This month we take a look at health equity.
Addressing potential and actual healthcare disparities among hospitalized patients is a fundamental topic for reducing harm.
Health disparities are differences in health outcomes closely linked with social, economic, and environmental disadvantage—often driven by social conditions. Characteristics including but not limited to race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation,
socio-economic status, and other factors historically linked to exclusion or discrimination are known to influence the health of individuals, families, and communities.
HSAG HIIN is progressing on health equity by participating in a national Health Equity affinity group, with leading hospital members. The group developed the Health Equity Organizational Assessment (HEOA),
a tool for hospitals to self-assess their ability to identify and address disparities. The HEOA focuses on the following seven dimensions:
- Patient demographic data collection
- Training for reliable patient-demographic data collection
- Patient demographic data validation
- Patient demographic data stratification
- Communication of patient population findings
- Addressing and resolving gaps in care
- Organizational infrastructure and culture
Completion of an HEOA will contribute to a hospital’s action plan for addressing real and potential healthcare disparities to achieve equity for all patient populations. Stay tuned for more information on HEOA or contact your clinical improvement advisor (CIA).
