Over the last year and a half, healthcare has been a top of mind issue nationwide. Although the pandemic has shined a spotlight on the inequities in the American healthcare system, many of the lessons learned during COVID-19 have relevance as we strive to improve public health in the months and years ahead. Here are four important insights:
- Clinicians can’t ignore social determinants of health (SDoH). Factors like the places where people live, work, learn, play, and age are all considered social determinants of health which affect wellbeing. During the pandemic, for example, CDC researchers found that African Americans and the Latinx community were three times more likely to contract COVID-19 than their white peers and nearly twice as likely to die from it. The impact of SDOH on wellbeing, however, isn’t a new discovery. Studies have shown that minority groups are less likely to receive preventative care and when they do, that care is lower quality.
- In a world of telehealth, internet access is essential. The pandemic reinforced the value of telemedicine for patients and providers alike. However, millions of Americans who don’t have access to the internet or to connected devices are essentially shut out of this new mode of healthcare delivery. In rural areas of the United States, just 43% of low-income adults have access to the internet. Governmental intervention will be needed to address the infrastructure aspect of this problem, while other creative solutions will be required to equalize the healthcare-related technology playing field for all Americans.
- Behavioral health is a critical component of whole-person care. The stresses associated with COVID-19 have created a mental health crisis across the country. The healthcare sector is starting to recognize the importance of incorporating behavioral health into standard healthcare practice. To make whole-person care a reality, we must break down barriers to data sharing, engage consumers in their wellbeing, and advocate for policies that support integrated care models.
- Cross-sector partnerships are the key to better population health. The pandemic forced greater coordination across state and party lines, as well as promoted effective partnerships. The result was rapid vaccine development, acceptance of telehealth solutions, and more. Looking ahead, the federal, state, and private sectors must continue to break down silos and continue to cooperate. This will enable government and healthcare entities to exchange information more effectively, prevent disease, and prepare proactively for future health crises.
With previous epidemics like H1N1, funding initiatives and innovative health programs were short-lived. We have an opportunity in the wake of COVID-19 to strategically address health equity issues by making sustained investments in the public health system that will mitigate the impact of future emergencies and reduce healthcare inequality.
To learn more about how Gainwell Technologies is promoting better public health in the communities we serve, visit our website.