Health equity: A concept analysis

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.

Keywords: Concept analysis; Health care organization; Health care system; Health equity; Payor; Policymaker.