The “4P’s Road Map” developed by experts at Cincinnati Children’s offers a strategic framework for conducting population health and health equity research at scale. This four-stage framework was published as a “viewpoint” article in JAMA Pediatrics on June 10, 2024, with co-authors Andrew Beck, MD, MPH, Ndidi Unaka, MD, MEd, and Robert S. Kahn, MD, MPH.
In their publication, the co-authors highlight the ongoing challenge of achieving optimal and equitable health outcomes despite significant investments in the healthcare system and biomedical research. They argue that the current approach may not be sufficient to address the complex issues affecting population health and health equity. As such, they emphasize the need to develop population health and health equity research capabilities.
The focus of the road map is on building these capabilities by utilizing examples like the Cincinnati Child Health-Law Partnership (Child HeLP). This partnership between Cincinnati Children’s primary care centers and Cincinnati’s Legal Aid Society aims to address the health-related social and legal needs of low-income families. For example, Child HeLP works to improve unhealthy housing conditions that can negatively impact children’s health outcomes.
Key elements of population health and health equity research progression highlighted in the framework include a focus on shared outcomes, building multidisciplinary expertise, data integration, institutional support, and community engagement. These elements are essential for advancing research in this field and ultimately improving health outcomes for all individuals. By following this road map, researchers can build stronger partnerships that integrate multiple disciplines to achieve shared goals for improving public health.
Overall, this roadmap provides a valuable resource for researchers looking to advance their work in population health and health equity research at scale. By focusing on these key elements of progression outlined in this framework, researchers can build stronger partnerships that lead to more effective interventions and improved overall public health outcomes for all individuals.
