prevention, Wellbeing and Communities Hub).
The project was led by a commissioning officer who had an insight into the work of the Carers Hub, through his experience within the Older People’s Hub, and public health.
The project team included colleagues in the Older People’s Hub and the Data and Analysis team at Gloucestershire County Council, with some advice from one of the public health team (in the council’s Prevention, Wellbeing and Communities Hub).
We were interested in looking at whether groups were fairly represented in the service data. We looked at service data to see which groups were accessing the Carers Hub and compared this to what we might expect to see, based on the data we have about carers and the general population.
We wanted to use this insight to think about whether there was any work we undertake with the Carer’s Hub to widen access for any groups not fairly represented.
We were interested in looking at whether groups were fairly represented in the service data. We looked at service data to see which groups were accessing the Carers Hub and compared this to what we might expect to see, based on the data we have about carers and the general population.
We wanted to use this insight to think about whether there was any work we undertake with the Carer’s Hub to widen access for any groups not fairly represented.
The tool is straightforward to use; it did not feel too arduous to apply, which made it much easier to engage with around other work. It is also flexible in that you can get as in-depth as you want to.
The tool is straightforward to use; it did not feel too arduous to apply, which made it much easier to engage with around other work. It is also flexible in that you can get as in-depth as you want to.
We had anticipated that we might find that those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds may be less likely to access the service and therefore, not fairly represented with the data, in line with what we would expect from looking at the general population in Gloucestershire. However, we realised that this was not the case, and it was helpful to have our assumptions challenged.
We then looked at age and found that there were fewer working age carers accessing the Carers Hub than we might expect based on the available data. We were then able to explore some of the relevant issues, such as working age adults being less able to access support during normal working hours, and potentially prefer support offered in the evening, on the weekend or online.
We then looked at the urban/rural divide and found that there was more take up of support in urban areas. Again, this helped us to think about the relevant issues, such as transport issues, digital support options (and digital exclusion) and outreach opportunities.
We had anticipated that we might find that those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds may be less likely to access the service and therefore, not fairly represented with the data, in line with what we would expect from looking at the general population in Gloucestershire. However, we realised that this was not the case, and it was helpful to have our assumptions challenged.
We then looked at age and found that there were fewer working age carers accessing the Carers Hub than we might expect based on the available data. We were then able to explore some of the relevant issues, such as working age adults being less able to access support during normal working hours, and potentially prefer support offered in the evening, on the weekend or online.
We then looked at the urban/rural divide and found that there was more take up of support in urban areas. Again, this helped us to think about the relevant issues, such as transport issues, digital support options (and digital exclusion) and outreach opportunities.
We planned to hold events in local community venues and facilitate focus groups to discuss some of the barriers and enablers for carers in accessing support. We felt this would help us to gain insights and collect qualitative data which would supplement the quantitative data we had been reviewing.
We planned to hold events in local community venues and facilitate focus groups to discuss some of the barriers and enablers for carers in accessing support. We felt this would help us to gain insights and collect qualitative data which would supplement the quantitative data we had been reviewing.
It helped to start a conversation about how we can view things differently and work in partnership with service providers to take a targeted approach to ensure we offer a service which can be accessed by as many groups as possible.
It helped to start a conversation about how we can view things differently and work in partnership with service providers to take a targeted approach to ensure we offer a service which can be accessed by as many groups as possible.
HEAT is a tool which I would like to continue using in my work. It has given me a ‘lens’ through which I can think about my work, and it has helped me to continue to be aware of health inequalities. It is a good framework, and it has certain aspects which can be adapted to suit you.
HEAT is a tool which I would like to continue using in my work. It has given me a ‘lens’ through which I can think about my work, and it has helped me to continue to be aware of health inequalities. It is a good framework, and it has certain aspects which can be adapted to suit you.
Due to other demands on our time, it has taken us longer than we anticipated, but due to its flexibility, in theory, applying HEAT is a process which can be as long or as short as you like.
Due to other demands on our time, it has taken us longer than we anticipated, but due to its flexibility, in theory, applying HEAT is a process which can be as long or as short as you like.
Establish who ‘owns’ this project and who they will report to, to ensure momentum is sustained. Regularly revisit the purpose of this exercise with your project group to ensure everyone is clear. If it is a priority then the time to focus on it must be created.
The individual leading on the application of the tool should be integral to project. It would have been easier to suggest and implement changes if I had been working with the Carers Hub through other work because I would have better understood the work of the Carers Hub and had existing relationships.
Give yourself time and deadlines to move things along because otherwise this work can get side-lined.
Do not be surprised if you do not find what you were expecting to find, keep an open mind so that you can move your attention to something new, and keep digging!
Look into whether you will be able access the data you need to investigate your lines of inquiry, this will take up some capacity from those within your organisations who can help you with data and intelligence.
Establish who ‘owns’ this project and who they will report to, to ensure momentum is sustained. Regularly revisit the purpose of this exercise with your project group to ensure everyone is clear. If it is a priority then the time to focus on it must be created.
The individual leading on the application of the tool should be integral to project. It would have been easier to suggest and implement changes if I had been working with the Carers Hub through other work because I would have better understood the work of the Carers Hub and had existing relationships.
Give yourself time and deadlines to move things along because otherwise this work can get side-lined.
Do not be surprised if you do not find what you were expecting to find, keep an open mind so that you can move your attention to something new, and keep digging!
Look into whether you will be able access the data you need to investigate your lines of inquiry, this will take up some capacity from those within your organisations who can help you with data and intelligence.
Greater opportunities to meet with communities and gained qualitative data which brings complex issues to life. This could include surveys and focus groups.
Working with providers who are flexible in their approach and will try new things to meet the needs of groups most likely to be impacted by health inequalities.
Championing and role-modelling equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace, across the Integrated Care System.
Greater opportunities to meet with communities and gained qualitative data which brings complex issues to life. This could include surveys and focus groups.
Working with providers who are flexible in their approach and will try new things to meet the needs of groups most likely to be impacted by health inequalities.
Championing and role-modelling equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace, across the Integrated Care System.
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