1. Early Years Pathfinder Update July 2012
A response to Welsh Government policy
Goal: to drive forward improvement in early years health and social outcomes
“I want a Wales fit for generations to come …
What motivates me is doing my very best to ensure a brighter, sustainable future for [my grandchildren and their grandchildren] and every other child growing up in Wales today … [Therefore], top of the list … of our priorities which will continue to improve the quality of life for people today and in the future … is sustainability” Rhodri Morgan, First Minister,
8 February 2008
Pre-conception
Pregnancy
Birth
0 – 5 years
Measuring and tracking health and well-being
Evidence synthesis
What should we be doing?
What will the impact be?
Communication and engagement
Driving forward improvement (implementation)
Risk factors in pregnancy
Achievements so far
First Trimester
Control arm of a case –control study (n=217)
Cigarette smoking
45.6%
Binge drinking
37.4%
Illegal drug use
4.6%
Obese or overweight
41.1%
Pilots underway in Aneurin Bevan Health Board for a holistic child surveillance system utilising data from health boards, local government and other agencies (e.g. education, social services).
A suite of indicators agreed and endorsed.
Evidence synthesis review of smoking in pregnancy completed.
Pilots to evaluate different models of delivery for smoking cessation to pregnant women in progress in four health boards.
Evidence synthesis reviews for substance misuse and alcohol; physical activity and nutrition in pregnancy and early years indicators and interventions in progress.
Paranjothy, Palmer et al The role of maternal nutrition in the aetiology of gastroschisis: An incident case control study. IJE (accepted May 2012)