Inclusion health

Ensuring that services are inclusive and responsive is a key aspect of population health care, contributing to improved overall health of the public. This requires breaking down the barriers people face as they access or try to engage with health and social care, with those most vulnerable in our society, for whatever reason, often having the greatest healthcare needs. Research indicates that, on average, these people will have shorter life spans and experience significantly poorer health outcomes.

The causes of exclusion may stem from a variety of factors, such as unemployment, financial struggles, age, physical or mental illness, substance abuse, discrimination based on race, disability, ethnicity, religion/belief, sexual orientation or gender identity, inadequate educational attainment or skills, relationship breakdown, poor housing, and crime (as victim or former offender reintegrating into society).

The assessment of inequality is a crucial initial phase in addressing disparities in life expectancy and health outcomes. Quantifying differences in life expectancy among nations enables the identification of areas where interventions can be targeted to promote health equity.