TY - JOUR
T1 - Developing a tool for the measurement of social exclusion in healthcare settings
AU - O’Donnell, Patrick
AU - Hannigan, Ailish
AU - Ibrahim, Nuha
AU - O’Donovan, Diarmuid
AU - Elmusharaf, Khalifa
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2022, The Author(s).
PY - 2022/12
Y1 - 2022/12
N2 - Background: Social exclusion is a complex concept that is recognised as a key determinant of health. Many measurement tools developed looked at people from single excluded groups in isolation. We know from experience and literature that exclusion is often intersectional and multi-layered. Therefore, the aim of this research was to develop a social exclusion measurement tool for use in healthcare settings with individuals from any excluded group that would include questions to investigate socioeconomic elements and subjective experiences in their lives. Methods: Inductive and deductive methods were used to develop the tool. Early drafts were tested with experts (both academic and experts by experience) and modified in line with feedback received. The tool was then piloted with people in the community, and this allowed us to assess the internal consistency and validity of the tool. Exploratory factor analysis was carried out as part of this evaluation. Results: The measurement tool was initially evaluated by 17 academic and ‘real world’ experts. It was then piloted with seven experts by experience, two gatekeepers and two participants who were presumed not to be excluded, resulting in the development of the final tool. This was then tested with 276 participants (127 presumed excluded, 149 presumed not excluded). The socioeconomic characteristics of these participants were documented, and exploratory factor analysis was carried out on data relating to subjective items. A four-factor structure emerged comprising 22 items. Internal consistency of the factors was high, and their ability to discriminate between the two groups was notable. Conclusions: A tool for measuring the social exclusion of individuals has been developed by engaging with people from a variety of excluded groups. Socioeconomic indicators were combined with subjective items. The input of experts by experience, academics and others was sought to enhance the tool. The tool was applied to two distinct samples, showing obvious differences both in the socioeconomic items, and the items included in the factor analysis. The potential use of this tool could have positive implications for people who are excluded.
AB - Background: Social exclusion is a complex concept that is recognised as a key determinant of health. Many measurement tools developed looked at people from single excluded groups in isolation. We know from experience and literature that exclusion is often intersectional and multi-layered. Therefore, the aim of this research was to develop a social exclusion measurement tool for use in healthcare settings with individuals from any excluded group that would include questions to investigate socioeconomic elements and subjective experiences in their lives. Methods: Inductive and deductive methods were used to develop the tool. Early drafts were tested with experts (both academic and experts by experience) and modified in line with feedback received. The tool was then piloted with people in the community, and this allowed us to assess the internal consistency and validity of the tool. Exploratory factor analysis was carried out as part of this evaluation. Results: The measurement tool was initially evaluated by 17 academic and ‘real world’ experts. It was then piloted with seven experts by experience, two gatekeepers and two participants who were presumed not to be excluded, resulting in the development of the final tool. This was then tested with 276 participants (127 presumed excluded, 149 presumed not excluded). The socioeconomic characteristics of these participants were documented, and exploratory factor analysis was carried out on data relating to subjective items. A four-factor structure emerged comprising 22 items. Internal consistency of the factors was high, and their ability to discriminate between the two groups was notable. Conclusions: A tool for measuring the social exclusion of individuals has been developed by engaging with people from a variety of excluded groups. Socioeconomic indicators were combined with subjective items. The input of experts by experience, academics and others was sought to enhance the tool. The tool was applied to two distinct samples, showing obvious differences both in the socioeconomic items, and the items included in the factor analysis. The potential use of this tool could have positive implications for people who are excluded.
KW - Health
KW - Intersectionality
KW - Scale development
KW - Social exclusion
KW - Tool evaluation
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85126526563&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1186/s12939-022-01636-1
DO - 10.1186/s12939-022-01636-1
M3 - Article
C2 - 35292025
AN - SCOPUS:85126526563
SN - 1475-9276
VL - 21
SP - 35
JO - International Journal for Equity in Health
JF - International Journal for Equity in Health
IS - 1
M1 - 35
ER -