Are we really meeting patients where they are?
Scanning a healthcare organization’s website, odds are good that you’ll come across the phrase “meeting patients where they are”. As an industry, we talk about it all the time, and it is key to improving the patient experience—and outcomes. But are we really doing it? Physically? Geographically? The data says no. The graph below shows average life expectancy in metro Atlanta.
As the graph shows, there is a 13-year life expectancy gap below a certain geographical line. You can probably guess that the green represents the more affluent communities.
Barriers to Care
While local healthcare services have been added in these communities, there are still several barriers to care (lack of time off work for physician appointments, lack of childcare, etc.) But there are ways that we, as a healthcare industry, as communities, and as a nation can do better. We can increase access to care by adding local health services in these communities, and making sure these individuals have access to and are aware of transportation services to physically get to the doctor. The lowest hanging fruit for healthcare providers? Education.
Reaching the Medically Underserved
The red-green graph is echoed in neighboring communities across the U.S., and we must close the life expectancy gap by improving health literacy in medically underserved communities.
Rimidi’s focus on community health aims to break the cycle of predetermined health outcomes in medically underserved communities by providing better access to care and education through technology. Together with community partners, Rimidi brings health care services to people where they live and work.
Join the Rimidi
If you’re interested in learning more about our Community Health Initiative or partnering with us, please email info@rimidi.com.
