The National Health Council (NHC) hosted a live roundtable on Feb 1, 2022, to discuss health equity in our healthcare system and how policymakers can improve health care for underserved populations.
The NHC discussed four major recommendations that policymakers should consider when tackling the complexities of the healthcare industry.
1. The first recommendation is to create more accurate, consistent, and interoperable demographic data. Currently, most medical data is collected on white men and women in America. Most of the healthcare plans that have been created in the past 30 years are based on this data. However, the statistics do not represent the diversity of the American population and there could be better treatment options when all demographics are considered.
2. The second recommendation is to focus on clarity, usability, availability, and cultural and linguistic appropriateness of health information. America is a cultural melting pot, and because of our diverse population, there are different understandings and approaches to health. Not everyone speaks the same language or have the same understanding when it comes to describing health information. It is important to understand each population when discussing medical information and tailor advice to reflect the experiences of diverse communities.
3. The third recommendation highlights ways to increase the representation of marginalized communities in the healthcare workforce. Receiving health care is often uncomfortable and nerve-racking. Being able to identify with their healthcare provider helps put members of marginalized communities at ease, and helps these individuals be more likely to trust doctor recommendations. Representation matters, and it can help improve trust and health literacy in marginalized populations.
4. The fourth recommendation is that healthcare decisions should be made in consult with all populations. Most major improvements in the healthcare industry within the past 30 years have been based on data collected strictly from white men and women, which is a skewed representation of the American population. To make substantive changes, all demographics need to be surveyed to ensure health care is improved for all.
The NHC has plans to help change the current healthcare landscape to ensure equality and accessible health care for every American. Their next steps include to encourage reform and continue advocacy alongside members and other partners; develop tools and resources to help address known equity issues; work with their members to support health equity work in their organizations; and elevate health equity work for NHC members and other partnered organizations that lead in specific health areas.
Read the full NHC report at https://nationalhealthcouncil.org/additional-resources/health-equity-policy-proposals. Watch the webinar at https://nationalhealthcouncil.org/webinars/access-affordability-and-quality-a-patient-focused-blueprint-for-real-health-equity.
Sources:
1. Geiger J. Unequal treatment: confronting racial and ethnic disparities in health care. Choice Reviews Online. 2003;40(10):40-584340-5843. doi:10.5860/choice.40-5843
2. Shaw SJ, Huebner C, Armin J, Orzech K, Vivian J. The Role of Culture in Health Literacy and Chronic Disease Screening and Management. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health. 2008;11(6):460-467. doi:10.1007/s10903-008-9135-5
3. Stanford FC. The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion in the Healthcare Workforce. Journal of the National Medical Association. 2020;112(3). doi:10.1016/j.jnma.2020.03.014