The Joint Commission has made healthcare disparities a National Patient Safety Goal (NPSG), with the aim of improving equity and reducing disparities in healthcare outcomes. While this goal has been praised by some, it has also faced criticism. Here are some of the criticisms of the Joint Commission making healthcare disparities a national patient safety goal:
Lack of diversity in leadership
The Joint Commission has been criticized for a lack of diversity among its leadership and staff, which can limit the organization’s ability to understand and address healthcare disparities.
Focus on individual-level disparities
Some critics argue that the Joint Commission’s approach to addressing disparities focuses too much on individual-level factors, such as patient education and access to care, and does not adequately address the structural and systemic factors that contribute to disparities.
Lack of specificity
Critics argue that the NPSG on healthcare disparities is not specific enough and does not provide clear guidance on how healthcare organizations should address disparities. This lack of specificity can make it difficult for healthcare organizations to know where to focus their efforts.
Limited resources
While the NPSG on healthcare disparities is an important step, some critics argue that the Joint Commission has not provided sufficient resources to help healthcare organizations address disparities. This can make it difficult for organizations to make meaningful progress toward reducing disparities.
Insufficient attention to social determinants of health
Critics argue that the NPSG on healthcare disparities does not adequately address the social determinants of health, which are the root causes of many healthcare disparities. Without addressing these underlying factors, healthcare organizations may struggle to make significant progress in reducing disparities.
Conclusion
Overall, while the NPSG on healthcare disparities is an important step towards reducing healthcare disparities, it is not without its critics. The Joint Commission may need to provide more specific guidance and resources, as well as address the social determinants of health, in order to make meaningful progress towards reducing healthcare disparities.