Health inequalities are complex and difficult to unpick. But unpick them we must, if we are to deliver the best care to all patients. Data is at hand to help. National clinical audits and outcome review programmes offer insights to support a better understanding of the issues, and help us to tailor solutions. They shine a light on where change is needed most, giving us the evidence to improve outcomes for everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Using 14 years of national [PICANet] data, our study highlights significant inequalities in paediatric intensive care outcomes in the UK” The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, 2025
There are numerous examples where data highlights unwarranted differences, helping to understand what is happening and providing an opportunity to improve care for everyone. A prominent example is in maternity care, where MBRRACE-UK data has been utilised to help drive the maternal mortality of black women from five times (2014-16), to double that of white women (2021-23). Prompted by examples like this, we invite everyone involved in delivering healthcare to scrutinise the data by characteristics such as ethnicity and deprivation, and take action where inequalities exist.
See below for examples
The Power of Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) in Healthcare Improvement
HQIP-commissioned PICANet data reveals inequalities in children’s intensive care
Listening to marginalised voices in maternity case study
#CAAW25: Key resources on Healthcare Inequalities
The value of audit in identifying health inequalities
New study uses HQIP-commissioned data to identify ‘recurring red flags’ in maternity
Blog: Yes we can
