Equity of Care and Diversity are a Priority
The for Diversity in Health Management this week released findings from its biennial 鈥淒iversity and Disparities: A Benchmarking Study of U.S. Hospitals.鈥澨齏hile there鈥檚 been some progress, the simple fact is there hasn鈥檛 been enough in some key areas. The survey shows that almost every hospital collects demographic data on race, ethnicity, primary language and gender, but less than half are using that data to improve quality. It also shows that about 80 percent of hospitals now educate staff on cultural and linguistic factors affecting patient care and offer continuing education opportunities, but minorities continue to be underrepresented on hospital leadership teams and governing boards. This shines a light on the need to do better and accelerate progress. The AHA鈥檚 #123forEquity 听is critically important to the effort to end health care disparities and advance diversity and inclusion. More than 1,100 hospitals and health systems have joined, but that isn鈥檛 enough鈥攏ot by a long shot. Achieving care equity and greater diversity is a crucial part of solving America鈥檚 current鈥攁nd future鈥攈ealth care challenges. If you鈥檝e not already done so, please sign the pledge today.
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