Making a memorable repeat appearance on the Healthcare Experience Matters Podcast this week is Shari Gold. We dive into the extremely important topic of strengthening health equity to enhance healthcare quality.

We also explore the nuances of how equity and quality are intertwined—and inseparable—in healthcare.

Shari is a dedicated leader in the healthcare sector with a proven track record of serving others. She currently holds the position of Senior Vice President for Regulatory Compliance and the Chief Quality & Equity Officer at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in New Jersey.

If you missed our previous episode with Shari, please visit her first appearance on our program from June 2024, titled “The Tangible Benefits of Cultural Inclusion Training in Healthcare“.

As we discussed in Shari’s initial podcast interview with us, she has proudly attended a Healthcare Experience Foundation (HXF) Certificate Program on cultural inclusion, where she detailed many positive aspects of the experience. Her unwavering commitment to professional development serves as a reminder and beacon of encouragement for all of us in healthcare to prioritize educational resources and events like this.

Upcoming HXF Certificate Programs

We’re excited to announce that the full slate of HXF’s virtual certificate programs has been published. We are committed to empowering care delivery teams to create engaging experiences that foster and strengthen meaningful relationships between providers and patients.

Join us for the remainder of the year in one of our HXF Certificate Programs, which are designed to deliver practical knowledge and lessons from leaders across various healthcare disciplines. These programs use real-world examples and cases while providing opportunities to learn alongside fellow healthcare professionals in interactive virtual cohorts.

Ready to learn more? Explore our 2024 Certificate Programs Schedule here [pdf].

Exploring the Intersection of Equity and Quality in Healthcare

When it comes to delivering optimal healthcare and advancing the patient experience, both quality and equity are inseparable elements.

During our conversation, Shari highlighted significant strategies the quality department has implemented to enhance healthcare measures at her institution.

By collaborating with clinicians to emphasize the importance of quality measures and providing targeted education, they have observed continuous improvements in patient outcomes. The department utilizes data transparency and visual tracking, ensuring that staff are aware of performance trends, ultimately fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.

Shari also addressed lingering challenges related to health equity in today’s discussed. She pointed out that despite advancements, barriers still exist in addressing social determinants of health, such as food insecurity and transportation challenges.

To combat these issues, she advocates for ongoing staff education, community partnerships, and proactive engagement with patients to ensure they have the resources they need.

Shari’s message for healthcare providers is clear: quality is everyone’s responsibility. By embedding equity into every performance project, leaning on industry best practices, and constantly seeking educational opportunities, healthcare professionals can make a meaningful difference.

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Culture, DEI