Premium
An examination of the concept of equity and the implications for health policy if equity is re‐asserted as one of the key government objectives for the National Health Service
Author(s) -
David Eaves
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
journal of nursing management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.925
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1365-2834
pISSN - 0966-0429
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2834.1998.00070.x
Subject(s) - equity (law) , health equity , business , health care , public economics , public relations , equity capital markets , economics , political science , finance , economic growth , valuation (finance) , law
Aim To gain a full understanding of the concept of equity and means of promoting and monitoring a more equitable healthservice. Background With previous policy decisions having sidelined equity, a new government is likely to wish to reverse this trend. Origins of Information Government and expert opinion. Data Analysis A critical approach to previous literature. Key Issues Equity is not a unitary concept and so it is explored and dissected using the framework of: Distribution of Resources, Access and Uptake of Healthcare, Standards and Outcomes of Healthcare, Health Status. Means of improving and monitoring equity in these four areas are suggested. Conclusions There are a number of ways of considering the concept of equity and for any fruitful discussion to occur there needs to be an agreed working definition. Specific topics are discussed where equity is lacking and a plan of action is suggested which is likely to improve equity in the areas identified.