A New Definition Of Health Equity To Guide Future Efforts And Measure Progress

Editor’s note: Paula Braveman was one of the theme advisors for the June 2017 Health Affairs equity theme issue.
Until recently, talking about “equity” as a health researcher in the United States seemed almost radical.
Today, the term “health equity” is mainstream. The number of scientific papers with “health equity” in the title or text has skyrocketed. Some of this work examines the health effects of racism and other forms of discrimination, some addresses biases in science, and some explicitly mentions social justice. It’s gratifying to see a broad research agenda developing around health equity.
In particular, it is thrilling to realize that explicit discussions about health equity are occurring across the country, among health policy researchers and their funders — and in boardrooms, hearing rooms, community meetings, in print, and online.
Yet it is clear that health equity means different things to different people. And while it’s not imperative that everyone define it exactly the same way, a common understanding of the core elements of health equity is essential — for researchers, advocates, decision makers, and policy makers. The words we use can matter. Definitions can matter. While some differences in definitions may reflect only stylistic preferences, others convey values and beliefs that can be used explicitly or implicitly to justify and promote particular views, policies, and practices.
Clarity is particularly important because purs...

Source: Health Affairs Blog - June 22, 2017 Category: Health Management Authors: Paula Braveman Tags: Featured Health Equity Quality culture of health Source Type: blogs