Introducing a framework to support the identification and tackling of health inequalities within specialised services

McGill, Shaun; Davies, Nathan; Addei, Dianne; Bharkhada, Dhiren; Elleray, Rebecca; Wilson, Robert; Day, Matthew

Abstract

Background: The potential for addressing healthcare inequalities in prescribed specialised services has historically been overlooked. There is evidence that prescribed specialised services can exacerbate inequalities even though they are often accessed at the end of complex pathways and by relatively small numbers of people. Leadership is required to facilitate a systematic approach to identifying and addressing inequalities in this area.

Methods: A rapid literature review of articles from 2015 onwards and engagement with stakeholders was used to inform the development of a framework that both supports the identification of health inequalities within specialised services and provides recommendations for how to address them.

Results: The framework aligns with existing national approaches in England to addressing health inequalities in other healthcare settings. It is prepopulated with features of services that may create inequalities and recommended ways of addressing them and can be readily adapted to suit population specific needs.

Conclusion: The potential for addressing health inequalities should be considered at all points along a healthcare pathway. Local service leaders need to be empowered and encouraged to identify and deliver on opportunities for change to continually improve patient access, experience and outcomes.

Citation

McGill, S., Davies, N., Addei, D., Bharkhada, D., Elleray, R., Wilson, R., & Day, M. (2024). Introducing a framework to support the identification and tackling of health inequalities within specialised services. BMJ Leader, 8(3), 264-267. https://doi.org/10.1136/leader-2023-000918

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Dec 19, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Jan 5, 2024
• Publication Date: 2024-09
• Deposit Date: Jan 11, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 12, 2024
• Journal: BMJ Leader
• Print ISSN: 2398-631X
• Electronic ISSN: 2398-631X
• Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 8
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 264-267
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/leader-2023-000918
• Keywords: health system, public health, unwarranted variation, healthcare planning, patient outcome
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/29552192
• Publisher URL: https://bmjleader.bmj.com/content/8/3/264