Understanding Fairer Practice

The Inverse Care Law still applies

Health inequalities are unfair and avoidable differences in health outcomes, particularly affecting marginalised communities and those facing social exclusion. In the UK, there's nearly a 20-year gap in life expectancy between the most and least deprived communities.

Those with the most need often get the least care and face the greatest barriers. General practice holds some of the most powerful tools to tackle this, through equitable access, inclusive systems, continuity of care, and partnerships with local communities.

“Healthcare inequalities fall under the NHS's control. That's where we can make the biggest difference.”

Why a Fairer Practice Toolkit?

Many GPs and their teams are already committed to advancing health equity. But it's not always clear what steps to take, which actions make the greatest difference, or how to turn good intentions into sustainable change.

General practice can't directly change the wider social determinants of health. But we can make a real difference to who gets care, how that care is delivered, and what outcomes patients experience. The Fairer Practice Toolkit has been developed to meet this need:

• 📍 To guide you to take practical, evidence-informed actions to reduce health inequalities
• ✓ And enable you to demonstrate a visible and meaningful commitment to health equity
• 🤝 Acting as a framework for system partners to invest in general practice efforts to reduce inequalities

“This is not about doing more. It's about doing what matters and makes a difference, for the patients who need it most.”

Action tiers

Each action in the Fairer Practice toolkit belongs to a theme and a tier.