Advancing Health Equity Starts with Data
But, the problem is are we using the "right" data to make the most informed decision?
I remember my excitement after becoming a Certified Fitness Nutrition Coach. Back then, I was ready to make a real difference. I saw myself as part of a movement that would improve people’s lives through better health practices. But in those early days of my coaching career, I didn't fully understand how much of a difference our surroundings and socioeconomic status could make in our health. Instead, like many others, I assumed that eating “the right foods” and exercising “the right way” would be enough to improve people’s lives. In other words, I didn’t know what I didn’t know.
Since then, my journey has led me to see how vital it is to address the full scope of what influences our health—starting with the data that informs us. This realization was fueled by discovering the hard truth about Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) and their impact on health equity. That’s why I truly believe that advancing health equity starts with data. However, we must be mindful of where we’re getting the data from. Using truly inclusive data can play a transformational role in achieving health equity, helping us understand and address the barriers to optimal health for all.
Why Data Drives Equity in Healthcare
While I gained my initial understanding of how nutrition affects health through certification, it wasn’t until I completed my master's degree that I understood the profound role data plays in health outcomes. Data doesn’t just inform us about individual health choices; it reveals patterns related to access to care, environmental factors, and social structures that can impede or promote health. From race and gender to income and education levels, data paints a picture of the inequities we must address if we’re truly committed to health equity.
So, what have I learned from the data about advancing health equity? Data can help healthcare professionals create more inclusive, equitable care environments in three ways.
1. Data Provides Insight into the Barriers to Equity
Data brings to light critical factors that influence health outcomes beyond individual choices. For instance, Massachusetts Governor Healey passed the Maternal Health Bill due to data showing stark disparities in maternal health outcomes across demographics. Despite the Commonwealth of Massachusetts being home to some of the best healthcare facilities in the country, maternal mortality rates among Black women were disproportionately high, underlining the need for systemic changes.
As healthcare providers, we can use data on SDoH to understand these barriers, enabling us to make patient-centered adjustments that go beyond the conventional, one-size-fits-all recommendations. For example, when we see data showing that patients in specific zip codes have limited access to healthy food, we can adapt our dietary guidance to suit the realities of their environments.
2. Data Yields Lessons That Guide Real-World Equity Solutions
With data, we’re not just looking at numbers — we’re looking at insights that can be applied to clinical and community settings. Every piece of data, whether from a broad population study or a small patient survey, is valuable because it informs us about what’s working and what isn’t.
In my coaching practice, I saw this firsthand. When I’d adapt nutritional advice based on a client’s needs, background, and preferences, I could see a noticeable difference in their outcomes. However, the results would have been less impactful if I tried to apply a uniform approach. Similarly, when we gather data on patient demographics, socioeconomic status, and health outcomes, we get a comprehensive view of the best solutions for whom. Every lesson learned becomes a stepping stone toward building more personalized, equitable care practices that address each patient's unique needs.
3. Data Offers a Basis for Evidence-Based Policy Recommendations
As healthcare providers, we’re often eager to enact changes that benefit our patients, but real progress depends on policies backed by solid evidence. Data-driven insights allow us to advocate for and shape policies that address gaps in our healthcare system. This is why advancements like the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which expanded healthcare access to millions, have been crucial for health equity.
Data-driven policies tend to be more impactful because they’re rooted in the real needs of the populations they’re designed to serve. For instance, the ACA revealed the healthcare gaps among lower-income groups and people of color, motivating further investments and reforms to make healthcare more accessible. By consistently collecting and analyzing data, we can refine these policies to address ongoing challenges, ensuring that our work as healthcare providers moves toward equitable care.
Therefore, Transforming Care Starts with You
By putting data at the forefront of our healthcare practices, we empower ourselves to advance health equity, breaking down barriers to care and creating pathways for patients to achieve better health. But this shift isn’t something that can happen overnight; it’s a commitment we make each day as we review our practices, challenge assumptions, and advocate for data-driven policies that make a real difference.
Ready to Learn More?
If you’re passionate about delivering care that’s inclusive, equitable, and informed by the lived experiences of your patients, consider subscribing to the EBWH Community Newsletter. Every week, you'll receive practical tips, training, and resources to help healthcare providers deliver care that acknowledges each patient’s lived experience. With access to insights and tools for advancing health equity, you’ll be empowered to make a meaningful impact in your practice.