Contemporary Perspectives on Health Issues and Social Care

The provided document is a comprehensive assignment that delves into the realm of health issues and social care. It discusses the importance of mitigating risks associated with contemporary health problems, shedding light on the role of corporations and regulatory bodies in improving standardization procedures. The assignment also explores the horse meat scandal as a wake-up call for regulatory authorities. Additionally, it touches upon interprofessional teamwork, research methods, and the impact of social media on healthcare communication.

UNIT 19 CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN
HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE
TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................4
1.1 Explanation of information reaching the public
domain........................................................................................................................................4
1.2 Different techniques for disseminating information ............................................................4
1.3 Different ways of presenting information to influence attitudes, thoughts and behaviour of
people..........................................................................................................................................5
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................6
2.1 Media Ways to influence attitudes and
behaviour of people towards health and social care issues........................................................6
2.2 Assessment of reliability and validity of media
information about health and social care...................................................................................7
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................7
3.1 Carrying out research into different perspectives on Horse-meat scandal...........................7
3.2 Monitoring of different perspectives on Horse meat scandal.............................................9
3.3 Assessment of findings to health and social care practice locally......................................10
3.4 Analyse the factors for development of different perspectives
over a period.............................................................................................................................10
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................11
4.1 Analyse the extent to which local attitudes reflect those found at a national level.............11
4.2 Evaluate the validity of public attitudes and behaviours in relation to obesity..................12
4.3 Justify possible consequences of contemporary thinking for health and social
...................................................................................................................................................13
care provision and services.......................................................................................................13
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................13
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................14

INTRODUCTION
Contemporary outlook in the health and social care sector is one of the emerging
concepts in recent times. Presently, there has been a huge gap between the identification and
assessment of any medical conditions due to lack of awareness and responsive responsibility of
people. Its been evident that occurrence for improvements with respect to government policing,

taxation rules, hospital care standards and related terms which have been given a mediocre
exposure by public from time and again. This assignment will be emphasizing on the
contribution of such organisations to make people realise their significance with its overall
impact on their lives in terms for longer run. Along with this, there will be emphasis on
understanding the entire set up laid for mitigating the risk factors by employing the treatment
plans effectively at individual level.
TASK 1
1.1 Explanation of information reaching the public
domain
Contemporary means present day complexities occurring at simultaneous places. Here,
with reference to the contemporary issue in health and social care sector, three has been a sudden
rise and still increasing at an alarming rate (Best, 2017). UK is facing many challenges such as
obesity, diabetes and increase in abusive cases especially in children with elderly.
Consequently, these issues must be made aware amongst the public. Here, obesity is the
condition of crossing Body Mass Index (BMI) by measuring the excess fat that can affect the
quality of life and can lead to a number of life threatening conditions like coronary heart disease,
type 2 diabetes and more. Due to this obesity and rise in ageing population, it accelerated cases
for type 2 diabetes. It has become a common condition because of the rise in the sugar level or
glucose in blood due to imbalance of insulin hormone. This disease has long effects that is
affecting patient's daily lives. Along with these, abuse has become a synonym to UK's society.
This abuse can be segregated into emotional, psychological, physical and sexual abuse, and is
irrespective of gender or age of the victim. Additionally, there are number of domestic and
family violence, elderly abuse and child abuse. It's after effects are painful that takes substantial
amount of time to recuperate from it.
With advent of digitalization, it has become easier to connect with people on personal
level and assisted in generating awareness about the information related to the current issues in
this sector. Additionally, social campaigning, use of traditional tools like radio, TV, distributing
fliers, leaflets with newspapers has provided a platform to develop an understanding for
contemporary issues that is plaguing the society in adverse manner.

1.2 Different techniques for disseminating information
Disseminating information is the vital step in the health and social care since delivering
services is entirely based on the planning from the initialisation phase. It includes optimum
utilisation of resources by fulfilling the queries and apprehensions of people in context of health
issues. Along with, making them understandable about the legalities and procedure required in
specific disease.
For the same, use of both traditional and online methodologies has been implemented to
reach public domain effectively in terms of viability and reliability. Traditional methods
includes newspapers, leaflets, brochures etc. as UK has ageing population and are not tech savvy,
hence this is effective, available 24*7, delivering information in concise and coherent approach.
Along with this, mass media tools like TV, radio etc. is beneficial for awareness raising
messages in relation to contemporary issues. Its reach is widespread and can connect high class,
lower class, literate or illiterate or kids, local regulatory bodies with one another (DuBois and
Miley, 2013).
In addition to this, development in IT and internet, its utility has entered people's lives
smoothly and has been conferred as efficient in engaging people and developing interest in issues
through making videos, sharing news about organising fundraisers and campaigns like
marathons, social events through social media platforms like YouTube, Twitter, Facebook,
websites, emails etc. to raise money and build awareness as well.
For an instance, when any organisation or NGO is conducting a marathon, then usage of
these internet tools is helpful. They can create official pages on different social sites and make
videos, posters, leaflets, writing blogs, sending messages on Whatsapp or mobiles to attract
public for participation.
1.3 Different ways of presenting information to influence attitudes, thoughts and behaviour of
people
In today's era, it is important to understand the implications each procedure has on the
public's minds. Its overall impact will demonstrate their thought process, attitude and responsible
approach in their behaviour. For an instance, when NHS, UK conducted a marathon and
promoted using different channels. Foremost thing is to attract people at the first glance. Thus,
their designing team incorporated a plan that a specific format and style of presentation must be

used in making posters, leaflets, official pages etc. Along with, layout, size, font style, graphics,
colour combination are few parameters that they must keep in mind. Above all, the content is the
king, they implemented pie-charts, statistics as per people's perception and attitude that can
provoke their thought procedure differently.
However, these tools have both negative and positive influence on people. Few can
implement each strategic solution religiously and follow the daily regime with sincerity and in
health way. People employed different physical activities, quit fast food with alcohol
consumption and other beverages so that they can lead a healthy lifestyle. Along with, they will
be able to know the significance of regular check-ups with lowering sedentary lifestyle practise
like watching TV, scrolling mobile apps etc (Moorhead and et.al., 2013).
On the other hand, it can affect people attitude and behaviour negatively by making them
de-motivated and depressed about their body image or make them conscious about their health
conditions. It will automatically affect their mental strength and will lead towards the path of
many diseases like diabetes, thyroid, kidney and heart disease etc.
TASK 2
2.1 Media Ways to influence attitudes and
behaviour of people towards health and social care issues
The role of social media has played an imperative role in shaping opinions, thoughts and
attitude of public. These tools have paved a dynamic and upfront approachability factor to ease
out public's dilemmas related to their health issues and concerns. In the society, there are also
existence of stereotypes and stigmas attached with few health concerns with respect to health
issues. Often, it has been seen that people do not connect in proper communication, as they have
no access to correct information and get influenced by peers or through availability of enormous
news that posed a threat to well being of people. In addition to this, it creates a social panic or
moral policing through political biased interventions in such contemporary issues.
Initially, people especially parents were reluctant and shy towards imparting of sex
education at their children schools, colleges etc. However, it made them realise the significance
of these social media podiums that assisted in building a social awareness regarding the taboos
like teenage pregnancy, assault, rape etc. In general, these influence the society in forwarding

manner by discussing and sharing their stories and has a wider reach by voicing their thoughts so
conveniently (Thoits,2011). Also, it helped in knowing the causes for such accidents that
supported in proper safety means by users in real time view of installing GPS tracker, cyber
bullying and other such impacts.
2.2 Assessment of reliability and validity of media
information about health and social care
This media information has led the transformational changes at larger societal scale.
Moreover, it brought information and awareness in just a click and at any particular time, giving
real time nature benefits of flow of news to bridge the information gap by usage of technologies.
Henceforth, to implement clarity, one must know the validity and reliability aspects related to the
sources.
Validity and reliability are co-related, which means authentic sourcing with logic, factual
and rational data; that shows credibility and viability in terms of data, statistics etc. Moreover,
the larger picture lies in the context of political interferences, culture and traditional values,
religious beliefs, etc. In recent times, ownership of newspapers or channels, blogging sites or any
other public or private organisations can spun the data for their personal gains or to safeguard
their country's reputation appropriate at global level (Saks and Allsop, 2012). Along with this,
social media has a drawback of inflexible censorship and this sometimes, too much information
is available at the wrong hands that can impact the society on the whole. Consequently,
knowledge gain with reliable news sharing can bring revolutionised modifications in the cultural
diversification with strong connectivity to follow both traditional and modern tools for
propagating awareness in context to health and social care issues.
TASK 3
3.1 Carrying out research into different perspectives on Horse-meat scandal
This case was discovered by number of supermarket chains like Tesco, Aldi, Lidl etc. of
UK which brought unwanted limelight on the food industry's supply chain. It occurred initially in
Irish food sector when this meat was found in the frozen beefburgers. Moreover, well-known
organisations like Whitbread, Compass group and more found that they were supplied horse

meat in their products. Moreover, there were seven products where 29 substances had been tested
with positive results.
According to Lawrence,2013, this was a shocking revelation with one third of the
beefburger samples with 85 percent of pig in it. When Tesco tested its beef sample, it turned out
to 23 percent of horse-meat. After this testing, all enforcement bodies and other retailing
companies woke up to an astounding shock as nobody expected the presence of horse-meat.
Moreover, FSAI (Food Safety and Standards) laid a two month long survey before declaring the
outcomes. There were indicators that in the name of seasoning, manufacturers add pork rind or
water, fat etc. and promoted adulteration at industrial level to gain profits.
Along with this, BBC stated that Food Standards Agency conducted about 2500
examinations approximately soon after this crisis arose. It also put insights on the complicated
supply chains of food industries all over Europe (Horsemeat scandal, 2013). However, as per
“The Telegraph”, this was the case of food fraud where the second most controversial gross
contamination case occurred in which 100 percent horse meat was found in Comigel products, a
French food supplier (Horse meat scandal: timeline, 2013).

3.2 Monitoring of different perspectives on Horse meat scandal
Tesco's reputation was at stake and sales were tumbling but only at initial level. Along
with, they plummeted an internal investigation and printed an apology to all its customers with a
strategic plan to combat with this crisis. However, frozen ready meals were not being considered
by shoppers as there was a huge uncertainty surrounding it. Along with, their changing habits in
taste and lingering trust issues affected this sector adversely during that time. Moreover, with
time, it has been mitigated through employing strict rules and policies by regulatory bodies like
FSA,FSAI etc. Presently, formation of Food Crime Unit is the clear indicator towards companies
and legal authorities' responsibility which conduct regular auditing to restrict the food fraud
networking. Also, police forces have been involved for appropriate mapping of the supply chains
and involved companies, distributors and third agencies (Premanandh, 2013). There is also an
ideal solution by which such larger establishments can collaborate with smaller companies to
Illustration 1: Entry of horse-meat into products
(Source: Horsemeat scandal, 2013)

protect and safeguard the customers' expectations through collecting and distributing information
by trade groups.
3.3 Assessment of findings to health and social care practice locally
This case study laid an enormous pressure in the medical background. Here, various
organisations, establishments and hospitals were under tremendous force to attend this horse-
meat scandal effectively. Furthermore, this border inspection must have been done properly
initially by the food and safety standards. It laid to questioning of such larger retailers' credibility
who did not care about the qualitative standards of their products and only were concerned with
profits generation and sale volume. At the regional level, this case impacted the consumers'
preferences and a feeling of deceive and distrust was laid. Moreover, the findings with respect to
this case shook all the European countries especially UK and Ireland because of their religious
beliefs and cultural norms (Stanciu, 2015). With them, the health sector got alerted due to the
gigantic food scam and made them suspicious whether the other food products were genuine and
not adulterated. It also made them susceptible towards the validity and reliability in context of
their contribution through donations, charities etc.
3.4 Analyse the factors for development of different perspectives
over a period
With this case study, it has been clearly demonstrated that consumers' behaviour has been
deeply affected due to their religious beliefs and personal adoption of ethical standards and
traditional values. Their outrage had been a powerful force as this gullibility factor between
corporations and distributors led to such spiralling effects and hurt their sentiments. Additionally,
media has influenced their mindset by providing clear and transparent facts and data that made
them realise the importance of adulteration and problem of such scam which has been used by
companies to deceive the customers'. This case enlightened the public to be careful while
choosing brands and understanding the tag of seasoning, additives etc. on the price tag. For this,
the government must enforced strict policies to stop the spinning of promoting products through
company's marketing gimmicks (von Bargen, Brockmeyer and Humpf, 2014). They must abide
with safety of consumers by making strict taxation policies and strong food standards to be
followed by hospitality sector, supermarkets and larger corporations.

TASK 4
4.1 Analyse the extent to which local attitudes reflect those found at a national level
In UK, obesity has become a menace and it's the common disorder among one in every 5
children with one in every 4 adults. In addition to this, there are claims that half of the UK'
population, could be obese by 2030, if the trends continue (Higging, 2018). This issue is
increasing due to factors like inactive lifestyle with sedentary activities, using mobile phones,
TV's, Tablets etc. continuously for hours which has affected the standard of living and paved the
path towards a globe of medical conditions such as low self-esteem, depression, coronary heart
disease, cancer etc.
NHS is one of the oldest institutions which has been working for 70 years for the
betterment and welfare of society. It has started a campaign for bringing a radical change in the
eating pattern amongst youth especially kids. They are promoting to follow diet programmes
with undertaking of fad diets and joining local groups for weight loss. This is in relation with the
interaction of national interests that laid by the governance as it would be reliable and integrated
framework to make all the parties curious in joining such groups to improvise their lifestyle and
eliminate the problems.

4.2 Evaluate the validity of public attitudes and behaviours in relation to obesity
With reference to obesity, public's attitude has been poorly received as the statistics are in
the exponential direction that includes people from all generations. It became a prevalent disease
due to the ignorance of people attitude that started leading a sedentary lifestyle with inactivity,
no physical activities, by eating high calorific valued foods, consumption of alcohol with
smoking and many such factors.
In order to analyse the valid conclusions through public's overall behaviour with attitude,
it can be inferred that they were highly ignorant and enjoyed the other materialistic objects
aimlessly. They were not only deteriorating their health but also influenced their peers,
colleagues and family to follow the same unhealthy approachability in eating habits and
lifestyles. On the other hand, with rise of diseases and other issues, people understood the
importance of health with a sense of responsibility towards their diet plans, joining for physical
activities and more (Saks and Allsop, 2012). They even cut down on number of hours on social
networking sites and replaced it by joining adventurous sports like hiking, trekking, swimming
etc. Along with, the health and social care sector must promote awareness and implement
programs to make public realise the benefits and advantages of imbibing a healthy lifestyle.
4.3 Justify possible consequences of contemporary thinking for health and social
care provision and services
Contemporary thinking is a vital part to play in all spheres of life, especially health and
social care. This is the basic structure of humanity which must be followed and practised on
regular basis for prevalent understanding of the involved services and professionals in an
interconnected loop of providing necessary information to generate awareness. This must be in
line of legal rights, insurance, symptoms, medication, after effects, of treatments, costings,
government's provisions and more.
With onset of globalisation and technological advancements, this sector has flourished
and inclusion of private partnerships is on a high. Along with this, there has been also reduction
of resources in terms of cost effectiveness and time efficiency. Public are getting vigilant about
the type of treatments, medicines and sessions mentioned by the professionals. Moreover, it
prevents any sort of discrimination and gives everyone an equal opportunity to change the

threshold criteria that has been neglected earlier times (Reeves and et.al., 2011). However, this
privatisation led to growing emphasis of inculcating a sense of responsibility towards
individual's as well as nation's profits.
CONCLUSION
It has been summarised that health and social care is in grave danger when people are not
cooperative and responsive towards the entire needs and requirements in context of fighting the
contemporary conditions. Further, it also laid emphasis on gaining insights of the participation
through social media channels and contribution by mass media as well. Partially, it concluded
that their role play is vital in understanding the operations and other activities facilitated to
enhance the quality of mitigating the risks associated with such contemporary health issues in
health and social care sector. In addition to this, the famous horse meat scandal has been
described to differentiate between the ignorance and active participation by corporations and
legal regulatory bodies to improve the standardisations procedures in context to food and
beverages. Lastly, it shed light on the contemporary perspectives on these issues for the
development work in spheres of everybody lives.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Best, J., 2017. Images of issues: Typifying contemporary social problems. Routledge.
DuBois, B.L. and Miley, K.K., 2013. Social work: An empowering profession. Pearson Higher
Ed.
Moorhead, S.A. and et.al., 2013. A new dimension of health care: systematic review of the uses,
benefits, and limitations of social media for health communication. Journal of medical Internet
research. 15(4).
Premanandh, J., 2013. Horse meat scandal–A wake-up call for regulatory authorities. Food
control. 34(2). pp.568-569.
Reeves, S. and et.al., 2011. Interprofessional teamwork for health and social care (Vol. 8). John
Wiley & Sons.
Saks, M. and Allsop, J. eds., 2012. Researching health: Qualitative, quantitative and mixed
methods. Sage.
Stanciu, S., 2015. Horse Meat Consumption− Between Scandal and Reality. Procedia Economics
and finance.23. pp.697-703.
Thoits, P.A., 2011. Mechanisms linking social ties and support to physical and mental
health. Journal of health and social behavior. 52(2). pp.145-161.
von Bargen, C., Brockmeyer, J. and Humpf, H.U., 2014. Meat authentication: a new HPLC–
MS/MS based method for the fast and sensitive detection of horse and pork in highly processed
food. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry.62(39). pp.9428-9435.
Online
Adult obesity in England, 2018. [Online]. Available
through:<https://researchbriefings.parliament.uk/ResearchBriefing/Summary/SN03336>.
Higging, E., 2018. [Online]. Available through:<https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/6134434/uk-
obesity-crisis-childhood-clinically-obese-definition/>
Horse meat scandal: timeline, 2013. [Online]. Available
through:<https://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/9857136/Horse-meat-scandal-
timeline.html>.
Horsemeat scandal,2013.[Online]. Available through:<https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-
21335872>.
Lawrence,F.,2013. Horsemeat scandal: the essential guide. [Online]. Available
through:<https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2013/feb/15/horsemeat-scandal-the-essential-guide>.

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