Reflections and lessons learned from implementing the Ontario Health Equity Impact Assessment Tool in community...

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Community Health
• Disability Studies

Background:

• Family caregivers of neurodivergent individuals and people with disabilities face unique challenges.
• Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) is a therapeutic approach that can support caregivers.
• Assessing health equity is crucial for inclusive community programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the experience of using the Health Equity Impact Assessment (HEIA) Tool.
• To evaluate the implementation of an ACT workshop for family caregivers.
• To identify challenges and propose solutions for using the HEIA Tool in a community setting.

Main Methods:

• Commentary based on practical experience.
• Utilized the Ontario Ministry of Health's HEIA Tool.
• Facilitators (caregivers and clinicians) completed the HEIA Tool during an ACT workshop evaluation.

Main Results:

• Facilitators encountered difficulties in understanding and applying the HEIA Tool.
• The HEIA Tool required customization to fit the specific context of the ACT workshop.
• The experience highlighted the need for adaptable health equity assessment tools.

Conclusions:

• Customization of the HEIA Tool was necessary for effective implementation.
• Recommendations are provided for adapting health equity assessment tools in community programs.
• The findings offer valuable lessons for other initiatives conducting health equity assessments.