Journal of general internal medicine
-
Cervical cancer is the third most common malignancy affecting women. Screening with Papanicolaou (Pap) tests effectively identifies precancerous lesions and early-stage cervical cancer. While the nationwide rate of cervical cancer screening (CCS) is 84%, our urban general internal medicine (GIM) clinic population had a CCS rate of 70% in 2016. ⋯ The rate of CCS increased by 5% after a systematic 2-phase organizational intervention that empowered MAs to remind, identify, and prepare candidates during check-in for CCS.
-
Despite medical research advancements, inequities persist, as research has enhanced the health of some while leaving many communities untouched. Reforms are needed to direct research toward health equity, both during this pandemic and beyond. ⋯ We articulate a health equity research impact assessment, which draws from existing research impact assessments and health disparities research measures and frameworks. We describe how this tool was developed and how it may be used by research reviewers, researchers, academic institutions, and funding agencies to elevate health equity in medical science.