6 Challenges on the Road to Health Equity Accreditation

Achieving health equity accreditation is like preparing for a marathon, or what I think it takes to prepare to run a marathon. Ya, girl has only made it to a 5K. 😂 Marathons require stamina, strategy, and a team ready to tackle the course. But unlike a marathon, there’s no cheering crowd or finish line medal.

Instead, the reward is a healthcare system that’s more equitable, inclusive, and effective. Let’s dive into the six challenges organizations face on this journey and how to overcome them.

Spoiler alert: it involves a lot of teamwork, sprinkles in some flexibility, and a dash of humor.

Stakeholder Buy-In: The Art of Winning Hearts and Minds

Getting buy-in for health equity accreditation is like convincing your family to watch a documentary instead of a blockbuster. Let's be honest; there are many more ehhh documentaries than good ones.  And if you want someone to watch a documentary, it will definitely need two things….  a compelling narrative and a “why” that means something to the person watching.  The same is true for stakeholder buy-in at all levels.  Why, read on.

• Top-Level Leadership: They hold the purse strings and set the strategic direction. With their support, resources will magically show up. And you will need resources in terms of time, money, and people. 
• Mid-Level Management: These are the folks who prioritize projects. If health equity isn’t on their radar, it won’t be on anyone else’s. They also need to understand clearly what’s in it for their department. Mid-level managers can be territorial, but that's a story for another day. 
• Front-Line Staff: MY PEOPLE!!! They are the ones really operationalizing the changes. Without their engagement, even the best-laid plans will falter. I stay close to them because I am them, and they are the ones who know what will and will not work. 

Organizations should start early by communicating the “why” behind accreditation. It can’t just be “because we said so” or “it’s a new regulation.” Instead, highlight how accreditation improves patient care, enhances organizational reputation, aligns with core values, and eventually makes their life easier.

Transparency: Shedding Light on the Process

Transparency in the accreditation process is like having a GPS for a road trip. Without it, you’re likely to get lost. Accreditation involves multiple moving parts, including seven standards, 20+ elements, and 80+ factors. All departments must understand their roles and responsibilities to move forward in sync. This is not the time to work in a silo or think you can do it alone.  It just won’t work. 

• Clear Objectives: Ensure everyone knows the project’s goals and how they contribute to achieving them.
• Open Access: Provide visibility into the project’s timeline and proposed changes.
• Regular Updates: Keep all stakeholders informed about progress and challenges.

Communication: The Lifeline of the Project

A robust communication plan is essential. Think of it as the Wi-Fi connection that keeps everyone online and engaged. Communicate early and often—one-time presentations or quarterly updates won’t suffice. It always surprises me how little time people spend thinking about the who, what, why, and how of communicating these changes.  We expect everyone to jump on the health equity train and go for a ride.  That just doesnt happen.  

• Diverse Methods: Use various communication channels to reach different audiences. No, everyone aint on Teams.  No, everyone ain’t gonna read your PowerPoint or sign in to listen to your presentation. You have to meet people where they are, and guess what everyone likes their communication in a certain way. 
• Consistent Messaging: Ensure everyone receives the same information to avoid confusion. Just because everyone wants the information in a certain way doesn’t mean you change the messaging!  Keep it consistent. Full Stop.
• Frequent Touchpoints: Regularly update stakeholders on progress and solicit feedback.

Subject Matter Expertise: The Avengers of Accreditation

Accreditation spans multiple areas of expertise, from DEI initiatives to data collection and language services. Expecting one person to be an expert in all these areas is like asking a superhero to save the world single-handedly. I am not WonderWoman (again, story for another day). Instead, assemble a team of experts:

• Documentation Preparation: Ensure all materials meet accreditation standards.
• Project Management: Keep the project on track and within budget.
• Change Management: Guide the organization through smooth transitions.
• Survey Process: Prepare for and navigate the accreditation survey.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Breaking Down Silos

Health equity work can’t be done in a silo. It’s not just the responsibility of the Health Equity Department. Most organizations aren’t set up for cross-functional work.  I don't care about the lies they told you during that interview.  When you got into that space, you saw the real deal that even the best organizations fall into the trap of silos and how that leads to resource competition and prioritization.

• Unified Goals: Align departments around common objectives.  Remember all those mid-level managers above.  Get them all to see the same big picture. 
• Resource Sharing: Encourage collaboration and resource pooling. This one can be tough at times, but when it works, magic happens. 
• Regular Check-Ins: Facilitate communication and coordination across teams.

Timeline Constraints: The Clock is Ticking

Organizations often need to pay more attention to the time required for accreditation. It’s not just about checking boxes; it involves assessing readiness, developing plans, writing policies, and implementing interventions. Furthermore, the lookback period is real. You can't talk your way out of or around it. Either the process was in place, or it wasn't. So plan for it to be, simple as that. 

• Realistic Planning: Account for all process phases, from preparation to survey. Don’t forget about those pesky policy approval processes.  I’ve seen that take a day, and Ive seen it take months. 
• Buffer Time: Allow for unexpected delays and challenges.
• Continuous Evaluation: Regularly assess progress and adjust timelines as needed.

Embrace the Journey

Achieving health equity accreditation is a challenging but rewarding journey. By addressing these six challenges with strategic planning, collaboration, and a whole lot of flexibility, organizations can pave the way for a more equitable healthcare system. Remember, it’s not just about reaching the finish line—it’s about making meaningful strides toward health equity every step of the way. So, lace up your sneakers, gather your team, and prepare for the race toward accreditation success!

At Connected Consultants, LLC, we can help you with all your health equity accreditation needs. Make us a part of your team!!

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