Research participants often do not represent the general population. Systematic exclusion of particular groups from research limits the generalizability of research findings and perpetuates health inequalities. Groups considered underserved by research include those whose inclusion is lower than expected based on population estimates, those with a high healthcare burden but limited research participation opportunities and those whose healthcare engagement is less than others. The REP-EQUITY toolkit guides representative and equitable inclusion in research. The toolkit was developed through a methodological systematic review and synthesis and finalized in a consensus workshop with 24 participants. The REP-EQUITY toolkit describes seven steps for investigators to consider in facilitating representative and equitable sample selection. This includes clearly defining (1) the relevant underserved groups, (2) the aims relating to equity and representativeness, (3) the sample proportion of individuals with characteristics associated with being underserved by research, (4) the recruitment goals, (5) the strategies by which external factors will be managed, (6) the methods by which representation in the final sample will be evaluated and (7) the legacy of having used the toolkit. Using the REP-EQUITY toolkit could promote trust between communities and research institutions, increase diverse participation in research and improve the generalizability of health research. National Institute for Health and Care Research PROSPERO identifier: CRD42022355391.

研究参与者通常不代表一般人群。系统性地将特定群体排除在研究之外限制了研究结果的普遍性，并使健康不平等长期存在。研究认为服务不足的群体包括根据人口估计纳入范围低于预期的群体、医疗负担较高但参与研究机会有限的群体以及医疗保健参与度低于其他群体的群体。 REP-EQUITY 工具包指导研究的代表性和公平性。该工具包是通过方法系统审查和综合开发的，并在 24 名参与者的共识研讨会上最终确定。 REP-EQUITY 工具包描述了研究人员在促进代表性和公平样本选择时需要考虑的七个步骤。这包括明确界定 (1) 相关的服务不足群体，(2) 与公平和代表性相关的目标，(3) 具有与研究服务不足相关特征的个人的样本比例，(4) 招募目标，(5)管理外部因素的策略，(6) 评估最终样本代表性的方法，以及 (7) 使用工具包的遗产。使用 REP-EQUITY 工具包可以促进社区和研究机构之间的信任，增加研究的多元化参与并提高健康研究的普遍性。国家健康与护理研究所 PROSPERO 标识符：CRD42022355391。