How will area regeneration impact on health? Learning from the GoWell study

Summary 

Objectives

To establish the theoretical and perceived links between area regeneration and health in a Scottish context in order to inform a comprehensive evaluation of regeneration activity. The evaluation will include health outcomes.

Study design

Mixed method combining and comparing key informant interviews with policy analysis.

Methods

Analysis of identified links between elements of regeneration activity and health was undertaken of published policies and strategies which described regeneration for Scotland and the city of Glasgow. Interviews with key informants explored their understanding of the inputs to regeneration, and the pathways between regeneration and better health outcomes.

Results

The policy analysis and interviews revealed a holistic approach to a complex problem. Both identified a need for action to improve housing, neighbourhoods and services, education, employment, community participation and social issues. Improved health was identified as an emergent property. Interviewees identified a need to augment the established structural components with a more person-centred approach, fostering confidence and higher aspirations, but were uncertain how to achieve this. The interviews revealed a lack of confidence that current practice would deliver all the components of the holistic model.

Conclusions

A holistic model of regeneration appears to inform policy, but is proving difficult to deliver. Improved health and reduced health inequalities were not primary objectives but emergent properties. In light of this, the ability of regeneration to actively maximize positive health impacts, particularly if this requires focused planning or opportunity costs to other activities, is questioned.

Keywords: Health inequalities, Area regeneration, Theories of change