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. Several recent studies provide facts and figures on this topic.
Indicators on Healthcare Equity
To ensure health equity, it is necessary to evaluate data on a regular basis. Various projects show which indicators could be used for this purpose.
The Obsan report «Health Equity: Data Sources» (available only in German) was produced as part of a feasibility analysis for a Health Equity Report. It provides an overview of existing data sources in Switzerland that can be used for analyses in the area of health equity. The focus is on regularly collected, nationally representative data that would be suitable for monitoring. Data gaps are also described.
Equity in health care: The Obsan report "Experiences of Disadvantage in Health Care in Switzerland" shows how socioeconomically disadvantaged persons assess the quality of Swiss health care. The International Health Policy Survey 2020 serves as the data basis. The report is available in French and German. Further information can be found on the Obsan website
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.
The results of the study «Indicators on Healthcare Equity in Switzerland. New Evidence and Challenges» show that there is a clear link between potentially avoidable hospital admissions and socio-economic disadvantage. The concentration of healthcare providers and cultural diversity also play a role. The study also includes recommendations on how equity in healthcare can be improved.
Under what conditions is it possible to assess the quality of the Swiss healthcare system in terms of equality of opportunity? The PRIORITY study, coordinated by Geneva University Hospital and Unisanté Lausanne, provides answers to this question based on pilot studies in three hospitals.
PRIORITY (PanoRama of Indicators On healthcaRe equity): Measuring equity of care in Swiss hospitals - a feasibility study. As part of this study, a group of experts and patient representatives defined indicators for equity in care in Swiss hospitals as well as criteria for vulnerability. These indicators and criteria were tested in three hospitals in Geneva, Zurich and Mendrisio. The results show the usefulness and limitations of the available data. They also indicate possibilities for improving the measurement of health equity in Switzerland.
Please note that Appendixes 6 and 7 are also available in German, French and Italian. All other appendixes are only available in English.
Hospital readmissions and deprivation
Hospital readmissions are often avoidable and indicate health disparities. A study by Unisanté Lausanne examines the situation in Switzerland in this context.
«Hospital readmissions and socioeconomic deprivation in Switzerland»: This quantitative study by unisanté Lausanne investigates whether regions with higher socio-economic disadvantages also have a higher rate of avoidable rehospitalization.
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.
In Switzerland, people with lower household incomes, foreign nationals (or those born abroad) and people with chronic diseases (e.g. obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases) are particularly likely to forgo healthcare services. This foregoing can also have a negative impact on health in the longer term.
Our health system is based on the principle of openness and solidarity. It 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.
Federal Office of Public Health FOPH
Healthcare and Related Professions Division Health Equity Section Schwarzenburgstrasse 157 Switzerland - 3003 Bern
