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Panel Presentations

Care Equity, Quality, and Safety

Strategies to Overcome Health Inequities and Improve Outcomes in At-Risk Populations

Sunday, October 12, 2025
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM EDT
Location: 138
Disclosure(s):
MInka L. Schofield, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Noriko Yoshikawa, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Meredith Merz Lind, MD, FAAP, FACS:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Social determinants of health affect numerous aspects of patients’ health ranging from access to care to overall health outcomes. Ample research has demonstrated that marginalized patients, including racial, sexual, and gender minorities, those with public insurance, non-English language preference (NELP) patients, and patients who live in rural areas, are more likely to have unmet healthcare needs. Furthermore, these groups are more likely to have distrust in their providers and develop complications during interactions with the health care system. As a specialty, we have neglected to address these differences and the importance they play in improving the outcomes for our patients. In this session, expert panelists will discuss how social determinants of health affect outcomes for otolaryngology patients, and we will share proven approaches that can help counteract these health inequities. Among others, the discussion will include 1) ways to improve perioperative education and reduce complications, 2) strategies to improve patient health literacy and compliance, and 3) options to harness the electronic medical record to standardize information delivery for all patients.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Explain how social determinants of health affect care and health outcomes for patients.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Identify ways that inequities can be minimized and develop a plan to implement strategies appropriate for a given provider’s patient population.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Assess the outcomes of various changes that have been made to improve quality of care and health equity.

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: Despite recognition of the issue, healthcare disparities continue to impair patient care and outcomes. This session discusses detailed approaches that can be implemented by all to improve care for patients in traditionally at-risk sociodemographic groups.

Comprehensive Otolaryngology Track Statement :

    Moderator(s)

  • MS

    MInka L. Schofield, MD

    Chief Quality and Patient Safety Officer
    Lee Health System
    Fort Myers, FL, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

    • Panelist(s)

  • Noriko Yoshikawa, MD

    Senior Physician
    Kaiser Permanente
    Oakland, CA, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

  • ML

    Meredith Merz Lind, MD, FAAP, FACS

    Professor
    Nationwide Children's Hospital/ The Ohio State University
    Columbus, OH, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.