Achieving equity has implications for the improved quality, reduced cost of care due to fewer medical errors, improved efficiency, and more appropriate use of resources such as hospitalizations. It also has implications for improved communication, satisfaction, and access to care. Health equity also has economic benefits for communities through creation of a healthier workforce. The importance of health equity has also been acknowledged by accreditation and standard setting organizations such as The Joint Commission and the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).1,2
There are several beneficial reasons, often described as “business cases”, for an organization to improve equity in health care. These include:
Quality Case
Addressing cultural and linguistic barriers in health care can lead to fewer medical errors, more efficient use of resources, better communication with patients, and greater adherence to medical therapies. Such efforts may improve care by reducing disparities. Taken together, these improvements lead to higher quality care. 1,3,4
Financial Case
Overcoming cultural differences and linguistic barriers can improve patients’ understanding when consenting to medical interventions, which in turn reduces the risk of lawsuits and liability. Improved communication also leads to better history taking which can decrease unnecessary use of costly diagnostic tests . In addition, improved communication can shorten hospital stays as well as improve adherence to treatment and satisfaction with care. Demonstrating a "return on investment" (ROI) is another term used to explain how initiatives to improve quality and equity can result in financial benefits to an organization. 1,3
Market Case
An infrequently discussed benefit of tailoring care to the meet the needs of diverse populations is a resulting increase in patients and communities seeking care at organizations that understand and welcome them. The presence of bilingual and or bicultural staff, translated materials and signage - among other characteristics - can help organization become the “provider of choice” and increase their market share among communities. 1,5
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