Rafat Fields Champions Social Equity in the Community Healthcare Landscape with Implementation of Modern Technology

As the world experiences a cultural shift towards technologically enhanced business practices, the healthcare industry is one of the most vital areas for development. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services are the largest healthcare payers in the world, implementing changes to programs and policies in the US that bring health and social needs together under a consolidated and comprehensive umbrella. CEO and Founder of Powered to Rise LLC, Rafat Fields reiterates: “In the current landscape, we must remember that community care is healthcare.”

By leveraging technology and serving the underserved portion of American society, Powered to Rise LLC consulting services accelerate a transformative community impact. The platform offers a comprehensive suite of services, including automation and campaign management tools and coaching for businesses or individuals who share a vision for equity. The website details: “At Powered to Rise, we’re dedicated to providing the strategies, tools, and support needed to amplify your impact and drive meaningful progress. Whether you’re aiming to boost your personal brand, influence health policy, or enhance your digital presence, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. Now is the time to take action and make a real difference in your community.” 

After the unprecedented realities of the global pandemic, the American healthcare sector experienced abrupt, unforeseeable effects on operational practices – with studies reflecting socioeconomic status to have a direct correlation to risk and death rate. A report published by The National Library of Medicine revealed that low-income groups utilized fewer inpatient services, were more prone to severe illness or death, and treatment had a lower chance of success, overall. Alongside this, the pandemic had a catastrophic effect on trust between the population and healthcare services. Post-pandemic metrics showed that fewer than three out of ten adults indicated trust for healthcare information reported by mass media and health institutes. 

With the introduction of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (ML) tools, the technology space is developing at exceptional rates. Concerning healthcare inequity, AI can have a powerful impact on the reduction of prejudice and unconscious bias. According to a patient survey by Pew Research Center, a large share of Americans believes the use of Artificial Intelligence could reduce the number of mistakes made by care providers and 51% agreed AI would reduce the risk of unfair treatment. Throughout the USA, the most affected racial groups are reported to be Black adults, 64% of whom, say that bias based on patients’ race and ethnicity is a major problem in health and medicine. About four in ten Hispanics (42%) agreed with this statement, alongside 39% of English-speaking Asian adults. A smaller share of White adults shared this concern as only 27% agreed with the statement. Reflecting the growing need for enhancements within this area, Powered to Rise LLC focuses on developing businesses run by people of color, women, and those from low-income backgrounds. 

Rafat Fields’ recognizes that unlocking the potential of AI, reflected in the study, is dependent on our ability to expand who is included in the data sets that the ML models are built on. “The way AI can improve outcomes in historically marginalized communities is by creating multiple communication touch points that can be highly customized to be culturally appropriate, adaptable to varied working schedules, and empowers successful provider engagement,” Rafat states. Technology has the potential to be the great equity equalizer. However, this can only occur with communities of color adopting the technology to be represented and minimize the potential to perpetuate an inherently biased model.

On the path to achieving health equity, valuing everyone on an equal playing field is vital. Society’s ongoing efforts to address historical injustice reflect the pertinence of this concern in contemporary healthcare. To eliminate disparities, businesses like Powered to Rise LLC are key innovators in this space, representing the social and cultural movement towards more ethical, inclusive practices. 

As a thought leader, Rafat Fields hopes her technology solutions can address the growing trust divide between the micro-community and large businesses in the healthcare industry. She brings the revolutionary effects of technology to community leaders who drive inclusion and diversity amidst policy shifts and the continually innovating technology sector.