The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the gaps in different populations' access to healthcare. The Joint Commission on July 14 released a safety advisory to address these inequities.
Here are the four actions for hospitals and medical centers to consider:
1. Make equity a strategic priority within the institution, leveraging policies and practices that embrace antiracism.
2. Use a social intervention framework, such as CMS' Accountable Health Communities Model, to help identify patient population needs.
3. Create a strategic plan for community outreach using the organization's culture, mission, vision and values.
4. Support the local workforce by filling entry-level positions with community members and providing advancement opportunities.