Assessing Equity

How can equity in healthcare be measured? The FOPH supports research projects that shed light on various facets of disadvantage in healthcare. The findings obtained can be used as a basis for optimisation.

When studying health equity, average values on quality and access often paint a deceptively positive picture. New methods are needed to identify social gaps and inequalities. The studies «Indicators on Healthcare Equity» and «Forgoing Healthcare in Switzerland» provide data and facts on this topic.

Indicators on Healthcare Equity

A research team from the University of Lausanne and Unisanté has succeeded in measuring equity in Swiss healthcare on the basis of potentially avoidable hospital admissions. The researchers were also able to geographically determine where problems frequently occur, and quantify potential cost savings.

Forgoing Healthcare

A research team from the University Hospitals of Geneva (HUG) investigated the forgoing of medical and dental care in Switzerland. It was found that socioeconomically disadvantaged people forgo these health services more frequently.  

Further information

Health Equity

Our health system must be accessible to all, regardless of language, origin, social status or educational level.

Health Literacy

We are committed to exploring and empowering the health literacy of the Swiss population. The results of the Swiss Health Literacy Survey show that there is potential for improvement.

Last modification 20.09.2022

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Contact

Federal Office of Public Health FOPH
Health Strategies Division
Health Equity Section
Schwarzenburgstrasse 157
3003 Bern
Switzerland
Tel. +41 58 463 30 11
E-mail

Print contact

https://www.bag.admin.ch/content/bag/en/home/strategie-und-politik/nationale-gesundheitsstrategien/gesundheitliche-chancengleichheit/chancengleichheit-in-der-gesundheitsversorgung/chancengerechtigkeit-messen.html