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Activity Number:
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374
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Type:
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Invited
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Date/Time:
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Wednesday, August 6, 2008 : 10:30 AM to 12:20 PM
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Sponsor:
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Social Statistics Section
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| Abstract - #300197 |
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Title:
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Understanding Disparities Within and Among Geographical and Health Care Units
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Author(s):
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Alan Zaslavsky*+
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Companies:
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Harvard University Medical School
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Address:
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180 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115-5821,
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Keywords:
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health care ; disparities ; geography ; multilevel models ; race
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Abstract:
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Health and health care disparities can originate at various levels within the social and healthcare systems. Variations among geographical areas and among health care units (health plans, hospitals, doctors) within the same geographical area may contribute to disparities if assignment to these units is associated with race/ethnicity. We consider analytic methods for identifying the contributions to disparities from these various levels, with examples from major health care quality measurement systems. We also discuss the interpretation of racial/ethnic disparities that are "mediated" through socioeconomic differences. Policy implications will be drawn out.
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