Centering racial health equity in systematic reviews Paper 4: use of logic models and frameworks for methodological conduct and interest holder engagement

Abstract

Objective: To identify and examine the availability and characteristics of 1) equity-focused logic models and 2) frameworks for interest holder engagement used in evidence syntheses of health interventions addressing racial health equity to inform methods for centering racial health equity in future evidence syntheses.

Study Design and Setting: A comprehensive search of bibliographic databases and key organization websites such as NIH and the USPSTF was conducted between January 1, 2020, and January 25, 2023. We also analyzed interest holders listening sessions from a parallel study for additional references to equity-focused logic models and/or frameworks. We used a narrative approach to identify and describe key characteristics of equity-focused logic models and frameworks for interest holder engagement.

Results: Of the 157 racial health equity-focused evidence syntheses identified, 2 described logic models, and 29 described interest holder engagement. None of these 29 evidence syntheses reported using a framework to engage interest holders. Six existing health equity frameworks were identified from the listening sessions. Of those, two frameworks provided guidance for the use of logic models. and interest holder engagement in evidence syntheses.

Conclusion: Use of logic models and frameworks for interest holder engagement is limited in evidence syntheses addressing racial health equity. There is a need for more frameworks and guidance for the use of logic models and interest holder engagement frameworks in evidence syntheses addressing racial health equity.

Keywords: Logic model, stakeholder engagement, interest holders, engagement, framework, scoping review, systematic reviews.

JEL Classification: I