Improving the use of research evidence in guideline development: 12. Incorporating considerations of equity
2006

Improving Research Evidence Use in Health Guidelines

publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Andrew D. Oxman, Holger J. Schünemann, Atle Fretheim

Primary Institution: Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services

Hypothesis

How can considerations of equity be incorporated into health care guidelines?

Conclusion

The study highlights the need for better integration of equity considerations in health care recommendations.

Supporting Evidence

  • WHO recognizes the need for rigorous processes in health care recommendations.
  • Disadvantaged populations often have poorer health and access to care.
  • Current guidelines rarely address equity considerations.

Takeaway

This study says we need to think about fairness when making health care rules, especially for people who might not have the same access to care.

Methodology

The authors reviewed existing literature and logical arguments without conducting new systematic reviews.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the lack of empirical studies directly addressing equity in health guidelines.

Limitations

The evidence on equity in health care guidelines is sparse and often not systematically addressed.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1478-4505-4-24

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