Primer on Health Equity Research in Health Economics and Outcomes Research: An ISPOR Special Interest Group Report

Abstract

Objectives

Disparities in health and healthcare between more and less socially advantaged groups are pervasive, multidimensional, and far-reaching. The material and social conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age are systematically associated with their health and with the volume, quality, and outcomes of care received by the vast majority of the general population, as well as by specific marginalized populations. The field of health economics and outcomes research (HEOR) has an important role in supporting health equity goals. This publication aimed to act as a “primer” for conducting health equity research within the field of HEOR, establishing foundational understanding of key concepts.

Methods

The ISPOR Special Interest Group on Health Equity Research was established in 2021 to advance equity-informative methods and data to better enable researchers to empirically investigate—and ultimately reduce—unfair social differences in health. This publication was developed by the ISPOR Special Interest Group leadership team with input from the group membership.

Results

The resultant publication provides an overview of health equity research methods and data considerations as they relate to HEOR-relevant topics including clinical trials, real-world evidence and economic evaluation. Reflecting the current body of research on health equity in HEOR, particular focus is given to the latter. It also brings together a list of core reference material to support future learning.

Conclusions

This report provides the HEOR community with a tailored “state of play” overview of health equity, to support development of foundational understanding and inspire increased engagement.