HIPAA compliant email for open discussion around social justice

Addressing social justice in healthcare means actively working to eliminate these disparities, creating a system where every patient receives the same level of care and respect. Prioritizing open discussions through accessible means that allow for reciprocal engagement is a small step in allowing for equality. 

The impact of social justice on patient care

Social justice is an idea that revolves around the fair and equitable distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges within a society. When applying the concept to healthcare it means that all individuals, regardless of their race, socioeconomic status, gender, or disability, have equal access to quality medical care and services. 

A Health Professions Education study discussed the following concept related to a failure of social equity in healthcare, “People of color often face challenges in accessing equitable healthcare. Disparities in healthcare pose very real moral and ethical social justice dilemmas for society, and prevent efforts to improve the nation's health and manage escalating healthcare costs.” 

When social justice issues are ignored, certain groups suffer disproportionately from preventable diseases, receive substandard treatment, and face barriers to accessing healthcare services. For instance, low income families might not afford necessary medications, or people in rural areas might struggle to find nearby healthcare providers. These inequities result in higher rates of illness and mortality among underserved populations.

See also: Using email and text messaging in health advocacy

The social issues that need to be addressed

There is an unfortunately large list of disparities that need to be addressed in all settings, especially in healthcare. The following are the most prominently found: 

1. Racial and ethnic disparities in access to care and treatment outcomes.
2. Inequities in healthcare access for low-income individuals and families.
3. Gender bias in medical research and treatment.
4. Discrimination against LGBTQ+ patients in healthcare settings.
5. Limited access to healthcare for people with disabilities.
6. Inadequate mental health services for underserved communities.
7. Health disparities in rural and remote areas.
8. Bias and stigma in the treatment of mental health and substance abuse disorders.
9. Language barriers impacting non-English speaking patients' access to care.
10. Lack of cultural competence among healthcare providers.

The need to create open discussions 

Open discussions in a healthcare setting allow staff and patients to freely share their experiences, concerns, and ideas. By actively listening and responding to the voices of staff and patients, healthcare organizations can create a more inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and valued. This process helps to identify existing inequities, creating a culture of continuous improvement and empathy. As a result, the organization becomes more attuned to the needs of diverse populations so that all individuals receive fair and equitable treatment.

Why HIPAA compliant email is the right medium 

HIPAA compliant email can facilitate discussions about social justice within healthcare organizations by providing a secure platform for open and honest communication. When all emails are encrypted and secure, healthcare providers can discuss sensitive topics such as racial disparities and health equity without the fear of breaching patient confidentiality. This allows staff and patients to share their experiences and concerns freely, promoting a deeper understanding of the issues at hand.

The advantages of using HIPAA compliant email to address these sensitive topics include maintaining privacy and building trust, as patients and staff know their information is protected. It provides a written record of all communications, which helps in tracking progress and holding the organization accountable for its actions. The convenience and accessibility of email also mean that these discussions can reach a wide audience, including those who may not have easy access to in-person meetings. 

How to use HIPAA compliant email to facilitate an open discussion around social justice

1. Create a safe environment: Communicate to patients and staff that their privacy and confidentiality are guaranteed. This assurance will encourage them to participate openly and honestly in discussions about social justice issues. 
2. Initiate the conversation: Begin by sending an introductory email to patients and staff, explaining the purpose of the discussion. Clearly state that the goal is to address social justice issues within the healthcare setting, such as racial disparities, health equity, and other relevant topics. Invite recipients to share their experiences, concerns, and suggestions.
3. Provide guidelines and expectations: In your initial email, outline the guidelines for participating in the discussion. Encourage respectful and constructive dialogue. Make it clear that all feedback is valued and that the organization is committed to taking action based on the input received.
4. Share resources and information: Use email to distribute educational materials about social justice, including articles, research findings, and best practices for addressing disparities in healthcare. Providing this information helps raise awareness and informs the discussion.
5. Facilitate ongoing dialogue: Encourage continuous communication by regularly sending follow-up emails. Summarize the feedback received, outline the actions being taken in response, and invite further input. 
6. Highlight success stories: Share stories of positive changes and improvements resulting from the discussions. Highlighting successes can motivate continued participation and show that the organization values and acts on input from patients and staff.
7. Engage a diverse audience: Your email communications should reach a diverse audience within the healthcare organization. Broad participation ensures that multiple perspectives are considered.

See also: Top HIPAA compliant email services

FAQs

What kind of support can be offered to participants during these discussions?

Organizations can offer support such as access to counseling services, support groups, or external advocacy organizations for those who might need additional support when discussing sensitive topics.

How does HIPAA compliant email help with documenting discussions?

HIPAA compliant email provides a written record of all communications, which helps in tracking progress, holding the organization accountable, and ensuring continuity in addressing social justice issues.

Can HIPAA compliant email be used to share resources?

Yes, it can be used to share valuable resources related to social justice, including links to articles, support groups, legal advice, and advocacy organizations, empowering participants to seek further support.