Annual Health Equity Report shows progress in reducing disparities

Meritus Health continues to ensure equitable, accessible care for all in our community

Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, where existing and long-standing health disparities in our community became more apparent, Meritus focused on improving health equity. The following year, the health system published its first annual Health Equity report, and this week is sharing its third annual report which continues to show focus on reducing disparities between white and non-white patients related to pre-term births, newborn breastfeeding, opioid treatment and other measures.

Each year, the reports are showing progress on the reduction of health disparities. The FY2023 report analyzed 31 measures. It showed several measurable improvements over the previous two Health Equity reports, including the median time spent between the Emergency Department and being admitted to the hospital; incidents of sepsis; and occurrence and treatment of certain instances of poorly controlled diabetes.

“Our teams are working hard to eliminate health disparities,” said Meritus President and CEO Maulik Joshi, Dr.P.H. “This work is complex and we are committed to continuing this journey until we achieve health equity in this community. We are pleased to see our progress and determined to move this work forward.”

The report found eight disparities in data spanning from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023. When stratified by race/ethnicity and language, the following quality measures were identified as having significant differences:

• Pre-term birth
• Newborn exclusive breastfeeding
• Emergency department opioid administration
• Inpatient opioid administration
• Timely Medicaid appointment follow-up
• Poorly controlled diabetes, HbA1c>=9%
• Asthma-related emergency department visits
• Emergency department - left without being seen
  

“We cannot reduce or eliminate health disparities until we understand them, work to reduce them, and are transparent with our community about their existence and our dedication to reducing them,” Joshi said. “To deliver on our mission, execute our vision and embody our values, Meritus continues to prioritize eliminating the health disparities that exist around us.”

Joshi said from here, teams from the hospital and outpatient clinics work on targeted, measurable action plans to reduce the gaps. For example, teams from primary care offices are measuring HbA1c rates and reporting them weekly on dashboards to the senior leadership team. This type of focus keeps the work top of mind, Joshi said.

To learn more about Meritus’ commitment to diversity and health equity, as well as to read the FY2023 Health Equity Report, please visit meritushealth.com/Diversity-Health-Equity.