SHARP HEALTHCARE
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 SUD
|
Expected Payor | Medicaid | 20.3% | Other | 13.5% | 3.00 |
|
2.
HCAI 30-Day readmission SUD
|
Expected Payor | Medicare | 18.8% | Other | 13.5% | 2.80 |
|
3.
HCAI 30-Day readmission
|
Sex Assigned at Birth | Male | 16.0% | Female | 11.6% | 2.80 |
|
4.
HCAI 30-Day readmission NOBH
|
Age (excluding maternal measures) | 65 and older | 15.2% | 18 to 34 | 5.6% | 2.70 |
|
5.
AHRQ PSI surgical death rate
|
Age (excluding maternal measures) | 50 to 64 | 228.6% | 65 and older | 177.9% | 2.60 |
|
6.
HCAI 30-Day readmission SUD
|
Expected Payor | Private | 16.4% | Other | 13.5% | 2.40 |
|
7.
HCAI 30-Day readmission NOBH
|
Expected Payor | Medicare | 15.4% | Private | 6.8% | 2.30 |
|
8.
HCAI 30-Day readmission NOBH
|
Age (excluding maternal measures) | 50 to 64 | 12.4% | 18 to 34 | 5.6% | 2.20 |
|
9.
HCAI 30-Day readmission
|
Age (excluding maternal measures) | 65 and older | 15.8% | 18 to 34 | 7.3% | 2.20 |
|
10.
HCAI 30-Day readmission
|
Age (excluding maternal measures) | 50 to 64 | 15.6% | 18 to 34 | 7.3% | 2.20 |
2. Equity Plan
Sharp HealthCare is the market share leader in San Diego County, with over 80,000 inpatient discharges annually. It serves the largest number of Medi-Cal patients and is the only health system in the region offering inpatient behavioral health services. Sharp's patient population is diverse: 39% White, 36% Hispanic, 8% Asian, 7% Black, 0.4% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, 0.3% American Indian/Alaska Native, and 9.3% Other.
Sharp is deeply committed to advancing health equity through a unified strategy rooted in transparency, continuous improvement, and patient-centered care. Equity is embedded into strategic planning, clinical operations, and performance monitoring across all entities. A System-wide Health Equity Advisory Taskforce, chaired by the President & CEO and composed of representatives from all Sharp hospitals, develops the strategic plan and guides equity initiatives. Meeting quarterly, the taskforce reviews health equity data to identify disparities and set priorities.
A centralized equity dashboard provides stratified analyses across sociodemographic variables, enabling targeted interventions and proactive planning aligned with national benchmarks and internal goals. The most recent health equity report identified top disparities in 30-day readmissions, patient safety indicators (PSI 4, 9), and pneumonia mortality—areas already prioritized by leadership and tracked via annual organizational goals. These disparities span patients aged 35+ across acute and behavioral health settings and various payer groups.
To reduce readmissions, Sharp employs a multifaceted approach combining technology, clinical best practices, and operational enhancements. This includes evidence-based care, improved discharge processes, early and frequent patient education, and seamless care transitions. Virtual nursing pilots and remote discharge education tools engage patients during and after hospitalization to improve understanding and adherence to care plans. Pharmacy-led initiatives—such as bedside medication reconciliation and discharge prescription services—ensure patients leave with the right medications and knowledge to use them safely.
Sharp collaborates with community-based organizations like the San Diego Food Bank and local federally qualified health centers to support vulnerable patients. Programs like 211 and the Community Information Exchange (CIE) connect patients facing financial or social barriers to essential resources. These efforts are especially impactful in communities with high housing insecurity and transportation challenges, where access to care and medication adherence are critical to preventing avoidable readmissions.
Clinical teams are also focused on improving outcomes for high-risk conditions like pneumonia. Early identification, timely treatment, and coordinated discharge planning are key. Multidisciplinary taskforces and performance improvement teams review PSI trends and mortality data to drive learning and accountability. Standardized, evidence-based order sets and shared best practices across Sharp hospitals support consistent, high-quality care.
Culturally competent care is central to Sharp's equity strategy. Interpreter services, translated materials, and ongoing staff training in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging ensure care is respectful and responsive. Specialized programs for older adults—such as enhanced medication management and community referrals—support safe transitions and reduce readmission risk. All Sharp emergency departments hold Geriatric ED Accreditation (GEDA), affirming their expertise in senior care. The Generational Health program focuses on improving surgical outcomes for patients over 65.
Sharp's governance structures are evolving to reflect the diversity of the communities served. The system actively participates in regional and national equity collaboratives, including the Age-Friendly Health System initiative. These coordinated efforts underscore Sharp HealthCare's unwavering commitment to delivering equitable, high-quality care for every patient, every time.
3. Web Address for Equity Report
4. 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.