Social Policy and Health
Public policies beyond healthcare - such as welfare, taxation, alcohol pricing and social care - have powerful effects on population health and inequalities. This theme investigates how these broader social policies and social care services impact health outcomes.
Research Focus
We evaluate policies and services using methods such as natural experiment studies and microsimulation. We also contribute to the development of robust evidence synthesis techniques for complex public health interventions. We utilise health, social care and social determinants data to assess care pathways at the interface between health- and social care services and evaluate high-profile policy reforms.
Key Projects
- Universal Credit evaluation on mental health and pathways of impact.
- Assessment of Minimum Unit Pricing for alcohol in Scotland.
- Studies of health equity and welfare policy across Europe, and in low- and middle-income countries such as Brazil and Ecuador.
- Assessment of different pathways into care homes.
- Evaluation of interventions for children in foster care.
Policy Impact
Our work informs evidence-based reform in welfare and public health policy and has led to the publication of methodological guidance by major funding bodies.
Please contact Vittal Katikireddi or Claudia Geue for more information.
