EI Resource Hub
https://resources.equityinitiative.org:443
The EI Resource Hub digital repository system captures, stores, indexes, preserves, and distributes digital research material.2024-03-29T11:04:10ZBig Data and the Study of Social Inequalities in Health: Expectations and Issues
https://resources.equityinitiative.org/handle/ei/478
Big Data and the Study of Social Inequalities in Health: Expectations and Issues
Cyrille Delpierre; Michelle Kelly -Irving
Understanding the construction of the social gradient in health is a major challenge in
the field of social epidemiology, a branch of epidemiology that seeks to understand
how society and its different forms of organization influence health at a population level.
Attempting to answer these questions involves large datasets of varied heterogeneous
data suggesting that Big Data approaches could be then particularly relevant to the study
of social inequalities in health. Nevertheless, real challenges have to be addressed in
order to make the best use of the development of Big Data in health for the benefit
of all. The main purpose of this perspective is to discuss some of these challenges, in
particular: (i) the perimeter and the particularity of Big Data in health, which must be
broader than a vision centerd solely on care, the individual and his or her biological
characteristics; (ii) the need for clarification regarding the notion of data, the validity of
data and the question of causal inference for various actors involved in health, such data
as researchers, health professionals and the civilian population; (iii) the need for regulation
and control of data and their uses by public authorities for the common good and the fight
against social inequalities in health. To face these issues, it seems essential to integrate
different approaches into a close dialog, integrating methodological, societal, and ethical
issues. This question cannot escape an interdisciplinary approach, including users or
patients.
2018-10-26T00:00:00ZDigital communication between clinician and patient and the impact on marginalised groups: a realist review in general practice
https://resources.equityinitiative.org/handle/ei/476
Digital communication between clinician and patient and the impact on marginalised groups: a realist review in general practice
Huxley, Caroline J; Atherton, Helen; Watkins, Jocelyn Anstey; Griffiths, Frances
Background Increasingly, the NHS is embracing the use of digital communication technology for communication between clinicians and patients. Policymakers deem digital clinical communication as presenting a solution to the capacity issues currently faced by general practice. There is some concern that these technologies may exacerbate existing inequalities in accessing health care. It is not known what impact they may have on groups who are already marginalised in their ability to access general practice. Aim To assess the potential impact of the availability of digital clinician–patient communication on marginalised groups’ access to general practice in the UK. Design and setting Realist review in general practice. Method A four-step realist review process was used: to define the scope of the review; to search for and scrutinise evidence; to extract and synthesise evidence; and to develop a narrative, including hypotheses. Results Digital communication has the potential to overcome the following barriers for marginalised groups: practical access issues, previous negative experiences with healthcare service/staff, and stigmatising reactions from staff and other patients. It may reduce patientrelated barriers by offering anonymity and offers advantages to patients who require an interpreter. It does not impact on inability to communicate with healthcare professionals or on a lack of candidacy. It is likely to work best in the context of a pre-existing clinician–patient relationship. Conclusion Digital communication technology offers increased opportunities for marginalised groups to access health care. However, it cannot remove all barriers to care for these groups. It is likely that they will remain disadvantaged relative to other population groups after their introduction.
2015-12-01T00:00:00ZDigital health, gender and health equity: invisible imperatives
https://resources.equityinitiative.org/handle/ei/477
Digital health, gender and health equity: invisible imperatives
Sinha, Chaitali; Schryer-Roy, Anne-Marie
A growing body of evidence shows the use of digital technologies in health—referred to as eHealth, mHealth or ‘digital health’—is improving and saving lives in low- and middle-income countries. Despite this prevalent and persistent narrative, very few studies examine its effects on health equity, gender and power dynamics. This journal supplement addresses these invisible imperatives by going beyond traditional measures of coverage, efficacy and cost-effectiveness associated with digital health interventions, to unpack different experiences of health workers and beneficiaries. The collection of papers presents findings from a cohort of implementation research projects in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East, and two commentaries offer observations from learning-oriented evaluative activities across the entire cohort. The story emerging from this cohort is comprised of three themes: (i) digital health can positively influence health equity; (ii) gender and power analyses are essential; and (iii) digital health can be used to strengthen upward and downward accountability. These findings, at the individual project level and at the level of the cohort, provide encouraging recommendations on how to approach the design, implementation and evaluation of digital health interventions to address the Sustainable Development Goals agenda of leaving no one behind.
2018-12-01T00:00:00ZPerspectives on health equity and social determinants of health
https://resources.equityinitiative.org/handle/ei/441
Perspectives on health equity and social determinants of health
Bogard, Kimber; Murry, Velma McBride; Alexander, Charlee M.; National Academy of Medicine (U.S.)
Social factors, signals, and biases shape the health of our nation. Racism and poverty manifest in unequal social, environmental, and economic conditions, resulting in deep-rooted health disparities that carry over from generation to generation. In Perspectives on Health Equity and Social Determinants of Health, authors call for collective action across sectors to reverse the debilitating and often lethal consequences of health inequity. This edited volume of discussion papers provides recommendations to advance the agenda to promote health equity for all. Organized by research approaches and policy implications, systems that perpetuate or ameliorate health disparities, and specific examples of ways in which health disparities manifest in communities of color, this special publication provides a stark look at how health and well-being are nurtured, protected, and preserved where people live, learn, work, and play. All of our nation’s institutions have important roles to play even if they do not think of their purpose as fundamentally linked to health and well-being. The rich discussions found throughout Perspectives on Health Equity and Social Determinants of Health make way for the translation of policies and actions to improve health and health equity for all citizens of our society. The major health problems of our time cannot be solved by health care alone. They cannot be solved by public health alone. Collective action is needed, and it is needed now.
2017-01-01T00:00:00Z