The coronavirus pandemic has revealed deep-seated inequities in healthcare for already underserved communities and has amplified social and economic factors that contribute to poor health outcomes throughout the U.S. According to the American Public Health Association, “groups that are at-risk for being disproportionately impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) due to lack of health equity can include people with disabilities, people with substance use disorders, people with mental health issues, pregnant women, LGBTQ+ individuals, African-Americans, Native/Indigenous groups, and homeless individuals.” So, what is health equity? The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention states that “health equity is achieved when every person has the opportunity to attain his or her full health potential and no one is disadvantaged from achieving this potential because of social position or other socially determined circumstances.” Healthcare providers play a vital role in achieving fair and equal health for all patients and while equity is not going to happen overnight, there are some things you can do to make a difference. Here are four actions that you, as a healthcare provider, can take right now to help achieve health equity in the time of COVID-19.
1
Focus on access to preventative healthcare for high-risk groups
It’s no secret that COVID-19 is at the forefront of healthcare provider’s minds throughout the country. And while dealing with the fallout from the pandemic is crucial, it’s also key to remember that the most vulnerable patients could be negatively impacted by the pandemic indirectly. With many people avoiding social settings including hospitals, clinics, and other care centers the most at-risk populations may have trouble accessing the preventive healthcare that keeps them healthy in the first place. For example, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Vaccine Preventable Disease Control Program recommends prioritizing the vaccinations of young children and pregnant women during COVID-19. Of course, it likely comes as no surprise with state-wide mandatory shutdowns and shelter-in-place orders being implemented to flatten the curve, that patients may be tempted to stay home and skip their immunization appointments. However, ensuring appointment adherence for these high-risk groups is key. It’s also advised you share any resources on no cost and low-cost immunizations for patients.
2
Involve the community on healthcare planning around COVID-19
Health providers should know how to access the most up-to-date information from their local public health department. One action providers can collectively take to make a difference in achieving health equity is coalescing to form a task force. For example, the state of Colorado has implemented a “Health Equity Response Team” to prevent the widening health disparities in regards to COVID-19. Some action items this group of providers are implementing include keeping racial and ethnicity COVID-19 data accessible, increasing testing sites, and providing real-time information sharing among health departments across the state.
3
Provide mental health resources to patients
Providing mental health resources is important regardless of health issues, but providers should pay special attention right now and have resources in place for patients on coping skills in the time of COVID-19. Some ways providers can do this include encouraging social distance interactions such as phone calls and video chats with loved ones, having resources for remote therapists handy for those who are already predisposed to feelings of isolation, and looking into what resources your public health department or hospital has in place to help patients suffering. As Kaiser Permanente stated, “as we all continue to grapple with the uncertainty, stress, and sometimes fear brought on by COVID-19, it’s essential that we tend to our physical and mental health.” As such, Kaiser has teamed with the makers of the “Calm” mobile app to offer a free premium subscription to all their members.
4
Aid in the continuation of services for homeless populations
According to the CDC, “continuing homeless services during community spread of COVID-19 is critical, and homeless shelters should not close or exclude people who are having symptoms or test positive for COVID-19 without a plan for where these clients can safely access services and stay.” Two ways providers can help to ensure homeless services are still met during COVID-19 is to screen for socio-economic needs at time of patient in-take, and to stay updated on the local level of transmission of COVID-19 through your local public health department. Providers that are working in social work or mental health care especially can take a “whole-community” approach to ensuring these needs are met.
With COVID-19 surpassing 100,000 deaths in the US, and Person Protective Equipment (PPE) still being in short supply, health providers across the nation will be prioritizing treating the immediate issues first. But, as healthcare providers, remembering the big picture and making sure to take the steps above to assure the best chance of health equity in a time of such uncertainty, is a necessary step on the road to combatting COVID-19 fairly and effectively.
