Achieving Equity in EMS Care and Patient Outcomes Through Quality Management Systems: A Position Statement

Abstract

Improving health and safety in our communities requires deliberate focus and commitment to equity. Inequities are differences in access, treatment, and outcomes between individuals and across populations that are systemic, avoidable, and unjust. Within health care in general, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in particular, there are demonstrated inequities in the quality of care provided to patients based on a number of characteristics linked to discrimination, exclusion, or bias. Given the critical role that EMS plays within the health care system, it is imperative that EMS systems reduce inequities by delivering evidence-based, high-quality care for the communities and patients we serve. To achieve equity in EMS care delivery and patient outcomes, the National Association of EMS Physicians recommends that EMS systems and agencies: make health equity a strategic priority and commit to improving equity at all levels. assess and monitor clinical and safety quality measures through the lens of inequities as an integrated part of the quality management process. ensure that data elements are structured to enable equity analysis at every level and routinely evaluate data for limitations hindering equity analysis and improvement. involve patients and community stakeholders in determining data ownership and stewardship to ensure its ongoing evolution and fitness for use for measuring care inequities. address biases as they translate into the quality of care and standards of respect for patients. pursue equity through a framework rooted in the principles of improvement science.