General Practice community engagement approaches to tackle health inequalities (HiQUALITY) study
Author(s)
Type
Report
Abstract
This report summarises key findings of the HiQUALITY (Health Inequality) Study commissioned by the NHSE Legacy and Health Equity Partnership (LHEP). The project was a partnership of LHEP, UKHSA London, NHSE London, and SCARU Imperial over a 6-month timeline (Sep 23-Mar 24).
The COVID-19 pandemic and cost of living crisis exacerbated existing health inequalities amongst London's diverse communities. Community engagement has been an important aspect of the multisectoral approach towards tackling these health inequalities, and General Practices (GPs) and Primary Care Networks (PCNs) have contributed to this work. A great deal of community engagement activity is already occurring in General Practice, however scoping conversations with leaders in this area had suggested that exploration of a baseline of activity and an understanding of need would be beneficial to inform possible next steps for community engagement in General Practice.
The HiQUALITY Study aimed to characterise variations in community engagement approaches by GPs/PCNs across London, exploring reasons behind these variations, perceived outcomes, best practice and what support is needed to sustain community engagement to reduce health inequalities.
The COVID-19 pandemic and cost of living crisis exacerbated existing health inequalities amongst London's diverse communities. Community engagement has been an important aspect of the multisectoral approach towards tackling these health inequalities, and General Practices (GPs) and Primary Care Networks (PCNs) have contributed to this work. A great deal of community engagement activity is already occurring in General Practice, however scoping conversations with leaders in this area had suggested that exploration of a baseline of activity and an understanding of need would be beneficial to inform possible next steps for community engagement in General Practice.
The HiQUALITY Study aimed to characterise variations in community engagement approaches by GPs/PCNs across London, exploring reasons behind these variations, perceived outcomes, best practice and what support is needed to sustain community engagement to reduce health inequalities.
Date Issued
2025-06-02
Date Acceptance
2025-06-02
Citation
2025, pp.1-39
Start Page
1
End Page
39
Journal / Book Title
Imperial College London
Copyright Statement
© 2025 LHEP, UKHSA London, NHSE London, and SCARU Imperial.