Addressing COVID-19 Health Inequities Inside and Out

When the pandemic began, there appeared to be a disproportionate number of minority patients, predominately those who are African American or Hispanic, admitted with COVID-19 to Inova’s hospitals across the Northern Virginia and DC area. Leaders at Inova recognized the need to prioritize educational outreach both inside the health system and out in the community to address COVID-19 health inequities. Diversity and Inclusion Manager at Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, Leon Ransome, partnered with ED clinical and Patient Experience team members to develop the Inside Out project.

To increase education and safety for Inova’s minority team members and communities at increased risk, the project team offered nearly 50 virtual and in-person sessions in both Spanish and English for Inova team members and family members. These sessions gave attendees the opportunity to hear more information about COVID-19, see visuals of the CDC’s guidance, and ask an ED physician and nurse questions in comfortable and psychologically safe environments. This outreach approach engaged people from various cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic populations while building trust and appreciation.

To learn more about the Inside Out project, contact Melissa Blazic, Patient Experience Performance Advisor at Inova Fairfax Medical Campus.