Advancing equity, diversity and inclusion atBMJ Quality and Safety

Identifying patients with additional needs isn’t enough to improve care: harnessing the benefits and avoiding the pitfalls of classification

“…However, ensuring that patients with additional needs and/or risks have these appropriately identified and responded to while receiving healthcare must be a priority. The need for healthcare to be equitable, that is, not vary in quality because of a patient’s personal characteristics, is recognised as an important quality dimension,17 and this issue has received increased attention in recent years 18–20. If used well, classification can be part of the move to ensuring more equitable care for those with additional needs.…”

“…The need for healthcare to be equitable, that is, not vary in quality because of a patient's personal characteristics, is recognised as an important quality dimension, 17 and this issue has received increased attention in recent years. [18][19][20] If used well, classification can be part of the move to ensuring more equitable care for those with additional needs.…”