Assessing and updating economic models is vital to effectively return more people back into work, according to Sarah Woolnough, CEO of the Kings Fund.
Woolnough explained this was especially important given the number of people whose ill health begins before state pension age.
“When we’re really trying to understand in society and get people back to work and productive as well as quality of life, making sure we’re updating models and assessing this is important.”
Huge government priority
Speaking at an event organised by HCA Healthcare, Woolnough added this was a huge government priority at the moment.
“I’m sure it won’t have escaped any of you – the number people out of work on health grounds,” she continued.
“There was a big study that the onset of ill health for many, many people is before state pension age.
“So I think there is quite a bit of attention which is helping really understand better what keeps people well in the workplace and if they have to leave, how we get them back into work.”
But Woolnough added economic models have to evolve.
“The pace of innovation moves so fast, we can effectively treat people, if not keep them in the workplace and get them back more quickly and then really understanding that overall cycle of benefit is helpful across the whole system,” she concluded.