What works in inclusion health: overview of effective interventions for marginalised and excluded populations

 

Re-written summaries by: Anuva Gajjar

Date Published: 5/27/2022

Original research links:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29137868/

 

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Introduction:

The study "What works in inclusion health: overview of effective interventions for marginalised and excluded populations" by Luchenski et al. aims to identify effective interventions for marginalized and excluded populations, which are groups that often experience poor health outcomes and a lack of access to healthcare. The authors note that interventions targeting these groups are essential in addressing health inequalities and promoting health equity. The study was conducted with the objective of identifying the most effective interventions for marginalized and excluded populations and to provide guidance to healthcare professionals and policymakers.

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Methods:

The authors conducted a systematic review of the literature to identify interventions that have been effective in improving health outcomes for marginalized and excluded populations. They searched multiple databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library, and included studies that were published in English and had a sample size of at least 30 participants. The interventions were then grouped into categories based on their focus and the populations they targeted. The authors used the PICO (population, intervention, comparator and outcome) method to identify relevant studies, which allowed them to identify studies that met the inclusion criteria.

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Results:

The authors identified a total of 41 interventions that met their inclusion criteria. These interventions targeted a wide range of marginalized and excluded populations, including homeless individuals, sex workers, and people with mental health conditions. The interventions were grouped into 7 categories: housing and homelessness, mental health and addiction, primary care and general practice, sexual health, substance use, violence and trauma, and women's health.

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The authors found that interventions that targeted multiple needs and provided comprehensive support were generally more effective than those that focused on a single issue. They also found that interventions that were designed and delivered in partnership with the target population were more likely to be successful. For example, interventions that provided housing and support services to homeless individuals were found to be effective in improving health outcomes. Similarly, interventions that were designed in partnership with sex workers and provided access to healthcare, counseling, and harm reduction services were found to be effective in improving sexual health outcomes.

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Conclusion:

Overall, the study by Luchenski et al. provides an overview of effective interventions for marginalized and excluded populations. The authors found that interventions that targeted multiple needs and provided comprehensive support, and that were designed and delivered in partnership with the target population, were generally more effective. They recommend that healthcare professionals and policymakers consider these findings when planning interventions for marginalized and excluded populations in order to improve health outcomes for these groups. The study provides valuable insight on how to design and implement interventions that are tailored to the specific needs of marginalized and excluded populations and that are more likely to be successful in improving health outcomes.

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