Reviewing Inclusion Health: An Intervention Programme for At-Risk Populations
Inclusion Health is a framework for action that helps find ways of improving the health and well-being for socially excluded groups. These populations, who have in common adverse life experiences and risk factors, such as poverty and childhood trauma that lead to social exclusion, are more at risk of being impacted by substance use, rough sleeping, imprisonment and exchanging sex for money or drugs.
In a recent review by The Lancet, information about the efficacy of specific interventions designed for Inclusion Health for health target populations was gathered from previously conducted systematic reviews and meta-analyses, as well as from running workshops with people who had experience of social exclusion, such as homelessness, addiction or incarceration.
The interventions included pharmacological, psychosocial, case management, disease prevention, housing and social intervention and specially tailored intervention for women and children.
The conclusions drawn from the review were:
- Although multiple interventions exist that are designed to address the needs of this population, often barriers are present that prevent individuals being able to access the services.
- In terms of prevention, the most effective interventions are driven by the aim of reducing material poverty and deprivation, especially among families.
- People who have experienced exclusion have identified appropriate housing as the most important intervention.
- Gaps within the evidence base behind certain interventions remain and there is a need for a greater assessment of the effectiveness of structural intervention; including housing, employment, and legal support, early intervention and prevention measures.
