Health disparities in the United States are a concern. Some populations have worse health outcomes due to barriers, such as limited access to quality healthcare. Medical practice administrators, owners, and IT managers have an important role in reducing these disparities. Collecting Race, Ethnicity, and Language (REaL), Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI), and Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) data is one effective strategy. This article discusses why gathering these data types is important for improving healthcare equity within medical groups.
Collecting REaL data allows healthcare providers to better understand and address disparities by accurately documenting patient demographics. Research shows that racial and ethnic minorities often receive lower-quality healthcare than white individuals. Knowing the demographic makeup of their patients enables healthcare providers to create interventions that respect cultural differences. The American Hospital Association notes the need for data collection and organization of quality metrics to improve outcomes among different patient groups.
Gathering SOGI data is important for addressing health disparities in LGBTQIA+ populations. Even though the Institute of Medicine recommends it, SOGI documentation in Electronic Health Records (EHRs) is low, with over 77% of patients lacking this information. Understanding patients’ sexual orientation and gender identity helps healthcare providers deliver more personalized care. This data is necessary for tailoring preventive measures to meet the specific health needs of marginalized groups.
SDOH refer to the conditions in which individuals are born, grow, work, and live. They include factors related to housing stability, food security, transportation, and access to healthcare. Understanding SDOH is key for healthcare providers to recognize barriers to care. By collecting this data, support systems can be developed to address these needs more effectively.
Many healthcare organizations in the United States have begun to see the value of data collection in reducing disparities. For instance, Atrium Health ran a phone campaign targeting the Hispanic/Latino community, resulting in a 200% increase in cancer screenings. Similarly, Henry Ford Health System’s “We Ask Because We Care” initiative reached a 90% collection rate of REaL data by the end of 2019. These examples show how focused data collection can lead to meaningful improvements in health outcomes and highlight the steps medical groups can take to integrate these approaches into their operations.
Starting January 1, 2023, new requirements from The Joint Commission required healthcare organizations to collectively address disparities. Collecting race and ethnicity data, as well as evaluating health-related social needs, became priorities. These regulations emphasize the need for comprehensive data collection as hospitals strive to meet the new standards. By engaging with the guidelines established by regulatory bodies, medical groups can maintain compliance while working towards equity in healthcare.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and workflow automation can significantly contribute to the effective collection of REaL, SOGI, and SDOH data. By automating demographic data entry into EHR systems, healthcare organizations can improve the accuracy and completeness of this information. Advanced AI algorithms can validate data, aligning recorded information with observed patient characteristics and reducing errors from manual data entry.
For many healthcare practices, interactions with patients are key to data collection. AI-enabled systems can assist in having culturally sensitive conversations around REaL and SOGI data collection by training staff in best practices for building patient trust. Automating scheduling and follow-up appointment notifications can also include inquiries about SDOH factors, such as transportation and food security, leading to a more comprehensive data collection process that does not solely depend on clinic visits.
AI-driven data analysis tools provide medical group administrators with immediate insights into their patient populations. By using analytics dashboards, administrators can categorize health outcomes that are less frequently recorded in standard data collection efforts. They can assess the effectiveness of interventions designed for specific demographics and social determinants, allowing for evidence-based adjustments to clinical practices.
One major barrier to collecting REaL and SOGI data is patient reluctance. To encourage open communication, healthcare providers should clarify the importance of this information in improving clinical care. Messages tailored to respect patient privacy can help ease concerns, especially among LGBTQIA+ populations that may be hesitant to disclose their identities due to stigma.
Implementing culturally competent practices is essential for accurately gathering demographic and social data. Ensuring staff understand the cultural contexts of their patient population creates a more welcoming environment for patients to share their information. Additionally, medical groups can provide various methods for submitting demographic data, using both electronic and traditional means to accommodate different patient comfort levels.
Medical groups can benefit from collaborating with local organizations that serve diverse communities. These partnerships can provide valuable insights into the specific social determinants affecting patients. By incorporating local perspectives into data collection efforts, healthcare providers can address unique needs while fostering trust within the community.
Establishing continuous feedback loops is important for organizations to evaluate their effectiveness in tackling health disparities. By inviting patients to share their experiences and input on care protocols, organizations can adjust their strategies to align with patient needs. Patient advisory boards composed of diverse perspectives can engage communities in shaping their healthcare experiences.
Training staff in data collection protocols is vital for ensuring medical group personnel handle sensitive information with care. Regular workshops focusing on cultural competency and the importance of SOGI, REaL, and SDOH data collection will boost staff confidence in discussing personal topics with patients.
Creating standardized protocols for collecting demographic and social data across all practice levels can enhance data integrity. Providing resources such as checklists and templates for data collection can streamline the process. Equipping staff with comprehensive informational materials will lead to improved data compliance rates.
Medical practices must stay alert to changes in regulatory frameworks and adjust their data collection practices accordingly. As advocacy for health equity grows, medical groups should proactively prepare for changes in legislation that may affect reporting requirements.
As healthcare delivery becomes more data-driven, medical groups should continuously upgrade their technology to integrate advanced analytics effectively. Organizations equipped with analytics capabilities will be better positioned to identify care gaps and develop targeted interventions based on thorough data analyses.
By prioritizing the collection of REaL, SOGI, and SDOH data, medical practice administrators, owners, and IT managers can position their organizations to address health disparities effectively. With the assistance of AI and automation, the combination of precise data collection and technology offers a solid path toward achieving health equity across various communities in the United States.
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