As health systems work to improve patient outcomes, health equity initiatives offer great promise for meaningful change. But there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for addressing the complexities of health disparities. To effectively address health disparities, organizations must implement health equity strategies that target systemic barriers and root causes to create lasting improvements in care access, quality, and patient outcomes. Here are strategies that can help drive comprehensive, system-wide change.

Systemic change starts with building an understanding of the root causes of health disparities and how health systems, clinicians, and administrators may contribute to them. For example, building self-awareness about our own implicit or unconscious racial biases is important as these can directly influence the quality of care delivery. A 2016 survey found that 40% of medical students believed Black patients have a higher threshold to pain than patients of other races and ethnicities. Research has also found Black patients are 22% less likely than White patients to receive pain medication.

Organizations can empower employees by offering training on implicit bias, culturally sensitive communication and social determinants of health. This education should go beyond theory, providing practical solutions to improve patient care. Such educational programs must extend beyond training in medical school – they should be available in the clinical and administrative settings as well. It is critical that health equity is at the forefront of decision-making to ensure better health outcomes for all patients.

Increasing Provider Representation for Systemic Health Equity

Health systems have both the ability and responsibility to improve workforce representation in their communities. As a Black woman physician, I have treated patients in my emergency department – which serves a large African American population – who shared their excitement to have a doctor with a similar background. Research shows representation matters – several studies have found patients experience improved outcomes when receiving care from providers of the background. Prioritizing diversity in recruitment and hiring practices is a direct way to increase workforce diversity. However, there are other impactful initiatives that can support aspiring and current healthcare professionals through their career journeys.

Read the full article about advancing systemic health equity by Maureen Bell at MedCity News.