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
Senior Lecturer and Co-Lead for Cancer Care
Biography
Robert Kerrison is a Senior Lecturer in Cancer Care and co-leads the Cancer Care Expert Group (School of Health Sciences) at the University of Surrey. Rob's ongoing programme of work focuses on inequalities across the cancer pathway, from symptom awareness, screening and early diagnosis, through to treatment.
Rob is co-chair of the World Endoscopy Organisation (WEO) Coalition to Reduce Inequities in Colorectal Cancer Screening and UK Chair for the Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) Test Consortium's Communication Work group. He is also a member of the NIHR Policy Research Unit for Cancer Awareness, Screening and Early Diagnosis, which led by UCL and the University of Oxford.
Rob is also a member of the Transforming Cancer Services Taskforce for London, and sits on the editorial board for Frontiers in Cancer Control and Society. He is the Open Research Champion for the School of Health Sciences, Module Lead for the postgraduate module for Research Design and Methodology, Theme Lead for Individuals, Organisations and Society, and a member of the School of Health Sciences Athena Swan Committee.
