Social accountability is an approach to healthcare that emphasizes the importance of responsiveness to social, cultural, and economic contexts in healthcare delivery. By taking a social accountability approach, healthcare providers and institutions can better address social determinants of health, such as poverty, race, and education, that disproportionately affect health outcomes.
The subject of social accountability and health equity in medical education and practice is crucial because it highlights the importance of addressing the social determinants of health and promoting equitable access to healthcare for all. In order to achieve health equity, it is important for medical students and professionals to understand and address the underlying social, economic, and environmental factors that contribute to health disparities. This includes training on cultural competence, patient-centred care, and community engagement to ensure that healthcare providers are equipped to serve diverse populations with unique healthcare needs.
Furthermore, medical schools and healthcare institutions have a social responsibility to promote health equity and address healthcare disparities. This requires not only a commitment to providing equitable healthcare services, but also to working with local communities to identify and address the root causes of health disparities. By prioritizing social accountability and health equity in medical education and practice, we can work towards a future where everyone has access to quality healthcare, regardless of their race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or geographic location.
This Article Collection aims to explore the role of social accountability in promoting health equity. Manuscripts are welcome that address the following:
- How do social determinants of health impact health outcomes, and what is the evidence base for addressing these determinants through a social accountability approach?
- What is being taught about social accountability in medical education programs, and how can we best measure the effectiveness of social accountability education?
- How do medical students perceive and learn about social accountability, and what projects are they engaging in to promote social accountability?
- What policies or benchmarks have been put in place by academic institutions or national bodies to promote social accountability in healthcare, and how effective are these policies in improving primary care access and promoting health equity?
- What are the best practices for promoting social accountability in healthcare delivery, and how can we better understand and address the barriers to implementation?
We welcome submissions from researchers, practitioners, and educators in the fields of medicine, public health, and health policy. Manuscripts employing a range of methodologies, including qualitative and quantitative research, literature reviews, and case studies, are welcome.
Overall, this Article Collection aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on social accountability and health equity, and to identify best practices for promoting social accountability in medical education and healthcare delivery. By better understanding the role of social accountability in promoting health equity, we can work towards a healthcare system that is more responsive to the needs of all patients, regardless of their social or economic status.
All manuscripts submitted to this Article Collection will undergo desk assessment and peer-review as part of our standard editorial process. Guest Advisors will not be involved in peer-reviewing manuscripts unless they are an existing member of the Editorial Board.
Please review the journal scope and author submission instructions prior to submitting a manuscript.
The deadline for submitting manuscripts is 31 January 2024.
Please contact Millie Powell at [email protected] with any queries regarding this Article Collection.
