Health Research & Educational Trust of New Jersey (HRET)
Research
Ongoing Projects
Patient Race, Ethnicity and Primary Language Data Collection
An initiative to improve hospital collection and reporting of patient data Our population’s increasing diversity has significant implications for the healthcare delivery system, especially considering the documented healthcare disparities in access, healthcare utilization and health outcomes of different patient groups. Recognizing the importance of this issue, NJHA/HRET has focused its efforts on improving measures of healthcare disparities, including collection of data on patient race, ethnicity and primary language. Improved accuracy of these data will help better identify the needs and address them through improving quality care for all patients. As part of these efforts, NJHA/HRET developed guidelines for systematic collection of patient data, designed a curriculum and launched an education campaign using a number of training tools and educational resources.
For more information on the background of this initiative and previous studies that underscored the need for this data collection using standardized processes,
click here.
For more information on the education campaign, standardized guidelines, categories and processes and the training curriculum,
click here.
For more information on the resources below, click on their corresponding links.
Training Tools & Educational ResourcesWeb-based Interactive Course NEW!A Web course on collection of patient race, ethnicity and primary language data including the main training component with the entire curriculum and associated assessments; and an administrative support component designed for patient access managers to register staff and run activity and progress reports.
MORE INFORMATION AND A PREVIEW...
Instructional DVDA 15-minute training DVD for registrars illustrating how to conduct patient interviews, ask race and ethnicity questions and handle difficult situations in an effective and time-efficient manner.
MORE…
Train-the-Trainer ManualA training manual designed for hospital education units and access managers; it includes comprehensive information on the importance of collecting patient race and ethnicity data, recommended categories, collection guidelines and tips, interview scripts, strategies on how to handle complex situations as well as resources for staff and patients included in the reference toolkit.
MORE…Reference Toolkit for RegistrarsA toolkit on standardized data collection guidelines including resources to assist registration staff during patient interviews, as well as resources to help patients self-identify and address their questions and concerns.
MORE…
Language Identification Guide – “I Speak…” cardA guide designed to help diverse patients identify their primary language, including “I Speak…” phrases translated to 47 different languages.
MORE…Technical Assistance and Consultations In addition to providing tools, resources and training programs, HRET is prepared to assist hospitals with technical support, on-site consultations and other necessary services. We encourage hospitals interested in these services to contact
HRET.For More Information For more details about this education campaign, training programs, support services and training tools and educational resources, please contact the Research Department at 609-275-4145 or
research@njha.com. More information and the order form for HRET’s resources are provided in the links below.
Marketing Tool and Order Form
Additional Information and ResourcesaHasnain-Wynia, R., Pierce, D., Haque, A., Hedges Greising, C., Prince, V., Reiter, J. (2007)
Health Research and Educational Trust Disparities Toolkit.Joint Commission,
New Requirement at Standard IM.6.20 for the Collection of Information on Language and Communication Needs (PDF), April 2008
Office of Management and Budget.
“Federal Register Notice: Revisions to the Standards for the Classification of Federal Data on Race and Ethnicity.” October 1997.
Wilson-Stronks A. and Galvez E.,
Hospitals, Language, and Culture: A Snapshot of the Nation(PDF), Joint Commission, 2007.