Vizient, Inc. today announced it is granting public access to the patent pending Vizient Vulnerability Index™. The access comes at no cost and provides a unique level of visibility for healthcare organizations to assess social determinants of health that impact health equity in the communities they serve. It is now available to anyone. Access the Vizient Vulnerability Index.
The Vizient Vulnerability Index aggregates 43 social determinants of health data points into nine categories at the local, regional and national levels that impact health outcomes. Each category of data quantifies how specific vulnerabilities impact specific populations. The public view provides zip code and Census tract-level information across these categories: Economic, education, healthcare access, neighborhood conditions, housing, clean environment, social environment, transportation and public safety.
“Many social determinants that impact communities extend beyond the hospital's walls, whether it's lack of housing, transportation or public safety,” said Beth Godsey, senior vice president, Data Science and Methodology for Vizient. “But knowing exactly what issues affect local residents gives health systems perspective on possible resources or partnerships necessary to better support those specific social needs.”
The Vizient Vulnerability Index aggregates the following public data sources:
- American Community Survey 2020 (US Census) 5-year estimates survey data
- USDA “food desert” measure of low-income population beyond a half mile (urban) or one mile (rural) from a grocery store
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) data on air and water pollution
- The Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) “severe housing cost” measure of housing cost burden over 50% of income
“Whatever the issue, clearcut data enables health systems to more effectively focus their interventions to mitigate challenges. The Vizient Vulnerability Index offers a new level of insight for healthcare organizations to understand their community and where gaps exist. Other indices simply don't allow for that same level of specificity,” Godsey said.
