Approaches for community intervention and research priority setting to reduce health inequalities: a scoping review

There is growing attention on research and intervention prioritization regarding the social determinants of health to address health inequalities. Community involvement in this prioritization is centrally important. This scoping review aimed to identify: (i) examples of priority setting regarding the social determinants of health and (ii) methods for involving local communities in research or intervention prioritization.

Searches were conducted in Medline, Social Policy & Practice, Applied Social Sciences Index & Abstracts, CINAHL, and Carrot2 in May 2024. Eligible studies reported prioritization with communities for interventions or research about the social determinants of health. Studies reported primary research in high-income countries. A narrative synthesis was undertaken, with a review team involving different professionals and public contributors.

Eighteen studies were included. Community prioritization methods varied, though commonly included participatory approaches, with additional reports of Delphi exercises, a super-setting approach, a nominal group technique, a deliberative exercise using a serious game, and a modified James Lind Alliance process.

Meaningful community involvement in research and intervention prioritization offers critical opportunities to reduce existing health inequalities. Participatory and coproduced approaches are valuable to research collaborations, funders, and public health organizations, which should ensure trust, accessibility, and inclusion to involve diverse and underrepresented communities.