Enhancing the Evidence Base

SHERU is working to advance data accessibility, expand the scope of high-quality evidence, and leverage existing resources to support effective policymaking in addressing health inequalities in Scotland.

Improving Accessibility

We aim to improve the accessibility and clarity of key data insights. By making complex information more understandable, this strand seeks to empower policymakers, researchers, and the public to make informed decisions based on reliable evidence. In doing so, we aim to foster greater transparency and collaboration, ensuring that valuable insights are readily accessible to support efforts in tackling health inequalities.

Enriching the Data Landscape

Our work seeks to broaden the range and depth of available data to better capture the complexities of health inequalities. We will place an emphasis on exploring innovative alternatives to traditional data collection methods. The ultimate goal is to enrich the evidence base, ensuring it reflects the diverse experiences of different populations and provides a more comprehensive understanding of the factors driving health inequalities in Scotland.

Reaching the Feasibility Frontier

We have a focus on maximising the potential of existing data by supporting efforts to integrate and link datasets more effectively. By facilitating connections between health and social data, as well as encouraging the use of longitudinal studies and administrative records, this strand aims to generate richer, more comprehensive evidence to better support the evaluation of existing policies and guide the design of new policies and interventions to address health inequalities.

Data at a Glance

Charts from the 2024 Inequality Landscape: Health and Socioeconomic Divides in Scotland report with most recent (updated monthly) data (available for download).

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Reactive Stats Briefings

Designed to improve the accessibility and visibility of important statistical findings, these briefings provide concise, easy-to-understand round-ups that highlight key insights from recent publications. By integrating quantitative and qualitative evidence, demystifying complex statistics / methodologies, and explaining data limitations, the unit aims to make this information more approachable for a wider audience.

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