[Social inequality in health care--a plea for systematic research]

Gesundheitswesen. 2009 Feb;71(2):59-62; discussion 63-4. doi: 10.1055/s-0028-1119371. Epub 2009 Feb 23.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Inequalities in health care are often discussed in an undifferentiated way in Germany. Against this background, this article presents an analysis scheme for a classification of relevant studies and an identification of research needs. To this aim, areas of health care are differentiated (ambulant and inpatient care, prevention and health promotion) and a difference is made between access, utilization and quality of care. According to this scheme, research regarding inequalities in health care can be conducted in nine fields. For each field, exemplary results of a recent study from Germany are summarized. It becomes apparent that there is a substantial lack of systematic research in inequalities in health care in Germany.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Delivery of Health Care / methods*
  • Delivery of Health Care / trends*
  • Germany
  • Health Services Accessibility / organization & administration*
  • Health Services Research / methods*
  • Health Services Research / trends*
  • National Health Programs / organization & administration*
  • Social Justice*