
Healthcare organizations are poised to maintain and elevate their investments in health equity through 2024, with an overwhelming majority committed to sustaining or increasing their efforts. Ernst and Young’s Health Equity Outlook Report reveals a resolute dedication to addressing health disparities, with a significant emphasis on data-driven strategies and collaborative partnerships. Despite challenges such as competing priorities and funding constraints, organizations are driven by past successes and a shared understanding of health equity’s integral role in the evolving healthcare landscape.
Amidst the evolving landscape of healthcare, one resounding commitment echoes through the industry: the prioritization of health equity. As articulated in Ernst and Young’s Health Equity Outlook Report, healthcare organizations are steadfast in their dedication to closing the gap on health disparities. With a firm belief in the ethical and societal imperative of equitable care, leaders are poised to not only maintain but enhance their investments in health equity throughout 2024. This report delves into the findings, highlighting key priorities, challenges, and collaborative initiatives driving the health equity agenda forward.
Healthcare Organizations Plan to Maintain Health Equity Efforts
Health equity efforts are poised to maintain momentum into the coming year, with a resounding affirmation from healthcare leaders regarding the importance of equitable care and the imperative to address health disparities. According to Ernst and Young’s Health Equity Outlook Report, released by EY’s Center for Health Equity, nearly every surveyed organization is committed to sustaining their current health equity investments, with a significant portion considering potential increases in equity priorities.
Commitment to Health Equity
The report, based on a comprehensive survey of nearly 500 health equity officers, underscores the unwavering commitment of healthcare organizations towards advancing health equity initiatives. An overwhelming 98 percent of respondents expressed their intention to maintain their organization’s current levels of health equity efforts, with an impressive 92 percent anticipating an increase in financial investments toward health equity in the upcoming year. Furthermore, a substantial 73 percent indicated their likelihood to escalate their health equity endeavors over the next twelve months.
Susan Garfield, EY America’s chief public health officer, emphasized the persistent dedication across various sectors to prioritize health equity. She remarked, “Continuing to prioritize health equity remains a key focus for stakeholders across health, life science, government, payer, and nonprofit and community groups sectors.”
Evolving Strategies
Compared to previous surveys, there is a noticeable trend toward the development of more robust health equity strategies among respondent organizations. Approximately a third of organizations identified “Health Equity Strategy Development” as a high priority, with an additional 44 percent highlighting “Healthcare Access and Quality” as one of their top three priorities. Moreover, 31 percent cited “Health Outcomes Disparity Closure” as a significant focus area for their health equity initiatives.
Embracing Data and Technology
Recognizing the pivotal role of data in advancing health equity, an increasing number of healthcare organizations are prioritizing data, artificial intelligence (AI), and technology in their strategies. This year, 50 percent more respondents identified data, AI, and technology as essential components of their health equity agenda. Additionally, 88 percent are leveraging data analytics to identify fundamental health equity advancements, albeit acknowledging that their analytics capabilities are still in the early stages.
Addressing Challenges
Despite significant progress, the report highlights several challenges hindering comprehensive health equity efforts. Organizational friction, cited by 41 percent of respondents, emerges as a primary obstacle, followed by concerns regarding financial commitments (36 percent) and the absence of a compelling business case for health equity work (28 percent).
Driving Success through Partnerships
Successful health equity initiatives are often characterized by strong leadership buy-in and robust community engagement. Community connectivity, identified by 52 percent of respondents, emerges as a critical factor in driving support for health equity across organizational ecosystems. Partnerships also play a pivotal role, with a significant majority of government healthcare entities (81 percent) and other stakeholders emphasizing collaborative efforts to advance health equity goals.
Diverse Priorities
The report underscores the diversity of health equity priorities across different types of organizations. Government health agencies prioritize integrated health equity strategies, while life sciences companies emphasize the utilization of data and AI. Nonprofit and community health sectors focus on investing in health equity enablers, albeit facing perennial funding challenges. Payers and providers align closely in their emphasis on healthcare access and quality, with additional priorities such as regulatory compliance and workforce development.
In the relentless pursuit of health equity, 2024 stands as a pivotal year marked by unwavering determination and strategic innovation. The insights gleaned from Ernst and Young’s Health Equity Outlook Report underscore a collective commitment across healthcare organizations to prioritize equitable care, mitigate disparities, and foster inclusive health outcomes. While challenges persist, from competing interests to resource limitations, the resounding successes and collaborative efforts showcased in the report serve as catalysts for continued progress. As we navigate the complex terrain of healthcare, the enduring momentum towards health equity reaffirms a shared vision of a healthier, more equitable future for all.