Data Collection
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VHIE aligns with the CMS Health Equity Framework, focusing on
- - Expanding Data Collection, Reporting, and Analysis
- - Assessing Causes of Disparities and Addressing Inequities
- - Building Capacity to Reduce Health Disparities
- - Advancing Language Access, Health Literacy, and Culturally Tailored Services Improving Patient Portal Access and Meeting Accessibility Requirements
Data is the key for building a robust and efficient Social Determinants of Health strategy, needed to address health and health care disparities and achieve health equity. CMS Framework for Health Equity 2022–2032 also identified Priority 1 as Expand the Collection, Reporting, and Analysis of Standardized Data.
The HIE strives to improve our collection and use of comprehensive, interoperable, standardized individual-level demographic and SDoH data. As stated in CMS Framework for Health Equity 2022–2032, increasing our understanding of the needs of those we serve, including social risk factors and changes in communities’ needs over time, gives us instruments to leverage quality improvement and ensure all individuals have access to equitable care and coverage.
Workforce Equity and Diversity (Health Workforce Data Center Initiative)
Workforce equity and diversity are integral to achieving health equity. A diverse healthcare workforce, reflecting the varied demographics of the population, is better positioned to understand and address the unique health needs of different communities. This alignment enhances cultural competence, enabling healthcare providers to deliver more personalized and effective care to diverse patient populations. Furthermore, promoting equity in the workforce ensures that all healthcare professionals have equal opportunities for advancement, creating a more inclusive environment that fosters innovation and improves job satisfaction.
Health Data Education
One of the primary areas in the digital healthcare domain is enhancing Digital Health Data awareness for the providers and patients. Addressing the Data Literacy issue can unlock the full potential of digital health data, thereby enriching the quality of care, coproduction, and patient empowerment.
From a health equity lens, it is particularly crucial that Vermonters possess the skills to comprehend, analyze, and utilize their data to make informed health choices. For healthcare providers it is equally important to understand VHIE data. The HIE believes patients are at the center of their health data and should be able to make decisions about how their health data is used. By integrating Digital Health Data Literacy into Health Data Governance and Outreach Initiatives, we can ensure that the digital transformation of healthcare is both inclusive and equitable. This involves harnessing Health Information Exchange access portals and other outreach platforms as tools for education and empowerment, utilizing them to build a better understanding of user needs. Furthermore, establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) and measurable benchmarks will provide a roadmap for progress, ensuring that our initiatives are impactful and accountable. These efforts will pave the way for true digital inclusion, fostering shared decision-making and ultimately reducing disparities in healthcare delivery in Vermont.
Community Partnerships (Bi State)
Community partnerships are vital for the Vermont Health Information Exchange's (VHIE) health equity efforts. These partnerships provide valuable insights into the needs and challenges of various communities, helping VHIE tailor its initiatives to address local health disparities. By collaborating with community organizations, VHIE can leverage local expertise and resources to enhance healthcare access and quality.
These partnerships also foster trust between healthcare providers and the communities they serve, which is crucial for encouraging individuals to seek care and participate in health-related initiatives. Through joint efforts with community partners, VHIE can address social determinants of health more effectively, ensuring that interventions are culturally sensitive and responsive to the unique needs of different populations.
Medicaid Data Access and Aggregation Program (MDAAP)
One of the key programs supporting health equity in Vermont is the Medicaid Data Access and Aggregation Program (MDAAP). This program is crucial for expanding access to health information and enhancing the quality of care for underserved populations. MDAAP provides financial incentives, technical assistance, and business support to home and community-based providers, helping them digitize their health records and connect directly with the Vermont Health Information Exchange (VHIE) or view health data through VITLAccess.
By promoting digitization and connectivity, MDAAP contributes to health equity by enabling providers to access and share patient information more effectively, thereby improving the coordination of care. This program directly aligns with VHIE’s commitment to addressing health disparities, especially among vulnerable populations that rely heavily on Medicaid services. By helping providers better manage and utilize health data, MDAAP ensures that patients receive more equitable and high-quality care.
Health Equity: Technology Assistance / support for rural/smaller providers.
Rural healthcare providers and small practices often face significant challenges when it comes to supporting electronic connectivity within the overall health system. These challenges stem from several factors unique to their settings and resources.
Firstly, limited infrastructure and technology resources pose a hurdle. Small practices may lack the financial resources to invest in robust IT infrastructure. These limitations can hinder their ability to electronically connect with the greater health system overall.
Secondly, limited technical expertise and staff resources can impede electronic connectivity efforts. Rural healthcare providers and small practices may have a shortage of IT professionals with the necessary skills to implement and maintain EHRs. This shortage can result in slower adoption of technology and difficulties in troubleshooting technical issues. Moreover, smaller practices often have limited staff, allocating resources for training and ongoing IT support can be challenging.
In addition, financial barriers play a significant role. Rural healthcare providers and small practices often operate on tight budgets. The cost of maintaining, upgrading, troubleshooting, ensuring data security can be prohibitive. This exacerbates the health equity challenge rural providers face. As such, the HIE Steering Committee in 2024 would like to explore options to better support our rural providers in a sustainable way. This will involve collaboration from various entities and providers and government agencies at both the Federal and State level.
Improving data analytics capacity and reporting
Improving data analytics capacity and reporting is crucial for advancing health equity efforts. Enhanced analytics enable VHIE users to identify disparities in health outcomes across different populations more accurately. This insight is fundamental for targeting interventions where they are most needed and for designing policies that address the root causes of health inequities. By leveraging sophisticated data analysis, VHIE can monitor trends, measure the effectiveness of interventions, and make data-driven decisions that enhance healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.