Structural Inequalities in the Clinical Neurosciences

The one-day course will take the form of a series of talks by expert speakers from the UK and internationally, culminating in a panel and audience discussion at the end of the day. Our speakers will address the root causes of inequality in neuroscience research and clinical care, but also point to solutions for overcoming these. The programme will be followed by an informal networking event. We hope that the day will generate ideas for collaboration and solidarity in overcoming injustice for people living with the combined effects of neurological illness and social or economic marginalisation.

This course has been developed by the St George’s Clinical Neuroscience Practice MSc/PgCert team. Our MSc and PgCert programmes provide a solid foundation in the principles, practice, lived experience and service delivery of clinical neurosciences. They are strongly values-oriented, emphasising the equal contribution of the different health professions to clinical care, the inclusion of lived experience in learning and caring and structural factors such as patriarchy and coloniality that bias neuroscience research and care. For more information, visit https://www.sgul.ac.uk/study/courses/clinical-neuroscience-practice

Course Description

Evidence of systemic injustice in health outcomes has been mounting for decades. Over 16 million people live with a neurological condition in England alone. Despite this, inequalities in research and clinical outcomes in neurology have received relatively little attention.  

In this unique event, we will explore and challenge some of the structural factors that underpin disparities in healthcare and healthcare research in neurological and related disorders. These include race, gender, sexuality, global disparities in wealth, and differential vulnerability to climate catastrophe.

CPD accreditation from the Royal College of Physicians will be sought for.

The main aims of the course are:

- To develop an awareness of how structural inequalities have influenced the neuroscientific agenda both historically and today.

- To investigate the impact structural inequalities and prejudice have on people living with neurological and related conditions.

- To identify solutions for dismantling structures that maintain inequality in neuroscientific knowledge production and clinical care.