ASPO036 - Addressing Otolaryngology Disparities in Children: A Discussion of Multilevel Interventions

Jad Jabbour, MD, MPH, Dana Thompson, MD, MS, MBA, FACS , Matthew Bush, MD, PHD, MBA, FACS , David Brown, MD

Charlotte Eye Ear Nose and Throat Associates, PA, Charlotte, NC, Lurie Children's Hospital; Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

A panel of experts who have used various approaches to address disparities observed in their practices will discuss their experiences, as well as insights into how individuals, departments, and institutions can develop interventions to improve health equity for those they serve. Discussion topics will include:

1) how specific disparities were identified

2) how interventions were developed and implemented

3) how those interventions are evaluated

4) what lessons were learned during those processes

5) how other providers, departments, and institutions can apply those lessons, and

6) how otolaryngology in general, and pediatric otolaryngology in particular, can continue to develop, implement, test, and refine interventions that can improve health equity in otolaryngology conditions in children. The program will include an emphasis on the multilevel approaches that are needed to address the complex problem of healthcare disparities, using examples ranging from patient level interventions that improve access to care to systemic strategies for workforce diversification and cultural humility training that build trust and communication with diverse populations. The discussion will highlight the integral role these interventions play in increasing overall patient safety and quality of care. The purpose of the panel is to stimulate discussion among providers regarding the need for multiple and varied interventions to combat disparities, to provide examples of such interventions and the lessons learned in implementing them, to motivate more providers to design and implement interventions that fit their contexts, and to help move the broader conversation regarding disparities within pediatric otolaryngology from description to action.