Re-engineering Healthcare: Embracing Diversity in the Pursuit of True Health Equity
In 2022, KFMC recognized that while many organizations were working on health equity priorities across Kansas, and there were certainly pockets of promising and best practices, there was no cohesive, coordinated approach. A state-level, synchronized approach to health equity provides a platform for strategic collaboration, resource optimization, and systemic change—ultimately leading to more effective and efficient outcomes than what can be achieved individually.
Recognizing this opportunity, KFMC established the Kansas Health Equity Workgroup and the Kansas Health Equity Summit, an annual learning session bringing together a diverse group of healthcare professionals, policymakers, community leaders, advocates, and individuals committed to advancing health equity at the local and state level. As we begin this new year, I am reflecting on what we heard from the Kansas community through the 2023 Health Equity Summit so we can continue to address the complexities of health equity, inspire meaningful change, and set a precedent for inclusive, collaborative efforts.
Health Equity Is About More Than Race
In Kansas, the conversation around health equity often faces a unique challenge—the perception that it primarily revolves around race and may not be as relevant to less racially diverse populations, especially in rural areas. At times, providers and organizations may dismiss the need for a dedicated focus on health equity, believing that their patient demographic doesn’t align with the conventional narrative of racial disparities. This mindset, however, overlooks the fundamental principle of understanding and addressing the specific needs of every individual within a community.
Achieving health equity goes well beyond racial considerations. In rural Kansas, the emphasis must shift towards a more complex understanding of patients’ diverse backgrounds, encompassing socioeconomic status, geographic location, and cultural nuances. It’s crucial for providers to recognize that health equity is not a one-size-fits-all concept and that disparities can manifest in various ways. By fostering a more inclusive definition of health equity, providers can better understand the unique challenges faced by their patients and tailor healthcare services accordingly. The key lies in acknowledging that every community, regardless of racial diversity, has its own set of health determinants and social factors that influence overall well-being.
Encouraging providers to “know your patients” is paramount. It involves delving into the intricacies of individual lives, understanding their daily challenges, and meeting them where they are in terms of health literacy, cultural practices, and geographical constraints. This approach not only ensures a more patient-centered model of care but also unveils the layers of health disparities that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Re-Engineering the System
In the context of equity, what does it actually mean to “meet patients where they are”? I attended a Maternal Mortality Fall Conference in mid-October where Dr. Traci Johnson opened her closing plenary with a question to attendees about the current status of the healthcare system, specifically around equity. She asked the group how many of us believed that our current healthcare system was broken. The overwhelming majority of attendees agreed with that statement. She then challenged us and asserted that the system is not broken, but rather, it’s working exactly as it was intended to work. For me, this was the first time I had considered that our role, specifically as it relates to health equity, is not to fix a broken system, but to re-engineer the system to provide care differently.
For example, during our 2023 Health Equity Summit, participants discussed the specific challenges of uninsured immigrant populations. These individuals perhaps don’t see the value of paying monthly premiums for health insurance that they may not need, versus using that monthly amount to care for their families. The conversation in the room centered on how to “get them” to see the value of, and sign up for, insurance. However, simply obtaining insurance coverage is not a guarantee of access. So what if, as a health system, our goal is not to get them insurance, but to provide them with access to care despite the fact that they do not have insurance?
Unfortunately, our current system always boils down to “who’s going to pay for that,” and until the payment models catch up, this will continue to drive the conversation. What if we prioritized taking preventative and wellness care to patient populations and community groups who are under or uninsured in a strategic effort to prevent them from needing emergency departments and inpatient units once they are too sick to manage at home? Wouldn’t this be more cost efficient in the long run? Are we truly being culturally and linguistically appropriate if we try to fit specific populations into “our system,” rather than modifying the system to meet their needs and give them the best possible opportunity to achieve optimal health?
Meeting Challenges with Change
I am acutely aware that this mindset asks those who are fully ingrained in the healthcare system to think differently than they may have before. Let’s embark on a journey of bold thinking, challenging the familiar, and inviting a fresh perspective. Imagine, just for a moment, that what we’ve always believed about the healthcare system might be ready for a groundbreaking reevaluation. Are we prepared to confront the status quo, question assumptions, and embrace a radically different approach to health equity?
As I reflect on the multifaceted nature of health equity, it becomes clear that our journey toward a truly inclusive healthcare system is both difficult and transformative. Let us not only challenge the status quo but actively reshape it, fostering an environment where the uniqueness of every individual is celebrated, understood, and met with empathy. Embracing health equity as more than just a conversation about race opens doors to innovative, patient-centered approaches. It’s about meeting patients where they are, appreciating the diversity of their backgrounds, and dismantling the rigid structures that limit their access to quality care.
The road ahead may be complex, and with each step, we contribute to a healthcare landscape that values equity, justice, and the well-being of every individual. It’s a call to action for healthcare providers, policymakers, and advocates alike: let us continue to challenge assumptions, break down barriers, and work collectively toward a future where health equity is not just an aspiration but an undeniable reality for all.
Follow us on our journey here in Kansas. Please visit our Health Equity Resource Hub, designed and developed by the Kansas Health Equity Workgroup. The resource hub provides healthcare professionals, organizations, and communities with the knowledge, tools, and inspiration they need to dismantle health disparities and foster equitable healthcare solutions. Also, please join us for the first in a series of webinars to continue the conversations started at the Kansas Health Equity Summit. Our first webinar, “Food Security in Kansas: Cross-sector Innovations,” will be held on January 30, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., and will be cohosted by KFMC Health Improvement Partners and the Kansas Office of Primary Care and Rural Health, a program of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Click here to register today!
