Tribute to Excellence Journal 2023 - Flipbook - Page 11
Improving Quality
Even though New York has some of the best institutions and clinicians in the world,
wide variations in the quality of health care stubbornly persist, and unacceptable
inequities continue to exist. At UHF, we are working to improve the quality of New York’s
health care.
Working with Greater New York Hospital Association, we are training mid-career
clinicians — almost 300 physicians and nurses to date — to lead quality improvement
and patient safety efforts reaching more than 50 hospitals and health care systems
across the metropolitan area.
Our nursing home learning collaboratives are spreading best practices — making
transitions back home safer for older, vulnerable patients, and addressing medication
overload among frail elders.
Our Quality Leaders Forum is bringing together quality improvement leaders from across
the region to share strategies and build professional relationships.
Addressing Underlying Drivers of Inequities
Stressors beyond the reach of the health care system — such as inadequate housing,
unemployment, poor nutrition, and poverty — compound illness. UHF is responding to
the urgent demand to create a more comprehensive approach to health care.
We are creating alliances between the health care system, social service agencies, and
communities. These clinical-community partnerships are critical to increasing access to
care, improving population health, and helping patients and families live long, healthy,
and productive lives.
Our statewide learning network is working with pediatric practices across the state to
reduce inequities in childhood. The goal is optimal child development for lifelong health
and wellbeing.
Expanding Insurance Coverage and Access to Care
New York’s Medicaid program is essential, covering more than 7 million low-income
New Yorkers — over one-third of the population. Helping to support and strengthen this
safety net is critical, as is continued attention to the needs of the more than 1 million
New Yorkers who remain uninsured.
UHF’s Medicaid Institute is a trusted partner with the state. Our expertise is helping to
develop new programs and spread innovations. Our Health Insurance Project is providing
in-depth research and analysis to help protect and strengthen health insurance coverage
and address the complex issues that stand between New Yorkers and the affordable,
quality health care coverage and access to care they need.
