Health equity is now a National Patient Safety Goal

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Equity Research
• Healthcare Disparities

Background:

• COVID-19 pandemic data (2019-2021) revealed disproportionate impacts on racial and ethnic minority communities.
• These disparities extend beyond infection rates to maternal mortality, cancer outcomes, and life expectancy.
• Growing recognition of ethical, moral, and economic imperatives to address health inequities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss how healthcare institutions can comply with new health equity requirements.
• To explore the role of radiology in advancing health equity.
• To align with The Joint Commission's National Patient Safety Goal on health equity.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of governmental COVID-19 data (2019-2021).
• Review of professional organization frameworks (e.g., Institute for Healthcare Improvement).
• Examination of governmental and regulatory agency responses.

Main Results:

• Substantially higher infection, hospitalization, and death rates for Black, Hispanic, and Asian individuals compared to White individuals.
• Identification of significant economic costs associated with health care disparities.
• The Joint Commission designated health equity as a National Patient Safety Goal.

Conclusions:

• Healthcare institutions must integrate health equity into strategic frameworks.
• Radiology departments have a vital role in mitigating disparities and improving patient safety.
• Proactive measures are essential to address escalating economic consequences of health inequities in an increasingly diverse US population.