Data Collection and Analysis
We use data every day to make decisions. Collecting accurate data on the populations we serve can provide valuable information that can be used in strategic planning as well as managing operations. Data can help address health disparities, meet Meaningful Use objectives and provide information that fosters innovation in service delivery for all patients, but is especially helpful in serving traditionally vulnerable groups. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) report “Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care” documents the importance of collecting accurate data. The IOM also issued a report “The Health of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People: Building a Foundation for Better Understanding” which emphasizes the importance of addressing the needs of LGBT individuals. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 reinforce the need for collecting data to ensure the needs of people with disabilities are met. Organizations that use data to identify the patients or clients served can develop educational and programmatic interventions to improve the quality of care provided to all populations.
Click Here for Data Collection and Analysis PDF
Action Steps
Review the data collected currently by your own organization. Does it give you enough information about the people you serve?
Provide training to front desk staff, providers and other staff to help collect the best data possible.
Develop dashboards or systems to track data over time and use the analysis to improve quality of care.
Resources & Links
Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care
HHS Data Collection Standards for Race, Ethnicity, Primary Language, Sex, and Disability Status
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI)
The Health Research and Educational Trust Disparities Toolkit
Building Skills in Data Collection and Understanding Variation
Improving Data Collection across the Health Care System
Plan-Do-Check-Act Quality Improvement Cycle
A Framework for Stratifying Race, Ethnicity and Language Data
CDC Health Disparities and Inequalities Report
References:
Zhang, X., Pérez-Stable, E. J., Bourne, P. E., Peprah, E., Duru, O. K., Breen, N., … & Denny, J. (2017). Big Data Science: Opportunities and Challenges to Address Minority Health and Health Disparities in the 21st Century. Ethnicity & Disease, 27(2), 95-106.
Leadership
Leaders throughout the organization can act as change agents, moving the organization to become more culturally effective. What can leaders do?
Policies and Procedures
Written policies and procedures provide documentation of an organizations commitment to equity. What policies promote equity?
Data Collection and Analysis
Data provides the foundation for decision-making and evaluation. How can data help in strategic planning?
Community Engagement
Building relationships with the community contributes to connectedness and sharing feedback. How can you create an environment to share knowledge?
Language and Communication Access
Communication is key to quality patient care. What are strategies to enhance cross cultural communication?
Staff Cultural Competence
Staff interact with patients to promote good health outcomes. How can you promote the cultural competency of your workforce?
Workforce Diversity and Inclusion
Organizations want to attract a highly skilled workforce from diverse backgrounds. What are strategies that promote workforce diversity?
