Inequity in health care — A proposed model

Abstract

The paper defines the concept of inequity in health care and reviews the various approaches to identify causal relationships which lead to inequitable health outcomes. Notably, the input and process of health care delivery, the medical and social need factors, the external environment and the indirect influences channeled through ‘mediating’ factors. It further proposes a comprehensive model which integrates the combined effects of the several categories of components involved in determining inequitable outcomes between groups and individuals. While not exhaustive, the model provides a systematic attempt to define and trace inequities in health and potential causes of such, in operational terms. It can be used, therefore, for practical measurement of levels of inequity in outcomes.

Citation

Ellencweig, A.Y. and Grafstein MPH, O. (1986), "Inequity in health care — A proposed model", Journal of Management in Medicine, Vol. 1 No. 3, pp. 206-239. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb060445