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BMC Health Services Research

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Open Access 01-12-2020 | Debate

Reframing implementation science to address inequities in healthcare delivery

Authors: Ana A. Baumann, Leopoldo J. Cabassa

Published in: BMC Health Services Research | Issue 1/2020

Abstract

Background

Research has generated valuable knowledge in identifying, understanding, and intervening to address inequities in the delivery of healthcare, yet these inequities persist. The best available interventions, programs and policies designed to address inequities in healthcare are not being adopted in routine practice settings. Implementation science can help address this gap by studying the factors, processes, and strategies at multiple levels of a system of care that influence the uptake, use, and the sustainability of these programs for vulnerable populations. We propose that an equity lens can help integrate the fields of implementation science and research that focuses on inequities in healthcare delivery.

Main text

Using Proctor et al.’ (12) framework as a case study, we reframed five elements of implementation science to study inequities in healthcare. These elements include: 1) focus on reach from the very beginning; 2) design and select interventions for vulnerable populations and low-resource communities with implementation in mind; 3) implement what works and develop implementation strategies that can help reduce inequities in care; 4) develop the science of adaptations; and 5) use an equity lens for implementation outcomes.

Conclusions

The goal of this paper is to continue the dialogue on how to critically infuse an equity approach in implementation studies to proactively address healthcare inequities in historically underserved populations. Our examples provide ways to operationalize how we can blend implementation science and healthcare inequities research.

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Title: Reframing implementation science to address inequities in healthcare delivery
Authors: Ana A. Baumann
Leopoldo J. Cabassa
Publication date: 01-12-2020
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Health Services Research / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6963
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-020-4975-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Reframing implementation science to address inequities in healthcare delivery

Abstract

Background

Main text

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Main text

Conclusions

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