A review of the literature on the equity role of academic health centres

What is it about?

This review responds to a growing interest in the equity role of academic health centres (AHCs) and synthesises the available published literature which addresses equity concepts in relation to the role and activities of AHCs. The review found very limited empirical evidence to show that AHCs have a capacity to contribute to equity goals or are demonstrating this contribution, but it also found a consensus view among experts that AHCs can and should lead health equity-focussed initiatives aimed at tackling unfair and unjust health disparities and their determinants. AHCs were also seen to have a moral obligation and responsibility to improve health equity through meeting community, public, and population health needs in what was considered to be the traditional spirit of academic medicine.

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Why is it important?

This review has identified the relevance of equity concepts in discussions about the role and missions of academic health centres (AHCs). There are multiple important avenues for future research to address the knowledge gaps in this area. In the meantime, policy makers involved in establishing, resourcing and evaluating AHC models in multiple countries might apply the findings of the review by clarifying the alignment of AHC goals with those of the overall health system in which AHCs are embedded and are being developed. In parallel, AHC leaders might seek to understand the equity focus of their own organisations, including whether health equity is or should be a goal, how equity concepts are reflected within their organisations’ vision and mission statements, and whether any equity-focussed activities are generating results.

Perspectives