Mitigating inequalities at a large COVID-19 vaccination centre.

Introduction: The COVID-19 vaccination service is a key component in the UK approach to reducing disease morbidity and mortality. Groups within the population at increased risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 overlap with groups that are less likely to take up the offer of vaccination. This article outlines some learning from approaches within a large vaccination centre in the UK to reduce inequalities. Solution: Continuous quality improvement processes were used to operationalise the mitigations to inequalities with vaccination uptake that were identified by a systematic equality impact assessment framework and continuous service feedback. Outcome: Quality improvement processes and community engagement enabled tailored mitigations to vaccination uptake. Engagement with community ambassadors strengthened community relationships and the co-creation of bespoke sessions encouraged vaccination uptake within specific groups. Conclusion: Recommendations for strengthening approaches to inequality reduction include having a systematic framework for assessment and mitigation of inequalities, embedding quality improvement, identifying resources, and taking a collaborative and co-design approach to services with underserved groups.

Psychological Wellbeing and Grit Among Freelancers in the UK Dance Industry.

The UK dance industry is composed largely of freelance workers, yet freelancers are an under-researched population within the dance science literature. The aim of this study was to investigate psychological wellbeing and grit (a combination of passion and persistence) among freelancers working in various roles in the UK dance sector. A total of 282 freelancers completed validated questionnaires tapping psychological wellbeing and grit (the 18-item Psychological Wellbeing Scale and Short Grit Scale). Analyses revealed relatively high levels of wellbeing, with participants scoring particularly high on personal growth and purpose in life (15.73 and 14.11, respectively, out of a maximum of 18). They also had high levels of grit (3.90 ± 0.33 out of a maximum of 5). Freelancers who identified as being early career reported significantly higher levels of grit than the mid and late career groups. Significant positive correlations were found between grit and the wellbeing domains of personal growth, purpose in life, and positive relations. Overall, the results of this study support previous qualitative research suggesting that a freelance dance career may provide elements of psychological wellbeing, and that passion and persistence towards long-term goals could be essential in the pursuit of a freelance career.

Patient involvement could lead to better care and fewer complaints.

The patient feedback scheme at a London midwifery unit ( news September 7 ) is a reflection of today's consumer-driven climate in the NHS. Trusts are actively seeking and encouraging patient and public involvement at every opportunity.