Advancing Social Mission Research: A Call to Action

Area of Science:

• Health Professions Education
• Health Equity Research
• Social Determinants of Health

Background:

• Social mission initiatives in health professions education aim to promote health equity and address societal disparities.
• Existing evidence suggests these initiatives correlate with positive outcomes like practice in underserved areas and improved student diversity.
• However, significant gaps in evidence limit the strategic application of social mission to advance health equity, especially in light of COVID-19's impact on health disparities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current social mission research landscape in health professions education.
• To identify critical evidence gaps hindering the advancement of health equity.
• To propose a research roadmap to strengthen the evidence base for social mission strategies.

Main Methods:

• The authors conducted a review of the existing social mission research.
• They analyzed data and methodological limitations impacting the field.
• A proposed roadmap includes community building, framework development, and addressing data needs.

Main Results:

• The review indicated a need for more rigorous research and data collection to establish the link between social mission activities and health equity.
• Current limitations in data and methodology impede progress in understanding and strategically applying social mission.
• A research roadmap is proposed to overcome these limitations.

Conclusions:

• Strengthening the evidence base for social mission in health professions education is crucial for advancing health equity.
• A coordinated research agenda, robust data collection, and methodological advancements are necessary.
• Establishing a central organizing body is recommended to foster collaboration and drive progress in social mission research.