AHA Webinar: The role of health systems in driving toward health equity

On October 22, 2024, CVS Accountable Care hosted a webinar in collaboration with the American Hospital Association (AHA) to discuss the role healthcare organizations play in successfully identifying and addressing social factors that result in health inequities. 

Moderator, and Vice President of Leadership System Innovation with the AHA, Nancy Myers, introduced the webinar’s objective of healthcare professionals working together to better support the needs of their patient populations. Webinar panelists included Drew Albano, DO from inVio Health Network, Ashley Fitch, MS, MA with Mount Sinai Health Partners, Stephanie Pins, MSA, CPHQ of MyMichigan Health, and Jonathan Rubens, MD, Chief Medical Officer representing CVS Accountable Care.

The webinar focused on strategies that healthcare organizations can implement to help promote equitable access to health and improved patient care outcomes. Myers outlined three levels of potential interventions that healthcare providers and their respective systems and organizations can take which include (1) addressing individual patient needs, (2) assessing and supporting community health needs, and (3) relying on a community’s healthcare organizations economic influence to work to improve systemic and structural factors within a community. 

The three points were discussed as ways to help improve access to care particularly in areas that experience poor health outcomes, higher disease burdens and subsequent utilization and cost – which in some cases is lower in the short term, a telltale sign that patients are not accessing or using services that they need. 

Benefits & Challenges of Data Collection

Webinar panelists openly shared key insights as well as the challenges to identifying social determinants of health and developing solutions for specific patient populations. Unsurprisingly, in our technology-driven world, Dr. Rubens discussed the importance of demographic and social needs data which helps to identify challenges such as food insecurity. Speaking to the challenges that patients experience, Dr. Rubens stated, “We want to meet these needs and make this something that the patients don't have to compete against with their other health obligations.”

The discussion included points about the importance of not only collecting data but also acting on that data, otherwise as Dr. Ruben explained, “It is ineffective.” There are, however, inherent challenges to the collection of social determinants of health (SDoH) data including the lack of standardized methodologies for collecting the data and according to Dr. Albano, the sensitive nature of the information “This isn’t Change Management 101. This is graduate-level Change Management.” 

Reducing Unnecessary Utilization

Healthcare organizations aim to reduce unnecessary utilization which can be particularly challenging when working with underserved populations. The panelists addressed the importance of proactively connecting with patients who may underutilize preventive or routine healthcare services due to social or economic barriers which can result in an increase in Emergency Department (ED) visits or higher – more emergent – utilization. The panelists discussed the success of screenings including using mobile screening units in areas with limited access. Expanding health education to support patients with chronic conditions was also discussed. 

Ultimately, the goal to help support healthcare providers identify and solve the root causes of inequities within patient populations will require that care models, policies, and interventions are aligned with the particular needs of a community or subset of patients.

KEY POINT
Webinar panelists agreed that using demographic and social data as part of their healthcare delivery methodologies is essential for creating equitable patient care outcomes. By understanding and addressing SDoH providers and healthcare professionals can deliver tailored care that meets individual and community needs.

Every provider can likely relate to the reality that successfully implementing systemic changes, including collecting SDoH, can be challenging. Four challenges and potential solutions were identified and discussed:

1. Training & Sensitivity with Data Collection: Not every healthcare professional is naturally equipped to handle sensitive conversations about social or economic needs. However, by emphasizing patient privacy, staff can be trained to navigate these topics respectfully and effectively. 
2. Integrating Electronic Medical Records (EMRs): Integration is not always seamless and staff must identify a clear way to effectively document and track interventions in EMRs to ensure the data will be optimized for the best possible care. 
3. Acting on Data: While screening is important, there must be a commitment to taking meaningful action based on the information the data provides.
4. Resource Allocation & Community Variability: Resources vary depending on regions and whether providers are serving patients in rural, urban, or suburban areas. Strategizing about ways to utilize national and state funding is worth considering. 

Panelists, who hail from different regions of the country, have experienced a variety of patient and community challenges. However, the panelists all agreed that while identifying SDoH is essential, the priority must be to develop and track action interventions that address individual and community needs.

“I think it’s a hospital’s responsibility to do an inventory in those communities that we serve and really understand what resources are there and available for our patients and to be that conduit to make those connections,” commented Pins.

Holistic, Community-Centered Care

The webinar highlighted the importance of addressing SDoH with an emphasis on community partnerships, data-driven decision making, and sustainable interventions to improve patient care outcomes and promote health equity. 

To watch the recording of the webinar, click HERE. To learn more about CVS Accountable Care contact us.