Two Unanticipated Forces in 2020-2023: Health Equity and COVID-19
The Institute of Medicine (IOM), now the National Academy of Medicine (NAM), defined quality in healthcare with six domains: safe, effective, efficient, timely, patient-centered, and equitable. Looking at that sixth domain, equitable, means being aware of characteristics and factors that could make patients less likely to receive quality care. These include gender, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and location. To meet the commitment to providing the same quality of care to everyone, medical professionals can make quality their north star. Presented by Mark D. Smith, MD, MBA, Clinical Professor of Medicine, UCSF; Founding President, California Health Care Foundation.
The guidelines suggested here are not rules, do not constitute legal advice, and do not ensure a successful outcome. The ultimate decision regarding the appropriateness of any treatment must be made by each healthcare provider considering the circumstances of the individual situation and in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction in which the care is rendered.
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