Understanding, Measuring, and Addressing Health Equity in Oncology Using a Systems - Quality Lens through an Action Research Framework

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) stated that the healthcare system in the United States does not provide high-quality care to all people and that variations in quality of care exist across social, economic, and physical environments.     

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the Quality and Patient Safety Department is charged with ensuring the six IOM aims are met as it relates to cancer care. A case study design was used to assess organizational readiness of the Quality & Patient Safety Department in understanding, measuring, and addressing health equity using a systems- quality lens. The action research case study dissertation research was conducted using a sequential mixed methods approach. This approach was selected because it provided a framework for action research that was scientific and methodological, created new and innovative ways of learning about this problem in practice, and generated actionable recommendations.