KAISER FOUNDATION HOSPITAL – SAN DIEGO – CLAIREMONT MESA

1. Top 10 Disparities

2. Equity Plan

Kaiser Permanente Southern California has identified five key health disparities and developed a focused action plan to address them. The plan targets performance across priority areas including person-centered care, patient safety, social determinants of health (SDOH), effective treatment, care coordination, and access to care. Our goal is to ensure that all members regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, income, ZIP code, or other protected characteristics receive high-quality, equitable care. The plan outlines measurable objectives with defined timelines and tracks progress using equity performance metrics, member feedback, and claims data. Recognizing that advancing equity requires collaboration, we partner with community organizations, providers, and members to co-design interventions reflecting the needs of the communities we serve.

Our strategy builds on evidence-based interventions such as early outreach, transitional care, chronic disease management, social support, and continuous data monitoring. One core initiative is a standardized care transition pathway that begins during hospitalization with structured patient education and readiness assessments. Language-concordant discharge planning ensures understanding of care instructions, while post-discharge steps include a follow-up call within three days, a provider visit within seven days, medication reconciliation, and enrollment in chronic condition programs. High-risk patients are identified using EHR-based risk stratification tools, and embedded decision prompts guide care teams to promote consistency and timely intervention.

To improve maternal outcomes, we are reducing the Nulliparous, Term, Singleton, Vertex (NTSV) Cesarean Birth Rate in alignment with the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative (CMQCC). Our approach includes labor support training for over 80% of nurses, revised induction protocols, standardized labor management, and enhanced provider education. A multidisciplinary team of obstetricians, midwives, nurses, and anesthesiologists promotes informed decision-making and patient support. Prenatal education programs inform expectant mothers about labor expectations, cesarean risks, and birth options. Data monitoring and provider-level feedback track progress, while expanded use of hydrotherapy, ambulation, and other non-medical pain management techniques reduce intervention reliance. We also promote safe Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) through counseling and protocol development to lower cesarean rates without compromising outcomes.

We are also reducing the incidence and improving outcomes of serious but treatable complications such as sepsis, acute kidney injury, and respiratory failure. 24/7 Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) are deployed across inpatient units to standardize early intervention. High-risk groups - elderly and post-surgical patients are prioritized in acute and ICU settings. Staff receive regular training on sepsis bundles and protocols, supported by mock surveys. Checklists and workflows are updated to ensure early detection and consistent monitoring during care transitions. Metrics including response times and complication rates are continuously tracked for quality improvement.

To reduce pneumonia mortality, we have implemented a population-level strategy focused on prevention, early diagnosis, and effective treatment. This begins with assessing disease burden, high-risk groups, and service gaps in vaccination, diagnostics, and oxygen availability. Preventive measures include scaling up pneumococcal, Hib, and influenza vaccination coverage; promoting exclusive breastfeeding for six months; improving nutrition; reducing air pollution; and supporting hygiene and smoking cessation. Community health workers identify pneumonia early using standardized tools and refer patients promptly.

At the facility level, pneumonia management protocols are embedded into clinical workflows to ensure appropriate antibiotic and oxygen use. Investments in oxygen systems and supply chains strengthen treatment readiness. Broader system capacity is built through workforce training, infrastructure upgrades, and data monitoring. Mortality reviews and continuous quality improvement initiatives promote adherence to clinical standards. Outreach programs in underserved communities ensure equitable access to prevention and care of pneumonia.

Our measurable objectives include achieving over 90% vaccination coverage for target populations, reducing pneumonia mortality by at least 50% within five years, and lowering hospital case fatality rates below 5%. Progress will be monitored through real-time dashboards, disaggregated data, and performance reviews. Through these focused, collaborative, and data-driven efforts, we are making measurable strides toward eliminating health disparities and ensuring equitable care for all members.

3. Structural Measures

4. Web Address for Equity Report

https://tinyurl.com/388d5y47

5. Download Equity Measures Report

Click on the link below to download the equity measures report.

6. Looking for Related Reports?

• Hospital Supplier Diversity Plan
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