■ Healthcare
■ Healthcare
Buteas : AI and ML are transforming healthcare and will profoundly impact health equity in the next five years by addressing critical gaps in access , diagnosis , treatment , and care delivery . These technologies can improve diagnostics , enable personalized care , and accelerate clinical trials with diverse representation . They also optimize workflows , streamline drug discovery , and enhance supply chain efficiency , ensuring timely treatments in underserved areas . Additionally , tools like chatbots and virtual assistants reduce barriers to healthcare information . By thoughtfully leveraging AI and ML , we can bridge healthcare disparities and improve outcomes for all communities . Johnson : At CarePlus NJ , we use an Augmented Intelligence platform to assist clinicians and case managers with clinical documentation . This serves as a tool to enhance access to care for our clients and help overcome language barriers . By automating documentation processes , and through telehealth services , our clinical staff has more time to focus on patient-centered care , helping to bridge the gap where clinicians are in short supply , in both rural and urban areas .
We use AI and ML tools to streamline human resources processes , reduce administrative burdens , ease staff burnout , and build a resilient , engaged workforce , aligning with our goal of supporting staff and reducing turnover . AI and ML streamline our operations by optimizing staff surveys and entry / exit interviews , providing actionable insights to guide our strategies for expanding access to care . Embracing innovation , CarePlus NJ is committed to improving care quality and advancing health equity for all . Sonaike : AI functionality is based on machine learning , this means that AI is not creating anything new , it ’ s applying existing knowledge and algorithms to provide alternative solutions to complex problems . AI is already being applied in the healthcare sector at multiple levels , and while this may be beneficial in some areas when used as an asset in tangent with healthcare professionals , a glaring fact that we cannot ignore is that AI systems built to eliminate or replace the human role , end up doing more harm than good . AI machines have learnt from and adopted practices from an existing healthcare system that was not built on equitable values .
In order for AI to positively impact health equity , we need to ensure that responsible , equitable and ethical practices are at the forefront of this technological revolution . In doing so , we can be intentional about creating machine learning systems that prioritize equitable health outcomes without repeating the same mistakes of our current healthcare infrastructure .
Grill-Goodman : What policies and programs can be implemented in New Jersey to address social determinants of health that impact health equity ? Andy Anderson : Addressing social determinants of health in New Jersey requires comprehensive policies and programs in key areas like
Denise Anderson , Ph . D ., MPH , Executive Director , The Center for Health Equity & Wellbeing , New Jersey ’ s Public Health Institute
housing , health care access , economic stability , education , food security and transportation .
We need to expand affordable housing programs , strengthen eviction prevention efforts , and enforce lead-free housing policies to improve living conditions . We can invest in Community Health Worker programs , mobile health clinics , and telehealth infrastructure to enhance access for underserved populations . We can support living wage policies , job training initiatives , and childcare subsidies to improve financial wellbeing for families . When it comes to food insecurity , we can increase access to healthy food through urban farming , incentivizing grocery stores and farmers ’ markets to operate in food desserts , and expanding school meal programs . When it comes to transportation , there are opportunities to subsidize public transit for low-income residents and promote transit-oriented development to improve access to jobs , and health care . Denise Anderson : The Center for Health Equity and Wellbeing ( CHEW ) is exploring launching an initiative to develop health opportunity zones ( HOZs ) in New Jersey , addressing social determinants of health . Three pilot HOZs — one in each region ( north , central , south )— will be selected based on HOZ rankings . CHEW will convene community members and public , private , and non-profit stakeholders to identify up to three key social determinants to tackle : economic stability , neighborhood and physical environment , education , food insecurity , community and social context , or the health care system . Through community asset mapping , CHEW will support enhanced services , address a service gap , and avoid duplication . The institute will secure funding to support these efforts , empowering
Photo : TamaraFlemingPhotography
Dr . Adeola Sonaike , PhD , MPH , Chief Operating Officer , Baker Street Behavioral Health
community-based organizations ( CBOs ) in each HOZ to address identified priorities . It will also provide training and technical assistance to strengthen their capacity to improve local or place-based health outcomes . Rodgers : To address health equity in New Jersey , policies such as universal access to healthcare and guaranteed minimum income could be implemented . Reducing poverty , a key driver of health disparities , is essential to eliminating inequities . Buteas : To address social determinants of health and advance health equity in New Jersey , policymakers can implement the following targeted policies and programs :
PBM Reform : Legislation should ensure that rebates provided by drug manufacturers to Pharmacy Benefit Managers ( PBMs ) are directly passed on to patients . This reform would significantly lower out-of-pocket costs and increase medication affordability for vulnerable populations .
Prohibit Copay Accumulator Programs : Enact legislation to ban the use of " copay accumulators ," a practice by insurance companies and PBMs that prevents consumers from applying drug company discount coupons to their prescription cost-sharing requirements . Discount coupons are a lifeline for many patients to afford their medications , and prohibiting accumulator programs would ensure that this financial assistance directly reduces deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses . Gregoire : New Jersey can adopt comprehensive policies to tackle social determinants of health , emphasizing affordable housing , nutrition , and transportation access . Expanding
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