Population Health Framework: evidence paper

1. Introduction

1.1. Background and aims

The Population Health Framework (PHF) is a ten-year framework which sets out a long-term, collective approach to improving population health and reducing health inequalities in Scotland. The PHF has been co-developed by the Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) in collaboration with partners such as Public Health Scotland (PHS) and Scotland's Directors of Public Health. The framework is complementary to wider reform and renewal efforts, including the Public Service Reform Strategy and the Health and Social Care Service Renewal Framework.

The guiding principles of the PHF are to:

• Prioritise creating and maintaining good health and preventing ill health
• Focus support on the people and communities who need it the most
• Change systems and environments to support individuals to stay healthy
• Deliver through a whole system approach – nationally and locally

This report sits as a companion piece to the PHF, presenting a narrative of evidence on population health in Scotland. It provides an overview of the current status of population health in Scotland and projections of future trends, drawing on robust and relevant data and research. It also identifies key challenges the PHF must address and where there are opportunities to make progress, as well as examining a range of evidence-based policy approaches with the potential to enhance health and wellbeing and reduce inequalities in Scotland. In doing so, the report provides the evidence base for the PHF, including its framing across key primary drivers of health, the importance of their overlap, and the rationale for the choice of initial priorities and actions outlined in the framework.

1.2. Approach and scope

The report covers published research and evidence that is of relevance to the PHF. The content was developed with input from experts across various sectors, including through a series of evidence sessions held by Scottish Government analysts between March and May 2024. The evidence sessions brought together experts from the Scottish Government, academia, PHS, the NHS and the third sector to share insights on a range of topics, including diet and healthy weight, place and health, the early years, and health and healthcare inequalities.

While not intended to offer a complete appraisal of existing research on population health in Scotland, the report summarises a range of different types of evidence, including peer reviewed journal articles, reports from government and third sector organisations, and routinely gathered statistical and administrative data. The focus is predominantly on research conducted in Scotland, although evidence from other parts of the UK and international evidence is also considered where relevant. As well as the evidence sessions, the research presented in this report was identified through searches of databases and the websites of key organisations.