Promoting healthcare equity can come in many forms. From supporting underrepresented communities to providing accessible accommodation for patients with disabilities, there are many strategies that NPs can implement. Thankfully, technology has evolved to allow for the existence of many options that healthcare professionals can use to ensure they approach care with both equity and inclusivity.
There are many gaps present in today’s healthcare landscape. However, NPs can take small steps within their very own practices to bridge gaps in care that can result in great improvements in patient satisfaction.
For NPs looking to utilize technology to improve accessibility and patient care, here are just a few strategies to consider.
Language Translation Apps
Part of providing accessible healthcare means that the patient can also understand the information being presented to them. However, this isn’t always possible as some patients may only speak a language that is different from the one that the practices in their area use. Having members of staff who speak multiple languages can help with this barrier, but not every practice may have this opportunity.
To help serve these patients, NPs can use Google Translate during check-ups to help communicate patient information in real time. There is also a free app called MediBabble that is specially designed for healthcare professionals. With this app, NPs can translate questions on medical history or other instructions into five different languages.
By integrating language translation apps into their practice, NPs can bridge communication gaps for patients from many different backgrounds.
Health Literacy with Educational Apps
Health literacy plays a vital role in empowering decision-making among patients. However, only 12% of adult patients in the U.S. are “proficiently health literate.” When patients struggle to understand medical jargon, they may end up not completing treatment plans. NPs can help support health literacy by providing patients with educational tools.
One such tool is MedlinePlus, an online resource that provides health information in “easy-to-read” language. It offers explanations on topics such as genetics, medical tests, medications, and even recipes to support better health.
Another great tool is the Mayo Clinic App, which helps patients quickly access personal information, such as imaging and test results. Patients can also receive advice from medical professionals that is written in both a clear and concise manner.
Making health information easily accessible is a powerful way to ensure patients can understand and take control of their own well-being.
Data Analytics to Address Population Health Disparities
Social, economic, and environmental inequities are a persistent challenge in healthcare, and they often lead to health disparities. However, data analytics provides NPs with the ability to identify health trends and develop targeted interventions.
NPs can participate in health information exchanges (HIEs). Patient information can often be difficult to access due to security measures. Without a patient’s complete information, there could be errors in future diagnoses or medication. Through HIEs, NPs can gain a more comprehensive understanding of what their patients need.
There are also plenty of non-medical factors that can impact a patient’s health, which NPs can assess by analyzing information from Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) Dashboards. The American Institutes for Research has its own SDoH Action Tool to help users understand when factors such as food insecurity or teenage birth rates affect the health of the local population.
Using these tools, NPs can gain even deeper insight into how they can serve their communities.
Equity in Action
Promoting equity and inclusivity in healthcare is a necessity. NPs can help bridge these gaps in care by utilizing any of the technological options available to help ensure all patients receive the support they need. By integrating these strategies into their practices, NPs can not only improve access and understanding but also foster trust and satisfaction among diverse patient populations.
