The framework outlines ways the industry can change in approaching the advancement of equity and how organizations can see results.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation convened a coalition to develop recommendations for the healthcare industry to advance its goal of increasing equity in care delivery.
The 'Raising the Bar' framework includes principles, roles, and actions that organizations can utilize to advance their efforts in improving equity and well-being both internally and in the communities they serve. Experts involved in the process include those from the Funders Forum on Accountable Health, Health Care Transformation Task Force, and the National Association of Community Health Leaders.
The recommendations within the framework were developed through a process centered in the realities and opportunities healthcare leaders have identified, along with the perspectives of individuals who have experienced health inequities.
"Healthcare leaders have made a significant shift in how they view the importance of equity, but operationalizing the commitment requires a very bold and comprehensive approach," Donald Schwarz, MD, MPH, MBA, senior vice president at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, said in a statement. "Ultimately, it requires taking actions to improve the community, patient care, workforce policy and other areas. Achieving equity in healthcare is multi-pronged and must ultimately be integrated throughout all operations."
The framework, Schwarz said, outlines ways the industry can change in approaching the advancement of equity and how organizations can see results.
Its five core principles include:
- Mission – Commit to a mission of improving health and well-being
- Equity – Systemically pursue health equity and racial justice
- Community – Authentically partner with community
- Power – Share resources, voice, and power
- Trust – Earn and sustain trusting relationships
These principles apply to everyone who pays for or delivers care and represents the aspirations of the groups and individuals that engage with the healthcare system.
Additionally, within the framework, there are four roles organizations must play and leverage in order to achieve equity:
- Provider
- Employer
- Partner
- Advocate
"Long-standing structural and systemic challenges within healthcare are well-known, but the pandemic underscored the imperative to confront root causes of health inequities,” Karen DeSalvo, MD, co-convener of the 'Raising the Bar' Stewardship Council, said in a statement. "'Raising the Bar' solicited input from all sectors and everyone who shares concerns about the current healthcare system, and they all see the need for bold action, but direction on concrete steps to take has been lacking. Now there is a clear framework to guide the work."
“'Raising the Bar' solicited input from all sectors and everyone who shares concerns about the current healthcare system, and they all see the need for bold action, but direction on concrete steps to take has been lacking. Now there is a clear framework to guide the work.”
Karen DeSalvo, MD, co-convener of the 'Raising the Bar' Stewardship Council
Jasmyne Ray is the revenue cycle editor at HealthLeaders.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The 'Raising the Bar' framework presents actionable items health systems can apply to their equity efforts.
There are five core principles to the framework: mission, equity, community, power, and trust.