Lewis CL, Yan A, Williams MY, Apen LV, Crawford CL, Morse L, Valdez AM, Alexander GR, Grant E, Valderama-Wallace C, Beatty D. Health equity: A concept analysis.
Nurs Outlook 2023;
71:102032. [PMID:
37683597 DOI:
10.1016/j.outlook.2023.102032]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Although health equity is critically important for healthcare delivery, there are inconsistencies in its definitions or lack of definitions.
PURPOSE
Develop a comprehensive understanding of health equity to guide nursing practice and healthcare policy.
METHOD
Walker and Avant's concept analysis method was used to establish defining attributes, antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents of health equity.
FINDINGS
Health equity defining attributes are grounded in ethical principles, the absence of unfair and avoidable differences, and fair and just opportunities to attain a person's full health potential. Health equity antecedents are categorized into environmental; financial or economic; law, politics, and policy; societal and structural; research; and digital and technology.
DISCUSSION
Health equity's antecedents are useful to distinguish health disparities from health outcomes resulting from individual preferences. To achieve health equity, organizations need to focus on addressing the antecedents.
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