How to apply the evidence-based recommendations for greater health equity into policymaking and action at the local level?

Abstract

In 2014, the regional commission for equity in health in the Swedish region of Östergötland, the Östgötacommission, presented their scientific report on health inequities and possible explanatory factors in the region as well as evidence-based recommendations to reduce health disparities. The final report with its 66 recommendations was officially approved by politicians across parties in the region. In the next step, out of the 66 recommendations, 10 areas of action were politically prioritized and declared in a common letter of intent signed by representatives from the municipalities and the Region of Östergötland. Now, these evidence-based recommendations and political areas of action are to be applied into policymaking and action at the local level. In this paper, this transferral process is reflected upon with the local example of the Norrköping municipality and their work with social investments. It is suggested to start with follow-up and evaluation of local action from the perspective of proportionate universalism, followed by local processes based on the organization model described here and earlier used at the regional level.