Definitions, terminology, and related concepts of "racial health equity": a scoping review protocol

Patricia C. Heyn, Center for Optimal Aging, Marymount University, 2807 N. Glebe Road, Arlington, VA, 22207, USA. Patricia.Heyn@Marymount.edu.
Elizabeth A. Terhune, Center for Optimal Aging, Marymount University, 2807 N. Glebe Road, Arlington, VA, 22207, USA.
Mahederemariam Bayleyegn Dagne, Center for Optimal Aging, Marymount University, 2807 N. Glebe Road, Arlington, VA, 22207, USA.
Christi Piper, Strauss Health Sciences Library, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
Vivian A. Welch, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
Damian Francis, Georgia College and State University, Milledgeville, GA, USA.
Ana B. Pizarro, Clinical Research Center, Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali, Colombia.
Anita Rizvi, School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
Nila Sathe, RTI International, RTI-UNC US Cochrane Affiliate, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
Omar Dewidar, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
Colleen Ovelman, RTI International, RTI-UNC US Cochrane Affiliate, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
Tiffany Duque, Cochrane, Central Executive Team, London, UK.
Tamara A. Baker, Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
Robert W. Turner, Department of Clinical Research and Leadership, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Meera Viswanathan, RTI International, RTI-UNC US Cochrane Affiliate, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
Dru Riddle, Center for Translational Research, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, USA.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

9-30-2023

Journal

Systematic reviews

Volume

12

Issue

1

DOI

10.1186/s13643-023-02357-4

Keywords

Definitions; Discrimination; Health disparities; Health equity; Health justice; Landscape review; Racial health equity; Racism; Scoping review; Terminology

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In the USA, access to quality healthcare varies greatly across racial and ethnic groups, resulting in significant health disparities. A new term, "racial health equity" (RHE), is increasingly reported in the medical literature, but there is currently no consensus definition of the term. Additionally, related terms such as "health disparities," "health inequities," and "equality" have been inconsistently used when defining RHE. METHODS: The primary purpose of this scoping review is to investigate the current use and underlying concepts used to define racial health equity. The study will address two key questions: (1) "What terminology and definitions have been used to characterize RHE?" and (2) "What knowledge gaps and challenges are present in the current state of RHE research and theory?" The review will collect and analyze data from three sources: (1) websites from key national and international health organizations, (2) theoretical and narrative published articles, and (3) evidence synthesis studies addressing interventions targeting racial health equity and minority stakeholder engagement. DISCUSSION: Defining "racial health equity" and related terminology is the first step to advancing racial health equity within the USA. This review aims to offer an improved understanding of RHE constructs and definitions, bringing greater unity to national racial health equity research efforts across disciplines. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: This protocol is registered with the Open Science Framework at https://osf.io/7pvzq .

Department

Clinical Research and Leadership

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