scholarly journals Applying a Health Equity Lens to Evaluate and Inform Policy

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supp2) ◽  
pp. 329-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan D. Douglas ◽  
Robina Josiah Willock ◽  
Ebony Respress ◽  
Latrice Rollins ◽  
Derrick Tabor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Disparities ◽  
Health Policy ◽  
Health Equity ◽  
Workforce Development ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Maternal Child Health ◽  
Organizational Policies ◽  
Equity Policy ◽  
State And Local ◽  
Critical Components

Health disparities have persisted despite decades of efforts to eliminate them at the national, regional, state and local levels. Policies have been a driving force in creat­ing and exacerbating health disparities, but they can also play a major role in eliminat­ing disparities. Research evidence and input from affected community-level stakeholders are critical components of evidence-based health policy that will advance health equi­ty. The Transdisciplinary Collaborative Cen­ter (TCC) for Health Disparities Research at Morehouse School of Medicine consists of five subprojects focused on studying and informing health equity policy related to maternal-child health, mental health, health information technology, diabetes, and leadership/workforce development. This article describes a “health equity lens” as defined, operationalized and applied by the TCC to inform health policy development, implementation, and analysis. Prioritizing health equity in laws and organizational policies provides an upstream foundation for ensuring that the laws are implemented at the midstream and downstream lev­els to advance health equity. Ethn Dis. 2019;29(Suppl 2):329-342; doi:10.18865/ed.29.S2.329.

scholarly journals Health Policy Engagement Strategy for the Health Information Technology Policy Project of the Transdisciplinary Collaborative Center for Health Disparities Research

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supp2) ◽  
pp. 377-384
Author(s):  
Tiffany Zellner Lawrence ◽  
Megan D. Douglas ◽  
Latrice Rollins ◽  
Robina Josiah Willock ◽  
Dexter L. Cooper ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Health Disparities ◽  
Health Policy ◽  
Health Information Technology ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Health Equity ◽  
Technology Policy ◽  
Primary Focus ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Policy Engagement

Rulemaking is one of the most important ways the federal government makes public policy. It frequently has significant impact on individuals, communities, and organizations. Yet, few of those directly affected are familiar with the rulemaking process, and even fewer understand how it works. This article describes a case study of the Transdisciplinary Collaborative Center for Health Disparities Research Health Information Technology (TCC HIT) Policy Project’s approach to health-policy engagement using: 1) social media; and 2) a webinar to educate stakeholders on the rulemaking process and increase their level of meaningful engagement with the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) proposed rule public comment submission. The webinar “Paying for Quality: What Is the Impact on Health Equity” was promoted through Twitter and held in June 2016. In total, we posted 19 tweets using two distinct hashtags (#MACRA4Equity, #MACRA2Equity) to raise awareness of the upcoming MACRA proposed rule and its possible effects on health equity. Overall, 252 individuals registered for the webinar, and more than half participated (n=133). Most (67%) registrants reported that health policy was not the primary focus of their current position. Based on information provided in the webinar, 95% agreed that their understanding of the topic improved. By the end of the webinar, 44% of participants indicated that they planned to submit public comments for MACRA, a 12% increase compared with those who planned to submit at the time of registration. The TCC health-policy engagement strategy demonstrates the feasibility of engaging a diverse audience around health policy issues, particularly those who are not typically engaged in policy work. Ethn Dis. 2019;29(Suppl 2): 377-384. doi:10.18865/ed.29.S2.377

scholarly journals Policymakers and institutional structures affecting health inequality in Ethiopia: a Qualitative Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kassa Mohammed Abbe ◽  
Bethabile L Dolamo
Keyword(s):  
Health Policy ◽  
Interest Groups ◽  
Health Equity ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Policy Documents ◽  
Level Of Knowledge ◽  
Institutional Relations ◽  
Equity Policy ◽  
The Right

Abstract Background : Ethiopia generally provides a story of progress in child health, but unevenly distributed. The attitude, knowledge, political drives, interest groups and institutional dynamics in health equity policy setting and execution has not been explored in Ethiopia. Without addressing these issues, the right kind of policy choice and implementation cannot be attained. Methods : This study was conducted between 2015 and 2017 in Ethiopia. The study utilized a qualitative framework, grounded in social determinants for health and health policy. Semi-structured interviews; executed policy analysis; and reviewed the literature. In-depth interviews were conducted among twenty-one policymakers and reviewed 23 policy documents and over 350 literatures, Transcribed data, policy extracts and articles were synthesised and analysed by ATLAS.ti 7.1.4. Results: Ethiopia is in an early state of recognizing and intervening against health inequalities. The quality and level of knowledge is mixed and gets reduced as one goes to the rural areas. Consensus is slowly developing on the major underlying causes of inequality. The contents of health policy documents are neither comprehensive nor strongly supported by evidence. There are multiple interest groups with varying level of knowledge and power. Complex political and institutional relations affect policy making process negatively. Participants demonstrated denialism; blaming of victims; misconceptions; and one size fits all attitudes. Conclusions : Any future work for improving health equity needs to be build more on evidence and embrace more participatory processes to address all types of interest groups.

HEIA tools: inclusion of migrants in health policy in Canada

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 697-705 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin Pottie ◽  
Branka Agic ◽  
Douglas Archibald ◽  
Ayesha Ratnayake ◽  
Marcela Tapia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Health Policy ◽  
Impact Assessment ◽  
Health Equity ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Health Inequities ◽  
Migrant Communities ◽  
Migrant Populations ◽  
Health Practitioners

Abstract This paper introduces the Migrant Populations Equity Extension for Ontario’s Health Equity Impact Assessment (HEIA) initiatives. It provides a mechanism to address the needs of migrant populations, within a program and policy framework. Validation of an equity extension framework using community leaders and health practitioners engaged in HEIA workshops across Ontario. Participants assessed migrants’ health needs and discussed how to integrate these needs into health policy. The Migrant Populations Equity Extension’s framework assists decision makers assess relevant populations, collaborate with immigrant communities, improve policy development and mitigate unintended negative impacts of policy initiatives. The tool framework aims to build stakeholder capacity and improve their ability to conduct HEIAs while including migrant populations. The workshops engaged participants in equity discussions, enhanced their knowledge of migrant policy development and promoted HEIA tools in health decision-making. Prior to these workshops, many participants were unaware of the HEIA tool. The workshops informed the validation of the equity extension and support materials for training staff in government and public health. Ongoing research on policy implementation would be valuable. Public health practitioners and migrant communities can use the equity extension’s framework to support decision-making processes and address health inequities. This framework may improve policy development and reduce health inequities for Ontario’s diverse migrant populations. Many countries are now using health impact assessment and health equity frameworks. This migration population equity extension is an internationally unique framework that engages migrant communities.

Translational research to reduce health disparities and promote health equity.

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 297-301
Author(s):  
Carolyn M. Tucker ◽  
Shuchang Kang ◽  
Jaime L. Williams
Keyword(s):  
Health Disparities ◽  
Translational Research ◽  
Health Equity

Non-governmental organizations as key partners in mental health in Europe

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (01) ◽  
pp. 27-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. E. Baumann
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Policy ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Mental Health Policy ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
Health Action ◽  
Health Action Plan

SummaryThe shift towards a rights-based approach to health which has taken place over the past decade has strengthened the role of civil society and their organizations in raising and claiming the entitlements of different social groups. It has become obvious that non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are central to any successful multi-stakeholder partnership, and they have become more recognized as key actors in health policy and programme development and implementation. There is a broad spectrum of NGOs active in the area of mental health in Europe which aim to empower people with mental health problems and their families, give them a voice in health policy development and implementation and in service design and delivery, to raise awareness and fight stigma and discrimination, and foster implementation of obligations set by internationally agreed mental health policy documents. With the endorsement of the Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2020 (20) and the European Mental Health Action Plan (19) stakeholders agree to strengthen capacity of service user and family advocacy groups and to secure their participation as partners in activities for mental health promotion, disorder prevention and improving mental health services.

Applying Community‐Based Participatory Approaches to Addressing Health Disparities and Promoting Health Equity

2020 ◽  
Vol 66 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 217-221
Author(s):  
Yolanda Suarez‐Balcazar ◽  
Vincent T. Francisco ◽  
Noé Rubén Chávez
Keyword(s):  
Health Disparities ◽  
Health Equity ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Participatory Approaches

scholarly journals 18.L. Workshop: Public mental health policies - experiences and challenges

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Policy ◽  
Participatory Research ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Mental Health Policy ◽  
Public Mental Health ◽  
Health Policies ◽  
National Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Policies

Abstract The workshop has the aim to help developing and strengthening policies for Public Mental Health and support experience sharing platform for Public Mental Health policy development. Mental health policy defines the vision for the future mental health of the national population and internationally. The WHOs developed three recommendations for the development of mental health policy, strategic plans and for organizing services which are to deinstitutionalise mental health care; to integrate mental health into general health care; and to develop community mental health services. For each this aim a situational analysis and needs assessment is recommended as first step. Therefore, this workshop consists of four talks in the development of mental health policies at the regional and national level. First, the process of population consultations and participatory research is described (Felix Sisenop). Participatory research enables exchanging experiences, results and key challenges in Public Mental Health. Participatory research can contribute greatly in empowering people to discuss and deal with mental health issues and therefore is a step towards a more involved and active general public. Second, a policy development at the regional level is described (Elvira Mauz). On behalf of the federal ministry of health the Robert Koch Institute as the German public health institute is currently developing a concept for a national Mental Health Surveillance (MHS). In the talk objectives, framework model and work processes are presented. The MHS should systematically gather, process and analyze primary and secondary data, thus an integrating and monitoring system is working. Third, the Public Mental Health policy in Malta will be described (John Cachia) Over the last 7 years CMH Malta developed a strategic framework for the mental health with the input of patients, families, service providers, NGOs and civil society. The Maltese National Mental Health Strategy 2020-2030 was published in July 2019. This strategy will be described in the Talk. Fourth presenter (Ignas Rubikas) will introduce the national perspective on development of Lithuanian mental health policy addressing major public mental health challenges of suicide prevention, alcohol control policies and mental health promotion in a broader context of national mental health care. Key messages Participatory research in Public Mental Health is an approach to involve the population in policy development. Development of mental health policies can benefit from sharing experiences and lessons learned on a national and regional levels.

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