This study has three phases with the aim to identify and review the evidence base on approaches taken within the health and care system to improve the quality of the data used for the identification and monitoring of health inequalities.
Background
In Phase 1 of this work, the project team undertook a scoping review to identify evidence-based approaches to improving the quality of health inequality data based on published scientific and grey literature. In Phase 2, we are gathering qualitative data from professionals working in local health and care systems, public health and the third sector, to gain insight into the most effective way to present the evidence collated from the scoping review. This will also us to adopt a co-production approach to develop a service-driven resource (or resources) for use in driving action to improve data on health inequalities.
Project Aims
This work aims to take forward Phase 2 of the above project by carrying out an exploration and analysis of views on effective ways to communicate and transition identified evidence into practice. The objective of the interviews and focus groups are to gain insights into the type(s) of resource(s) that can aid in implementing mechanisms to improve data quality.
This knowledge will feed into the development of a resource (or resources) for enabling services to put into action mechanisms to improve the quality of health inequalities data. This will be by working together with those within services and gaining insights that will help tailor the resources for their settings.
Project Activity
We have developed a protocol for an interview study. This has received ethical approval and we are currently in the data gathering phase of this project.
Anticipated Impact
Ultimately the aim is to create a resource to help improve the quality of data to address health inequalities. We also aim to disseminate the findings of this project via an academic publication as well as a summary of findings through other mediums such as a short article on our website or a blog.
Who is involved?
- Principle Investigator: Louise Lafortune (Co-Theme Lead for Population Evidence and Data Science, NIHR ARC East of England), University of Cambridge
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Sowmiya Moorthie, University of Cambridge
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Sian Evans, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities
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Carol Brayne, University of Cambridge
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Emre Oguzman, Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Contact
Louise Lafortune, ll394@medschl.cam.ac.uk
