[Contribution of Health Care Research to Establishing Social Equality in Health and Health Care Opportunities]. / Der Beitrag der Versorgungsforschung zur Chancengerechtigkeit in der Gesundheit und in der Versorgung.

ABSTRACT

Social inequalities in health and health care services represent issues of major concern. Findings in this area reveal inequalities in health and health care indicating disadvantages for individuals with a low socioeconomic background. Although the health care system plays a marginal role in the explanation of inequalities in health, health services research can be an important part in the development of equal health opportunities. The current article describes the causal associations between social inequalities, health inequalities and the health care service. Health services research can make a contribution to increasing equal opportunities in health and health care service. Against this background, we discuss the existing potential and need of research in the area of health services.