Healthcare disparities persistently affect racial and ethnic minorities, leading to unequal access to healthcare and a higher likelihood of experiencing health inequalities. The challenge of gathering precise and meaningful data related to race, ethnicity, and language (REaL) remains an ongoing issue within the healthcare sector, and this data is critical for enhancing healthcare access.
Denver Health, a healthcare system, embarked on the journey of addressing these disparities, beginning with an examination of the state of REaL data within its own institution.
Dr. Cory K. Hussain, the Associate Chief Medical Information Officer for Health Equity and Clinical Effectiveness at Denver Health, highlighted their initial focus on comprehending the landscape of REaL data collection. "We knew we had issues collecting this data, but we first needed to define the process of how to evaluate the quality of this data," explained Hussain. "Defining these metrics presented a considerable challenge. Once we passed this obstacle, we discovered substantial issues with our REaL data."
The subsequent step involved identifying the underlying causes contributing to the data quality issues. Hussain noted that this was an equally if not more challenging task, as it necessitated an examination of system-level processes, particularly those susceptible to substantial variation.
Before implementing a REaL intervention within their electronic health record (EHR) system, Denver Health needed to modify some of its operational procedures at the system level.
"This was a formidable undertaking that required gaining the support of our frontline staff and providing them with training on this new approach," Hussain emphasised. "The success of this program was made possible through the dedicated efforts of the REaL team, which worked closely with the registration staff, who played a crucial role in implementing the program."
Healthcare disparities are deeply entrenched in the Colorado health system, with many issues rooted in systemic factors. The only way to address these disparities is by gaining a comprehensive understanding of the affected patients and the existing systems that perpetuate these issues.
As Hussain pointed out, "You can't change something for which you don't possess reliable data." Recognizing the identity of their patients represents a crucial initial step in the right direction. However, numerous organisations, including Denver Health, grapple with data that is incomplete and suffers from quality issues. Without dependable data, it is impossible to design interventions targeting the appropriate population with the limited resources available to make the maximum intended impact.
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