Implementing equitable health interventions

In Aotearoa New Zealand there are persisting inequities in the health of Māori and Pacific peoples when compared with people of other ethnic groups. Systemic factors, such as the slow implementation and uptake of interventions known to improve health, contribute to this. Māori and Pacific peoples are less likely to receive such interventions than other groups within the population.

This project aimed to create and test tools that will support the health system to deliver equitable health outcomes by ensuring that the implementation of interventions is designed and undertaken in such a way that equitable outcomes are achieved.

The research was undertaken in two stages:

In Stage 1 (July 2020 – April 2021), factors relating to the implementation of health interventions, which either facilitate or impede equitable health outcomes, were identified through literature reviews and stakeholder interviews. Tools to guide the implementation of equity-enhancing health interventions – an equity-focused implementation science framework and an equity readiness assessment tool – were created through a co-design process with community members and end-users.

In Stage 2 (May 2021 – June 2024), the tools developed in Stage 1 were trialled, evaluated and refined during the implementation of a lung cancer screening intervention at Te Whatu Ora Waitematā, Auckland, Counties Manukau and Northland. Researchers tested the appropriateness and usability of these tools with teams that form part of the lung cancer screening pathway before refining and disseminating them for use in a range of healthcare settings. The project kāhui, consumer advisory groups, and a senior health leader stakeholder group, provided input to ensure that the tools are appropriate for use.