Implementation science should give higher priority to health equity

• DOI: 10.1186/s13012-021-01097-0
• Publication Date: 2021-03-19T16:03:53Z
• Authors: Ross C. Brownson; Shiriki K. Kumanyika; Matthew W. Kreuter; Debra Haire-Joshu
• Keywords: Equity; Mindset; Health Services Research

There is growing urgency to tackle issues of equity and justice in the USA worldwide. Health equity, a framing that moves away from deficit mindset what society doing poorly (disparities) one positive about can achieve, becoming more prominent health research uses implementation science approaches. Equity begins with justice-health differences often reflect societal injustices. Applying perspectives tools has potential for immediate impact improve equity.We propose vision set action steps making central aim science, thus committing conduct through equity-focused principles achieve this U.S. practice. We identify discuss challenges current disparities approaches do not fully consider social determinants. Implementation are outlined three areas: limitations evidence base, underdeveloped measures methods, inadequate attention context. To address these challenges, we offer recommendations seek (1) link determinants outcomes, (2) build into all policies, (3) use equity-relevant metrics, (4) study already happening, (5) integrate models, (6) design tailor strategies, (7) connect systems sectors outside health, (8) engage organizations internal external efforts, (9) capacity (10) focus on dissemination efforts.Every project should include an focus. For some studies, main goal feature aspects project. In other part but singular should, at minimum, ensure "leave no behind" existing widened. With stronger commitment funders, researchers, practitioners, advocates, evaluators, policy makers, harvest rewards resources being invested health-related eliminate disparities, resulting equity.