Health Equity and Access Weekly Roundup: April 27, 2024

Black Patients With Ovarian Cancer Had Lower-Quality End-of-Life Care, Study Says

A study in Cancer Research Communications found that non-Hispanic Black patients who have ovarian cancer receive lower-quality end-of-life (EOL) care compared with non-Hispanic White patients, revealing racial disparities in health care. Analyzing Medicare data, researchers linked factors like affordability, availability, and accessibility to these disparities. They stress the need for standardized EOL care regardless of race and call for further research to address barriers to quality care.

Empowering Community Health Through Wellness and Faith

In celebration of National Minority Health Month, we're presenting a month-long podcast series in collaboration with UPMC Health Plan. In the third episode, we speak with Camille Clarke-Smith, EdD, MS, CHES, CPT, program director of quality improvement/Medicare/SNP STARs at UPMC Health Plan, focusing on the UPMC for Life Medicare Faith and Wellness Program. Clarke-Smith's background as a health activist and wellness advocate informs her holistic approach to community health, emphasizing spiritual and community engagement with faith-based organizations and Medicare-enrolled members to address social determinants of health (SDOH) and cultural barriers, promoting physical, mental, and personal wellness.

Award-Winning Poster Presentations From AMCP 2024

The Academy of Managed Care (AMCP) 2024 annual meeting awarded posters based on criteria like originality, relevance, and quality, with platinum, gold, silver, or bronze medals distinguishing top presentations. Notable topics included research on SDOH and disease outcomes, exemplified by Jessica Duchen, MPH, Magnolia Market Access, et al's study linking electronic medical record patient cohorts with consumer SDOH data. Another highlighted study by Roy Thomas, PharmD, Dexcom, Inc, evaluated improved glycemic control in patients with diabetes through continuous glucose monitors. Additionally, Vikash K. Verma, MBA, Optum, et al’s research demonstrated the clinical impact of gene therapy on spinal muscular atrophy. Other studies investigated the cost-effectiveness of glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists for obesity and assessed the financial burden of disease progression in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, highlighting significant findings in health care management and outcomes.

Dr Rashon Lane Addresses How Racial, Ethnic Inequities Factor Into Cardiometabolic Health Care

Rashon Lane, PhD, MA, a senior health equity scientist at Sutter Health’s Center for Health Systems Research, discussed her presentation, "Equitable Treatment in Cardiometabolic Health Across the Lifespan," during an interview with The American Journal of Managed Care® before her appearance at the recent Institute for Value-Based Medicine® event in San Francisco. Lane emphasized the need to understand not just the existence of disparities in cardiometabolic health but also the root causes behind them, including societal factors like racism, classism, and housing and food insecurity. She highlighted the importance of addressing these structural determinants of health to effectively tackle health inequities, stressing that factors outside of the health care system influence up to 80% of health outcomes.

Mental Health Diagnoses, Care Challenges Rise Among US Youth, Report Finds

A report by Evernorth Research Institute reveals a 28% surge in mental health conditions among young people in the US since 2018, with a concerning 48% increase for those facing multiple diagnoses. Despite rising behavioral health care use, 20% of youths receive no treatment within 3 months of diagnosis. Disparities exist in treatment, with only 29% receiving both medication and therapy, highlighting concerns about holistic care. Parents of children with mental health challenges devote an average of 7.7 hours per week to their care, affecting work schedules. Urgent action is needed, with recommendations for employers to improve access to care and offer flexible scheduling to support families and communities.