Measuring Health Equity in TC LHIN: Leading Patient Demographic Data Collection in 16 Hospitals

Equity has been recognized as a key component of quality and a critical factor in ensuring that people reach their full health potential. Collecting and using patient‐level demographic data is now recognized as the gold standard in incorporating equity into health care planning and delivery. Despite the importance of socio‐demographic information for addressing health inequities and providing patient‐centred care, hospitals struggle with poor access to reliable patient demographic data. In 2013 the Toronto Central LHIN mandated the collection of patient‐level demographic data across its 16 hospitals, reinforcing the importance of improving access to socio‐demographic information. The TC LHIN asked Mount Sinai Hospital [MSH]  to lead this initiative, titled “Measuring Health Equity in TC LHIN”. The MSH team developed an evidence‐based approach for planning and embedding patient‐level demographic data collection within hospital operations. MSH provided hospitals with evidence‐based recommendations, tools, and supports around securing buy‐in, staff training, IT solutions, and strategies for incorporating data collection into existing work flows. As a result, 16 Toronto hospitals and 17 community health centres have started collecting and using patient demographic data to understand who they serve, plan care, and identify patient needs. This initiative is unique in Canada and internationally, and will enable hospitals to connect socio‐demographic data to health outcomes and health care delivery in ways that weren’t possible before. This will be the key to achieving health equity.