A Community Framework: Building Equity in Healthcare

Healthcare disparities represent a significant and enduring challenge in many societies worldwide, with marginalized groups frequently receiving substandard care or being excluded from healthcare systems entirely.

These disparities are not mere statistics or unfortunate anomalies; they bear the stories of individuals who, due to various societal factors, are deprived of their right to quality healthcare.

In the face of this persistent problem, the healthcare industry has a crucial role and responsibility to construct more equitable systems of care. This task goes beyond merely providing treatment. It involves actively investigating and addressing the root causes of healthcare disparities, promoting healthcare literacy, and building strategic partnerships.

This blog post will explore strategies for building a community framework that can actively promote equity in healthcare settings. Such a framework aims to ensure that everyone, regardless of their socio-economic background, receives the care they need and deserve.

Understand the Causes of Healthcare Disparities in Marginalized Communities

There are many causes for healthcare disparities among marginalized communities. They are typically characterized by a lack of access to healthcare, poor health education, and, in some cases, institutionalized bias and other systemic issues.

Socio-Economic Factors

One of the major causes of healthcare disparities is rooted in socioeconomic factors. Lower-income individuals and families often lack the resources to access quality healthcare, leading to delayed care, untreated conditions, and poorer overall health.

For example, in the United States, people living below the poverty line have been found to have higher rates of chronic illnesses compared to those above the poverty line. They are also less likely to have access to preventive services such as cancer screenings and vaccinations.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, "Poverty and low-income status are associated with various adverse health outcomes, including shorter life expectancy, higher infant mortality rates, and higher death rates for the 14 leading causes of death.”

Lack of Cultural Competence

Healthcare disparities can also be attributed to a lack of cultural competence in healthcare settings. This refers to the ability of healthcare providers to offer services that meet the social, cultural, and linguistic needs of their patients.

For example, a study in Canada revealed that Indigenous peoples often experience poor access to healthcare due to cultural insensitivity and discrimination in healthcare settings. According to the study, "Cultural training and involvement of collaborative active Indigenous partners at all stages of planning and implementation stages of mitigation strategies and policy changes are essential to bring relevant, meaningful and sustainable changes.”

Structural Discrimination

Structural discrimination is another significant cause of healthcare disparities. This includes policies and practices that systematically disadvantage certain groups.

For instance, in many countries and several U.S. states, transgender individuals face numerous barriers to healthcare access, including legal restrictions, lack of provider knowledge about transgender health needs, and discrimination.

Similarly, according to Medical News Today, studies have found that doctors are less likely to classify Black and Latinx children as requiring emergency care or admit Black or Latinx children to the hospital after visiting the emergency department.

Promote Health Literacy by Engaging Community Members

Achieving equity in healthcare is inextricably linked to promoting health literacy, especially among marginalized communities. Health literacy refers to the degree to which individuals can obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions.

Marginalized communities tend to have lower rates of health literacy than others. For example, the National Assessment of Adult Health Literacy found that "over one-third of men and women in the United States have limited health literacy skills and the rates are disproportionately higher for racial and ethnic minorities, those with less education and functional literacy skills, and LEP."

Therefore, healthcare providers need to make concerted efforts to enhance health literacy and consequently empower these communities.

Clear Communication

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to improve health literacy is through clear, concise, and jargon-free communication. Healthcare providers should ensure that they communicate health information in a language and manner that is easily understood by the patient.

This includes explaining medical terminologies, discussing treatment options thoroughly, and encouraging patients to ask questions.

Health Education Initiatives

Healthcare providers should also consider implementing health education initiatives that are specifically designed for individuals with low health literacy. These could include offering workshops or seminars on important health topics, creating easy-to-understand health educational materials, or conducting community outreach programs.

An emphasis should be placed on preventative care, and practical guidance should be provided on how individuals can manage their health at home.

Use of Technology

The use of technology can also be instrumental in promoting health literacy. Today's digital age offers numerous opportunities for sharing health information. Providers can make use of online platforms to make health information accessible, interactive, and engaging.

This can include interactive health education apps, webinars, or even social media campaigns on crucial health topics.

Build Partnerships with Community-Based Organizations

Partnerships with community-based organizations (CBOs) play a crucial role in improving healthcare equity. CBOs have a deep understanding of the communities they serve and can provide valuable insights into the specific needs and challenges faced by these communities.

Foster Trust and Outreach

Healthcare organizations should align with CBOs to foster trust and improve outreach efforts in marginalized communities. CBOs often have an established presence and credibility in these communities, making them effective partners in delivering healthcare services and information.

Collaborative Programs

Partnerships with CBOs can lead to the development of collaborative programs tailored to the specific needs of the community. These programs can focus on addressing health disparities, promoting preventive care, and improving access to healthcare services.

Advocacy and Policy Change

CBOs can also help healthcare organizations advocate for policy changes that promote health equity. By leveraging their understanding of community needs and their relationships with policymakers, CBOs can help push for policies that improve healthcare access and outcomes for marginalized communities.

Resource Sharing

Partnerships may also allow for resource sharing, which can enhance the capacity of both healthcare organizations and CBOs to serve their communities. This can include shared personnel, training, facilities, or even funding.

By partnering with community-based organizations, healthcare providers can ensure they are taking an inclusive and culturally sensitive approach to healthcare, addressing the structural inequities that contribute to health disparities, and working towards a more equitable healthcare system.

Create Equitable and Inclusive Policies and Practices

Finally, healthcare systems themselves must review their existing policies and practices to identify issues of inequity, bias, discrimination, and marginalization. This process requires a comprehensive assessment of existing policies and procedures, as well as an analysis of potential areas for improvement.

Healthcare organizations must then strive to expand access to healthcare services in marginalized communities. This includes ensuring that individuals have access to quality primary care, mental health services, and reproductive health services. It also means providing transportation options for those who are unable to access healthcare services due to a lack of transportation or mobility.

Organizations should also consider creating policies for the recruitment and retention of diverse staff, as well as providing training on cultural competency and language assistance. These measures can help create an environment that is equitable, inclusive, and supportive of all patients.

To learn more, don’t miss NGPX 2023. It’s happening from November 28 - 29 at the Westin Rancho Mirage in Palm Springs, California.

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