Leadership Insights: What's Needed and What's Next in Health Equity (LEAD03)
Monday, March 25, 2024
3:15 PM – 4:15 PM CT
Room: Hyatt Regency - Regency Ballroom A/B
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed myriad flaws in U.S. healthcare's approach to health equity and spotlighted issues the industry has been wrestling with for decades. This session aims to conduct a level set on where the industry stands regarding its most pressing health equity issues and offer creative, proactive recommendations for paths forward to address them collaboratively and holistically. It features leading hospital/health system presidents/CEOs citing examples of their own organizations' initiatives and recommendations for industry based on years of experience considering health equity in its many manifestations. The panel will cover the need for greater resiliency in health equity efforts because stressors to the healthcare system place an inordinate burden and impact upon vulnerable populations. They will discuss a holistic view of the challenges facing health equity. Past efforts at addressing health inequities have focused upon an increasing array of social determinants of health and demographic groups; how can healthcare now coalesce around a more holistic, integrated approach to public health that is equitable and inclusive? Hospitals, health systems and insurers can apply the template of health equity to all key strategic initiatives and decision-making, more tightly weaving it into the fabric of their organizations and operations. Advancing health equity requires innovative and mutually beneficial collaborations with community leaders and groups in order for it to be a shared responsibility that nets more effective results. Finally, the nation's divisive politics threaten to thwart meaningful change around health equity and a cohesive nationwide effort, and artificial intelligence and evolving technologies can play a role in assessing inequities and areas of need and enacting strategic solutions. Ample time will be given to fielding questions from the audience and engaging in open discussion.
Learning Objectives:
Identify the most pressing issues today in terms of health inequity in communities and society, and provide concrete solutions for healthcare organizations to address them.
Develop practical recommendations for healthcare organizations to prioritize and advance health equity in the future, including innovative ideas for partnering with community organizations, government bodies, payers and other care providers.