Health equity is more than a healthcare buzzword—it’s a crucial objective that aims to provide everyone, regardless of their background, with a fair and just opportunity to attain their highest level of health. However, the reality is that healthcare disparities are still prevalent, particularly in underserved communities. Issues like access to quality care, socio-economic barriers, cultural misunderstandings, and implicit bias often contribute to worse health outcomes for marginalized populations.
One area where these disparities are particularly evident is in accessing surgical interventions, like total joint replacement (TJR). My own research has shown that Black and Hispanic patients are less likely to receive timely joint replacement surgery and experience longer wait times, poorer pain management, and worse postoperative outcomes compared to their White counterparts. Addressing these gaps in care is not only a matter of clinical urgency, but also a social imperative.
The Role of TailorCare in Promoting Health Equity
TailorCare is on a mission to transform healthcare delivery by addressing the unique needs of diverse patient populations. By focusing on patient-centered care navigation, TailorCare helps bridge the healthcare equity gap in several meaningful ways:
Personalized Care Navigation
TailorCare’s approach emphasizes meeting patients where they are. By leveraging advanced data analytics and personalized patient outreach, TailorCare identifies barriers to care early on. This is especially critical in procedures like TJR, where delayed care can lead to worsening joint conditions and reduced quality of life. By providing a personalized care navigation plan, TailorCare ensures that every patient has the support they need to navigate the often-complicated healthcare landscape.
Addressing Social Determinants of Health
Access to healthcare is often influenced by social determinants such as transportation, income, language barriers, and health literacy. TailorCare’s care navigators work directly with patients to address these non-medical factors that affect health outcomes. By coordinating transportation, providing language translation services, and educating patients about their treatment options, TailorCare helps eliminate barriers that prevent underserved communities from accessing the care they need.
Reducing Implicit Bias in Healthcare
Implicit bias among healthcare providers can affect clinical decision-making, often resulting in disparities in treatment recommendations and outcomes. TailorCare leverages its technology to reduce the influence of bias by using standardized protocols and evidence-based guidelines to guide patient care. This ensures that every patient receives the appropriate level of attention and care, regardless of their background.
Continuous Patient Engagement
For many patients, particularly those in marginalized communities, healthcare can feel overwhelming and intimidating. TailorCare’s continuous engagement strategies, including touchpoints, reminders, and educational materials, help patients stay informed and empowered throughout their healthcare journey. This proactive approach improves patient adherence to care plans, leading to better outcomes.
Real-World Impact: Improving TJR Outcomes
One of TailorCare’s most significant areas of impact has been in improving access to joint replacement surgery for patients in underserved communities. By working closely with healthcare providers and leveraging its innovative care navigation platform, TailorCare has been able to:
- Reduce prior authorization denials by 75% for engaged patients to improve access to appropriate care
- Lower patient out-of-pocket costs by 14% by ensuring that patients are optimally prepared for surgery both physically and mentally
- Increase surgical candidacy rates by directing patients to high-quality providers
- Improve patient-reported clinical outcomes in >85% of patients via changes in self-reported pain and function
These efforts not only improve patient satisfaction, but also contribute to reducing long-standing health disparities in orthopedic care.
Conclusion: A Step Toward a More Equitable Healthcare System
Health equity is about more than just equal access—it’s about ensuring that everyone receives the care they need in a way that respects their unique circumstances. TailorCare’s focus on personalized care navigation and addressing social determinants of health is a game-changer in promoting equitable healthcare delivery. By removing barriers to care and empowering patients, TailorCare is helping to build a future where every patient can achieve the best possible health outcome.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that achieving health equity will require innovative solutions like TailorCare’s. By embracing patient-centered, technology-driven approaches, we can create a healthcare system that truly serves everyone.
By Linda Suleman, MD – TailorCare Clinical Advisory Board Member
Dr. Suleiman is an associate professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Medical Education at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. She specializes in hip and knee replacement and reconstruction and is the Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
She has received many awards, including the Marco Ellis Legacy Award for Diversity Initiatives and the Brian Hartigan, MD Memorial Award for Excellence in Teaching and patient care. Dr. Suleiman currently serves on the AAHKS Board as the Women in Arthroplasty Chair and is in the presidential line for the Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society.