RCPI launches Inclusion Health: An Education Framework

The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland is proud to launch a new education framework designed to translate Inclusion Health principles into practical, clinically relevant guidance that supports informed decision‑making, effective communication, and continuity of care.

People affected by social exclusion experience markedly poorer health outcomes, earlier onset of illness, and reduced life expectancy. Homelessness, addiction, forced migration, limited health literacy, and discrimination can all delay access to care, complicate diagnosis, and disrupt treatment and follow‑up.

The Inclusion Health Framework was co‑designed by service users, clinicians, and the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. Led by the Institute of Medicine, with support from the Faculty of Paediatrics and HSE‑NDTP Development Funding (2024), the project reflects RCPI’s commitment to advancing equitable clinical care for people experiencing social exclusion.

An Inclusion Health approach recognises the profound influence of social context on clinical presentation, engagement with services, and health outcomes. This framework supports doctors to integrate socially informed, person‑centred decision‑making into everyday practice, strengthening safety, trust, and continuity of care across healthcare settings.

Speaking at the launch, RCPI President Dr Diarmuid O’Shea welcomed the publication. “This framework is a vital step in embedding Inclusion Health in postgraduate medical training and patient care,” he said.

He also acknowledged the leadership of Prof Clíona Ní Cheallaigh and Dr Tara McGinty, and thanked the many contributors and co‑design partners who brought together clinical expertise and lived experience to develop this comprehensive resource.

The Inclusion Health Framework is intended for all healthcare professionals and is available here.