The FAIRSTEPS study

Framework to Address Inequities in pRimary care using STakEholder PerspectiveS

Background

Health inequities in UK primary care are the unfair and avoidable differences in access, experience and outcomes of healthcare services. These disparities are deeply rooted in wider social, economic and environmental factors. From language and cultural barriers to geographic disparities and digital exclusion; health inequities are widespread and fundamentally unfair.

By bringing together learning from patients with lived experience and frontline practitioners, the evidence-based University of Sheffield FAIRSTEPS framework is a tool to support the Primary Care sector to take action to increase equity.

The FAIRSTEPS study

The University of Sheffield-led Framework to Address Inequities in pRimary care using STakEholder PerspectiveS (FAIRSTEPS) produced a step-by-step framework and interactive toolkit to help primary care services reduce health inequities for their local populations. This was broken down into the local level - focusing on primary care practices and network - through to commissioners and primary care education.

The underpinning research involved reviewing existing studies, policies, and organisational websites. It also included gaining insights from healthcare professionals (such as frontline GPs and nurses) and developing a deep understanding of patient perspectives, working closely with the Deep End PPI group who represent communities from deprived areas in Sheffield.

Research outputs

Step-by-step guide and prioritised actions for practices and networks, commissioners and educators
An evidence-informed interactive toolkit for designing new local innovations
An economic analysis demonstrating that most FAIRSTEPS prioritised interventions were both cost-effective and equity promoting

Our impact so far

The FAIRSTEPS framework has been endorsed by the popular primary care podcast eGPlearning, with a published research paper (insert link) being viewed thousands of times. The team has also presented at seven international conferences, presented to a national panel of senior healthcare managers for national dissemination and has run training courses with hundreds of trainee GPs.

A FAIRSTEPS masterclass for primary care professionals in network leadership roles,, providing training and one-to-one support to empower the cohort to design bespoke localised interventions, is running throughout summer 2025.

FAIRSTEPS showcase - Evidence Informed Actions for Primary Care Equity

Online webinar: Wednesday 17 September, 10.30am–1pm

The FAIRSTEPS masterclass will culminate in a Showcase where the cohort will share their experiences and promote the use of the FAIRSTEPS framework to practitioners across South Yorkshire and beyond. There will also be the opportunity to learn more about the FAIRSTEPS framework and toolkit and how it can support you and your Primary Care team to design new initiatives in your local practice, network or neighbourhood to achieve more equitable Primary Care services.

Featuring:

Keynote speech from Dr Andy Hilton, Chief Executive of Primary Care Sheffield.
A talk from Aaishah Aslam, Deep End PPI member and project manager of The Deep End Leeds.
Hear from the FAIRSTEPS study team and the first FAIRSTEPS Masterclass cohort who will present their equity projects and current progress.

Don't miss out on this important opportunity to gain valuable tools and insight for your own populations at this informative event. Open to all those working across South Yorkshire and beyond.

Book your place now

Testimonials

Patients and collaborators from primary care share how they have helped to shape the FAIRSTEPS framework:

The opportunity to be involved in the FAIRSTEPS work was a huge privilege but seeing the quality of the output is what made this collaborative endeavour so rewarding. The FAIRSTEPS framework is a game-changer and an enabler for all those wishing to meaningfully address inequities in primary care.
Dr Nigel Hart
GP in Northern Ireland and Professor of General Practice

I enjoyed working on the FAIRSTEPS study because I liked hearing the views of others and working with the information to develop the framework together. I learnt that we all have something to give and even if we have differing views, it's all useful.
Carole Hobson
Deep End Patient Public Involvement (PPI) contributor

As a PPIE member for the FAIRSTEPS study – my most meaningful and favourite part was when we helped shape priority interventions for networks and practices; primary care commissioners; and education and training providers. This was done through several meetings discussing vignettes where we openly and vigorously shared our views and lived experiences and community perspectives discussing services and interventions that would realistically benefit patients and be culturally appropriate with local communities, often underrepresented and commonly unable to access health and care services. All the researchers, especially Ben, were extremely welcoming, polite and non-judgemental, and this was a key factor in wanting to get more involved in the study.
Aaishah J-Aslam
Deep End Patient Public Involvement (PPI) contributor