A Scoping Review of Approaches to Improving Quality of Data Relating to Health Inequalities

Abstract

Identifying and monitoring of health inequalities requires good-quality data. The aim of this work is to systematically review the evidence base on approaches taken within the healthcare context to improve the quality of data for the identification and monitoring of health inequalities and describe the evidence base on the effectiveness of such approaches or recommendations. Peer-reviewed scientific journal publications, as well as grey literature, were included in this review if they described approaches and/or made recommendations to improve data quality relating to the identification and monitoring of health inequalities. A thematic analysis was undertaken of included papers to identify themes, and a narrative synthesis approach was used to summarise findings. Fifty-seven papers were included describing a variety of approaches. These approaches were grouped under four themes: policy and legislation, wider actions that enable implementation of policies, data collection instruments and systems, and methodological approaches. Our findings indicate that a variety of mechanisms can be used to improve the quality of data on health inequalities at different stages (prior to, during, and after data collection). These findings can inform us of actions that can be taken by those working in local health and care services on approaches to improving the quality of data on health inequalities.

Protected characteristics reported in pulmonary rehabilitation: a scoping review

“…Furthermore, more evidence is needed to determine whether the intervention is equally effective across all characteristics [ 107 , 108 ]. To address this, the collection of data is vital [ 38 ]. Any results from collecting the data can be used to promote health equity by proposing where evidence-based changes are required in practices, policies and programmes [ 109 ], for example in adapting pulmonary rehabilitation to improve uptake and adherence in those least likely to attend [ 39 ].…”

“…Collecting and reporting an individual's characteristics in pulmonary rehabilitation studies and audits consistently allows for the monitoring of potential health inequalities and may provide information on differences in the access, completion and outcomes of pulmonary rehabilitation across individuals [ 35 , 36 ]. This information can be used to establish whether services are equitable, fair and accessible for all [ 37 , 38 ] and challenge health inequalities by adapting and improving services [ 38 ], including pulmonary rehabilitation [ 39 ]. Reporting guidelines such as Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials, Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology and Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research recommend the reporting of “important” characteristics of study participants; however, no specific characteristics are stated [ 40 – 42 ].…”

Improvements in data completeness in health information systems reveal racial inequalities: longitudinal national data from hospital admissions in Brazil 2010–2022

“…Evidence suggests that the data quality may differ for different racial groups. In general terms, minority and more vulnerable groups tend to have worse completeness [ 9 , 10 ]. Data collection for health research is influenced by individuals’ willingness and ability to provide data and the priorities of those involved in collecting and investing in the data.…”