KERN MEDICAL CENTER
1. Top 10 Disparities
The following table lists the ten largest health equity disparities identified for this reporting period.
Disparities for each hospital equity measure are identified by comparing the rate ratios by stratification groups. Rate ratios are calculated differently for measures with preferred low rates and those with preferred high rates. Rate ratios are calculated after applying the California Health and Human Services Agency's "Data De-Identification Guidelines (DDG)," dated September 23, 2016.
The table below highlights the ten widest health equity disparities identified by hospitals and hospital systems during this reporting period. Measure names have been shortened for display purposes. To view each measure in full, please download the complete Hospital Equity Report using the link below.
| Measure | Stratification | Stratification Group | Stratification Group Rate | Reference Group | Reference Rate | Rate Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1.
HCAI 30-Day readmission
|
Race and/or Ethnicity | Black or African American | 18.1% | Hispanic or Latino | 9.2% | 3.90 |
|
2.
HCAI 30-Day readmission
|
Age (excluding maternal measures) | 50 to 64 | 17.0% | 18 to 34 | 5.9% | 2.90 |
|
3.
HCAI 30-Day readmission
|
Expected Payor | Medicare | 17.0% | Private | 6.0% | 2.80 |
|
4.
HCAI 30-Day readmission
|
Race and/or Ethnicity | White | 12.8% | Hispanic or Latino | 9.2% | 2.80 |
|
5.
HCAI 30-Day readmission
|
Age (excluding maternal measures) | 65 and older | 14.0% | 18 to 34 | 5.9% | 2.40 |
|
6.
HCAI 30-Day readmission
|
Age (excluding maternal measures) | 35 to 49 | 12.3% | 18 to 34 | 5.9% | 2.10 |
|
7.
HCAI 30-Day readmission
|
Expected Payor | Medicaid | 10.4% | Private | 6.0% | 1.70 |
|
8.
HCAI 30-Day readmission
|
Sex Assigned at Birth | Male | 12.8% | Female | 9.8% | 1.30 |
|
9.
HCAI 30-Day readmission NOBH
|
Sex Assigned at Birth | Male | 10.8% | Female | 8.7% | 1.20 |
|
10.
CMQCC breast milk feeding
|
Race and/or Ethnicity | Hispanic or Latino | 57.0% | White | 63.6% | 1.10 |
2. Equity Plan
Kern Medical Center takes a proactive approach to addressing health equity and reducing disparities in care. We have staffed a data analytics team that analyzes quality performance to identify disparities within our care. Our goal is to ensure an equitable high-standard of care for all of our patients.
In regards to the All-Cause Unplanned 30-Day Hospital Readmission Rate measure, we established an Acute Care Transitions team staffed with licensed nurses. This team contacts all patients discharged to home within 48-96 hours to ensure they understand their discharge instructions, medication regimen, and have a platform to ask questions about their care. They also help ensure patients have a follow-up appointment with their primary care provider within two weeks or sooner if necessary.
To further reduce disparities and make this process more equitable, the team prioritizes patients with higher readmission risk scores, providing targeted support. Nurses are trained to communicate clearly and respectfully. The nurses help resolve any issues that arise, and will coordinate with Physicians, pharmacists, and clinic staff as needed. We also review data regularly to identify groups experiencing higher post—discharge challenges, allowing us to adjust our approach as needed and enhance equitable outcomes.
For the Exclusive Breast Milk Feeding measure, Kern Medical Center is certified as a Baby Friendly hospital, supporting evidence-based practices in infant feeding. To enhance equity and reduce disparities for Hispanic and Latino mothers, we've implemented a program that provides breastfeeding education at every prenatal visit, using bilingual materials and brief conversations with providers. Free prenatal classes in English and Spanish are open to the public, and breastfeeding education posters are displayed in our clinics to reinforce key information. All patients receive education on breastfeeding and rooming-in both before and during their hospital stay. To minimize unnecessary formula use, infant formula is stored in our automated medication system, and any supplementation requests prompt a breastfeeding conversation. Donor milk is available for mothers facing temporary feeding challenges due to complications, supporting continued exclusive breastfeeding. Lactation consultant nurses are available to support all nursing patients, with a focus on ensuring that Hispanic and Latino families receive culturally and linguistically appropriate care.
3. Structural Measures
| Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital Commitment to Health Equity Structural (HCHE) Measure | Yes/No |
|---|---|
Our hospital system strategic plan identifies priority populations who currently experience health disparities |
Yes |
Our hospital system strategic plan identifies healthcare equity goals and discrete action steps to achieve these goals |
Yes |
Our hospital system strategic plan outlines specific resources that have been dedicated to achieving our equity goals |
Yes |
Our hospital system strategic plan describes our approach for engaging key stakeholders, such as community-based organizations |
Yes |
Our hospital strategic plan identifies healthcare equity goals and discrete action steps to achieve these goals |
Yes |
Our hospital system has training for staff in culturally sensitive collection of demographics and/or social determinant of health information |
Yes |
Our hospital system inputs demographic and/or social determinant of health information collected from patients into structured, interoperable data elements using a certified EHR technology |
Yes |
Our hospital system stratifies key performance indicators by demographic and/or social determinants of health variables to identify equity gaps and includes this information in hospital performance dashboards |
Yes |
Our hospital system participates in local, regional or national quality improvement activities focused on reducing health disparities |
Yes |
Our hospital system senior leadership, including chief executives and the entire hospital board of trustees, annually reviews our strategic plan for achieving health equity |
Yes |
Our hospital system senior leadership, including chief executives and the entire hospital board of trustees, annually reviews key performance indicators stratified by demographic and/or social factors |
Yes |
4. Web Address for Equity Report
5. Download Equity Measures Report
Click on the link below to download the equity measures report.
Click on the link below to download all equity measures reports.