Impact Centre for Primary Health and Social Care

Impact of research

Healthier takeaways in low-income communities

This Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) project sought to address key public health concerns regarding the unhealthy nature of fast food, particularly in more deprived areas where fast food outlets tend to be more concentrated. Research undertaken by Prof Eileen O’Keefe, Susan Bagwell and Simon Doff (Cities Institute) resulted in a Takeaways Toolkit which has been effective in developing healthier catering practices by devising specific business models, identifying culturally-sensitive behaviour change strategies, and working with takeaway suppliers to reformulate and promote healthier products for businesses to purchase.

Improving physical activity in cancer survivors

The Move More Pack, a point-based intervention supported by Internet tools, was developed following discussions with cancer survivors, and was underpinned by behavioural theory.

A randomised waiting-list control trial with a cost-consequence analysis, undertaken by Justin Webb shows that the Move More Pack can significantly improve physical activity in cancer survivors over 12 weeks with changes maintained at 24 weeks over a standard letter recommendation at a cost of £45.13 per improvement. Healthcare professionals can support the effective distribution of the Move More Pack to those likely to benefit from its use.