Individuals, organisations and society
Reducing health inequities through organisational and societal change.
The challenge
Individuals, organisations and society interact in complex, myriad ways that affect our health. Individuals have the power to improve not only their own health, but the health of those around them (for example, by walking to the shops, rather than driving). However, the extent to which they are able to do so is influenced by organisations and society, who can encourage or discourage healthy behaviours through incentives, social influence and peer support. This understanding has led to a paradigm shift in the way we are exploring health and health inequities, with the onus being less on individuals, and more on organisations and society.
Our response
Research programmes within the theme of ‘Individuals, Organisations and Society’ aim to address issues of health inequity by understanding how societal and organisational structures and systems perpetuate poorer health and health outcomes – from cultural beliefs and attitudes through to institutional policies and practices. Examples include cancer in prison, digital healthcare for people with learning disabilities, diabetes management in rural areas and the provision of translation services for individuals who do not speak English.
Researchers
Research theme lead
Dr Robert Kerrison
Associate Professor and Co-Lead for Cancer Care
Biography
Robert Kerrison is an Associate Professor in Cancer Care and Co-Lead for the Cancer Care Expert Group (School of Health Sciences). Rob's ongoing programme of work focuses on inequalities across the cancer pathway, from symptom awareness, screening and early diagnosis, through to treatment. He holds several awards as principal investigator, including a prestigious Cancer Research Fellowship and Breast Cancer Now Project Grant. He is also a co-investigator on a number of research programmes, including the NIHR Policy Research Unit for Cancer Awareness, Screening and Early Diagnosis, and an NIHR Health and Social Care Delivery Research Award ('Cancer-Learn').
Rob's external appointments include Co-chair of the World Endoscopy Organisation (WEO) Coalition to Reduce Inequities in Colorectal Cancer Screening and Co-chair of the Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) Test Consortium's Communication Work group.
His internal roles include Open Research Champion for the School of Health Sciences, Module Lead for the Research Design and Methodology and Theme Lead for Individuals, Organisations and Society.
