Behavioural impacts on health are much discussed when it comes to noncommunicable diseases – the adverse consequences of obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and much more.
However, behavioural barriers are also a major, often underestimated, driver of poor healthcare outcomes for treatable, communicable diseases.
Rachel Coyle from the Behavioural Insights Team will talk through three case studies that illustrate this problem and set out some potential solutions.
She will illustrate the problem from difference angles, tackling vaccine uptake, adherence to medication regimes, and how we combat the rise of antimicrobial resistance.
She will highlight how addressing these challenges requires more than clinical solutions; it demands a deeper understanding of human behaviour, including how habits, beliefs, social norms, and system design influence everyday health decisions.
Rachel Coyle
Rachel is Chief Executive Officer at the Behavioural Insights Team, an applied research and innovation consultancy that specialises in social and behavioural change. BIT was founded in 10 Downing Street as the world’s first government institution dedicated to incorporating a scientific understanding of human behaviour into public policy, programs and products. Today, it works around the world, using behavioural science, data science and robust impact evaluation to design and evaluate solutions to social challenges.
BIT now forms part of Nesta, the UK’s innovation foundation. As part of her role, Rachel sits on Nesta’s executive team and supports Nesta’s Centre for Collective Intelligence in using technology to make public engagement faster, more inclusive and more engaging.
Rachel is a trustee at the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, a UK charity that is a major steward of the natural world in South East England. She started her career at the UK Ministry of Defence, and in 2013 was appointed a Member of the British Empire (MBE) for Services to Defence.
Standard Stuff
Talks are usually on the 4th Wednesday of every month, at 7:00 for 7:30, at The Winchester Club in Winchester. Please take a look at the FAQs for more info.
Admission is £5 which also gives you an entry in the book raffle. We take cash and major cards (cards preferred).
The event is in two parts – the talk and then a Q&A after the interval. We encourage you to support the venue by indulging in the available drinks before and during the event.
You are also welcome to join us for a drink in the bar after the event.