New Strategic Plan From OXIHER Aims to Bridge Health Equity Gaps in Louisiana

Targeted interventions to manage the health of at-risk populations is a pillar of the strategy.

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The Ochsner-Xavier Institute for Health Equity and Research (OXIHER) recently announced its joint initiative to tackle Louisiana's enduring health disparities.¹ This strategy presents an approach to enhancing health equity and boosting the overall health of the state's varied communities.

“The institute’s founding principle is that we all have a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. That requires us to remove obstacles to health such as poverty, discrimination, and their consequences,” Eboni Price-Haywood, MD, medical director of OXIHER, wrote to The American Journal of Managed Care® (AJMC®).

The collaboration between Ochsner Health, Louisiana's largest academic health system, and Xavier University, a premier Historically Black College and University (HBCU), offers a dynamic approach that "examines health disparities at the community level while educating healthcare providers on creating and nurturing a culture of equity, and training more students for advanced careers in healthcare."²

The OXIHER strategy emphasizes 5 key areas: population health management, outcomes research, health careers and equity education, community engagement, and health advocacy and policy.¹

Population Health Management

Targeted interventions to manage the health of at-risk populations is one pillar of the strategy. According to the plan, this begins with identifying communities disproportionately affected by health disparities through assessments that analyze data related to race, socioeconomic status, and other social determinants. The development of tailored health programs, such as preventive care and chronic disease management initiatives, will be prioritized to address these specific needs. Collaboration with local health providers and community organizations is another essential aspect in ensuring the interventions are culturally relevant and effective.

Outcomes Research

The next crucial element of OXIHER's approach is outcomes research, which focuses on measuring and understanding the health disparities that exist in these populations. This involves collecting data on health indicators like morbidity and mortality rates and patient satisfaction across different demographics. Through this, OXIHER aims to identify the root causes of health inequities, thereby informing the development of evidence-based practices and policies to improve health equity.

Health Careers & Equity Education

In the strategy plan, OXIHER recognizes the importance of a diverse health care workforce and plans to invest in training programs for future health professionals. The institute will collaborate with educational institutions to create training programs that address the specific health needs of each demographic. Emphasis will be placed on recruiting individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, ensuring that the health care workforce reflects the communities it serves. Additionally, career development opportunities will be provided to retain talent and prepare professionals to address health equity challenges.

Community Engagement

Strong community relationships are vital for the success of OXIHER's initiatives. Actively involving community members in planning and implementing health programs, and ensuring they are responsive to local needs, remains a priority. Feedback mechanisms will be established to allow community members to voice concerns and contribute to program development. Educational outreach efforts will also be conducted to inform community members about health resources and services.

Health Advocacy & Policy

Effective advocacy is essential for addressing systemic barriers to health equity. OXIHER plans to engage with policymakers at various levels to advocate for policies that promote health equity. This includes lobbying for funding and resources to address social determinants of health. The institute will also work to ensure equitable distribution of resources across communities and build coalitions with other organizations to amplify its impact and drive systemic change.

By focusing on these strategic areas, OXIHER aims to address health disparities in Louisiana at the source, fostering collaboration, leveraging data, and engaging communities to create a more equitable future.

“Publishing this report is truly a benchmark for OXIHER. It gives us a much better roadmap as we continue our progress toward improving health care access and delivery for everyone in Louisiana,” Price-Haywood said in a statement to AJMC®.

References

1. Price-Haywood E, Duesbery N, Raymond B. A catalyst for improving equity: Ochsner-Xavier Institute for Health Equity and Research strategic plan. Ochsner-Xavier Institute for Health Equity and Research; 2024. Accessed August 7, 2024. https://ochsner-craft.s3.amazonaws.com/www/static/OXIHER-Strategic-Plan-2024.pdf

2. Ochsner-Xavier Institute publishes strategic plan. News Release. Ochsner Health. July 30, 2024. Accessed August 7, 2024. https://news.ochsner.org/news-releases/ochsner-xavier-institute-publishes-strategic-plan