METHODOLOGY

Given the usefulness of ENHIS it seems logical to evaluate and develop the use of such a system to a sub-national (regional and/or local) level in Europe. Therefore this project is seeking to use the core set of ENHIS indicators to assess public health linked to environmental exposures at a regional level. Furthermore social, cultural and political issues will also be considered by the use of a modified DPSEEA model which was developed in Scotland by one of the collaborating partners. This modified model recognises that whether a particular aspect of the environment (a State) results in an Exposure for the individual and whether that exposure results in a health Effect (positive or negative) and is influenced by Context. That context may be demographic, social, behavioural, cultural, genetic etc. and aspects of Context may also be targets for policy and action to improve the health outcome. The complementary nature of the group will also enable it to focus on these issues in the development of the indicator set.

New indicators will be developed where appropriate, using information which is collected locally/regionally within participating countries. The main reasons for extending from countries to regions is that the regions of most countries, the larger countries in particular, are quite heterogeneous in terms of environmental health indicators, and that regional/local assessments would allow focussing on specific urban areas. Comparisons between regions within different countries in the European Union could also be based on socio-economic status, geography, rural/urban classification etc. This would be a very useful means of identifying health inequalities and sharing policies and interventions with positive measured outcomes.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

The European Commission has identified as a priority the need to establish a group of experts to develop a sustainable health information system to monitor and review the quality and consistency of health information across Europe thereby generating and disseminating health information and knowledge. The primary outcome of this project will be a standardised system for the collation and reporting of environment and health information at a regional level across Europe. Through the use of the system it will be possible to identify health inequalities among regions within European countries. Further more the project will contribute to another one of the Commission’s priority regarding health promotion through a possible reduction in health inequalities between regions as supporting capability building in the development of policies for public health and health promotion. The creation of a consistent and common framework within Europe will facilitate the comparability of health status data and help to identify those policies and interventions that deliver positive health outcomes and facilitate their transfer to other appropriate European regions.