Utilizing Geospatial Analysis to Demystify Health Equity: Revitalized Healthcare-associated Infection Prevention

Session Description: Geospatial analysis utilizes location data—such as zip codes, county designations, and rurality—to identify patterns, trends, and relationships. Visualizing this data on maps enhances problem-solving and strengthens decision-making, enabling targeted initiatives tailored to specific locations.

While equality means providing the same resources to everyone, equity acknowledges individual differences, ensuring all individuals have resources for a fair opportunity. By focusing on equity, resources can be allocated effectively to work towards equal health outcomes. Health equity aims to eliminate disparities, guaranteeing that everyone has a fair chance to attain their highest level of health.

Health equity ensures that Infection Prevention (IP) measures are accessible to all, regardless of socio-economic status, race, ethnicity, gender, language, or geographic location. For example, improving access to vaccinations and education on preventing infections during treatment promotes health equity. More broadly, health equity in IP involves implementing consistent practices across healthcare settings, ensuring universal access and understanding of their importance.

Systemic barriers disproportionately impact certain populations, such as differing influenza rates in rural and urban areas or the impact of tuberculosis on low-income individuals due to stigma and limited healthcare access. With the rising incidence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), geospatial analysis can visualize the spread of infections and help identify populations predisposed to specific HAIs.

Integrating equity considerations into the IP program can help bridge existing gaps and maintain a focused approach. This involves incorporating health equity into IP plans, training, HAI reviews, and policy evaluations. It is essential to make communications accessible to everyone while minimizing language barriers.

By employing geospatial analysis, we can compare rural and urban infection rates, assess socio-economic disparities, and pre-plan targeted IP measures for affected populations. This proposal explores how geospatial analysis can enhance health equity in infection prevention, fostering healthier communities and reducing healthcare disparities.