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Advancing Health Equity: EHO4all as a Compass Point in the Medicare Advantage Star Ratings

The CMS Health Equity Index is a game-changing tool from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services that tracks how well Medicare Advantage and Part D plans support members with social risk factors. It spotlights performance for individuals facing challenges …

Nourishing Communities Part 3: Screening and Intervention to Improve Nutrition Equity in Underserved Communities

Food insecurity and other negative social drivers of health (SDOH) impact health outcomes in underserved communities. Screening for food insecurity using validated tools has proven to be an essential part of healthcare interventions to connect patients to critical resources, such …

Nourishing Communities Part 2: Tackling Health Disparities Through Accessible Food Resources

Food insecurity and nutritional inequity disproportionately impact underserved communities. These disparities are directly linked to higher rates of chronic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Research shows that access to healthy food is limited in food deserts, exacerbating …

Nourishing Communities Part 1: What is Food is Medicine? The Latest on National Initiatives

Inequitable distribution of and access to healthy food exacerbates chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases for low-income and non-White communities. Research shows that the absence of affordable, healthy food options, combined with social drivers of health like …

Oral Care and Health Disparities: Inclusive Patient Management and Respectful Care

Health inequities in oral health care significantly impact underserved and minority populations, leading to disparities in diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. Studies have shown that racial and ethnic minorities often receive lower quality dental care, face higher rates of oral diseases, …

Healthy Aging: Integrating Age-Friendly Principles into Practice

Age-friendly practice principles significantly enhance patient outcomes for older adults by incorporating evidence-based practices (the 4 Ms: What Matters, Medication, Mentation, Mobility), ensuring care aligns with patients’ goals and avoids harm. These principles address the unique needs of older adults, …

From Insight to Action: Weaving Trauma-Informed Care Principles into Practice

In the evolving landscape of healthcare, understanding and implementing trauma-informed care practices are crucial for improving patient outcomes. Trauma-informed care focuses on creating safe and supportive environments for individuals affected by trauma. Gender-informed care ensures practice of trauma-informed care through …

Empowering Choices: What Is Shared Decision-Making and How Does It Apply in Practice?

Effective shared decision-making (SDM) and addressing social drivers of health (SDoH) are critical for improving patient outcomes and reducing health care disparities. Low health literacy and inadequate patient-provider communication can lead to poor health outcomes, increased hospitalizations, and higher health …

Beyond Words: Applying Comprehensive Health Literacy Principles for Better Patient Outcomes in Practice

Low health literacy and limited English proficiency (LEP) significantly impact health care access and outcomes for members of diverse racial and ethnic groups, including Asian and Latine individuals. Addressing these barriers is critical for improving health equity and ensuring effective …