Population and Public Health

Connecting Information to Create a More Equitable Health System

Across the globe, gaps in healthcare are large, persistent and increasing as health crises continue to exacerbate and amplify health inequities—the systematic, unjust and avoidable variances in the opportunities individuals have to achieve optimal health. Differences in access and availability to health-enhancing resources are driven by structural inequities like racism, ableism and classism. These larger forces permeate every aspect of the daily conditions we face as we live, learn, work and play—the social determinants of health (SDOH). 

To advance our vision to realize the full health potential of every human, everywhere, HIMSS has instituted two initiatives to explore the role of health information and technology in bridging care gaps by integrating SDOH-related data into care delivery settings, and advancing equity and inclusion in innovations and workforce development.

Join the HIMSS Interoperability & HIE Community as we deep dive with members of the HIMSS Social Determinants of Health Task Force and the HIMSS Global Health Equity Network Task Force to uncover the driving forces behind each initiative as they advocate for the systematic changes needed to increase health equity and improve individual and global well-being. This roundtable will also include an exclusive delve into the patient engagement solutions being pioneered by ConsejoSano, a rapidly growing healthcare technology company dedicated to closing the gaps in multicultural patient care. 

Learning Objectives:

After the roundtable, attendees should be able to: 

  • Recognize the value of leveraging health information and technology and interoperable solutions in the effort to better address SDOH and decrease health disparities based on attributes of human difference such as race, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status. 
  • Discuss the goals, objectives and work to date of the HIMSS Social Determinants of Health Task Force and the HIMSS Global Health Equity Network Task Force as they strive to advocate for a health system that is accessible, equitable, cost-effective and person-centered.
  • Describe major industry efforts to build culturally fitting technology platforms used to build trust and improve engagement, education and health outcomes among underserved and vulnerable populations. 

Speakers:

  • Dana Alexander, Founder and Principal, FORERUNNER Health LLC
  • Frances A. Ayalasomayajula, MPH, MSMIS, PMP, Head of Population Health Portfolio, Worldwide, Hewlett Packard
  • Cathryn Crookston, RN, BSN, Vice President of Sales, NowPow
  • Kim Howell, Vice President of Growth, ConsejoSano
  • Rajshri Ravi, Head of Product and IT, ConsejoSano

The views and opinions expressed in this content or by commenters are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of HIMSS or its affiliates.