METHODIST HOSPITAL OF SACRAMENTO

1. Top 10 Disparities

2. Equity Plan

1: Payor Disparities 1 & 4
Population Impact: These groups represent a significant portion of the patient population, often with complex medical needs, lower socioeconomic status, and potential barriers to accessing care. High readmission rates indicate substantial healthcare burden and potential for adverse patient outcomes.
Objectives:
By 12 months: Reduce Medicare readmission rate by 20% to 12.64% and Medicaid readmission rate by 15% to 9.1%
Actions:
-Conduct comprehensive root cause analysis for Medicare and Medicaid readmissions.
-Implement tailored discharge teaching sessions for Medicare/Medicaid patients, using Simplified language and "teach-back" methods.
-Pilot a post-discharge multidisciplinary team rounding for high-risk Medicare/Medicaid patients.
-Collaborate with primary care providers (PCPs) who serve large Medicare/Medicaid populations to streamline post-discharge information flow
-Develop partnerships with community organizations providing free or low-cost services for food security, housing, and transportation for Medicare/Medicaid patients.
-Explore telehealth options for follow-up care to reduce access barriers.

2: Age Disparities 2, 3, & 5
Population Impact: Older adults often have multiple comorbidities, polypharmacy, and reduced functional capacity, increasing readmission risk. The 50-64 and 35-49 age groups also show significant disparities, indicating challenges possibly related to chronic disease management and complex social situations.
Objectives:
By 12 months: Reduce 65+ readmission rate by 15% to 13.175%, 50-64 by 12% to 11.35%, and 35-49 by 10% to 9.54%.
Actions:
-Assess age-specific risks for readmission.
-Tailor discharge instructions to cognitive and literacy levels across age groups, utilizing family caregivers as appropriate, especially for seniors
-For 65+: Implement geriatric-specific care pathways including medication reconciliation by a clinical pharmacist and fall risk assessment post-discharge.
-For 35-64: Enhance chronic disease self-management education and support, including referrals to relevant community programs.
-Pilot home-based care or remote monitoring for high-risk older adults.
-Develop tailored patient engagement strategies for younger adult populations, potentially leveraging digital health tools.
-Strengthen coordination with skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation centers for appropriate post-acute care for older adults.

3: Sex Assigned at Birth Disparities 6 & 7
Population Impact: Males consistently show higher readmission rates. This could be due to differences in health-seeking behaviors, adherence to medical advice, or specific health conditions more prevalent or managed differently in males. The exclusion of behavioral health diagnosis for the first male disparity (rate 12.9) suggests general medical conditions are driving this.
Objectives:
By 12 months: Reduce Male (no BH dx) readmission rate by 15% to 11.9% and Male (all cause) by 12% to 13.02%.
Actions:
-Research and identify common underlying medical conditions, social factors, and health behaviors contributing to higher male readmission rates.
-Train staff on gender-sensitive communication and motivational interviewing, particularly for male patients.
-Develop male-targeted patient education materials, potentially focusing on active participation in health management and perceived benefits of adherence.
-Integrate male-specific health resources into discharge planning.
-Evaluate if the hospital environment or communication styles contribute to male disengagement and make adjustments.

Race and/or Ethnicity Disparities 8, 9 & 10
Population Impact: Racial and ethnic minorities often face systemic barriers to healthcare access, language barriers, cultural insensitivity, and higher prevalence of chronic conditions, leading to health inequities and higher readmission rates.
Objectives:
By 12 months: Reduce Black/African American readmission rate by 15% to 12.15%, White by 10% to 11.43%, and Hispanic/Latino by 7% to 10.42%.
Actions:
-Conduct cultural competency training for all patient-facing staff, focusing on implicit bias and respectful communication.
-Assess current availability and utilization of professional medical interpreters for all languages spoken by patient population, ensuring 24/7 access.
-Develop and disseminate patient education materials in multiple languages relevant to the patient population, culturally adapting content where appropriate.
-Partner with community leaders and organizations serving specific racial/ethnic groups to understand unique health needs and build trust
-Address social determinants of health that disproportionately affect these groups through referral networks.
-Utilize health equity dashboards to track progress on racial/ethnic disparities and identify areas for targeted interventions.

3. Structural Measures

4. Web Address for Equity Report

https://tinyurl.com/4fy54aaj

5. Download Equity Measures Report

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

6. Looking for Related Reports?

• Community Benefit Plan
• Hospital Supplier Diversity Plan
• Hospital Profile
• Hospital Fair Billing Policies