REAL/SOGI Demographic Data Collection Initiative

With support from Penn Medicine leadership, we modified existing and introduced new fields within the electronic health records (EHR) to better capture demographic data across Penn Medicine. The changes were designed to reflect the current evidence-based guidelines for the collection of the following: REAL (Race, Ethnicity, Ancestry and Language) and SOGI (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) data.

In conjunction with the Penn Medicine Academy, CHEA developed and implemented centralized online training coupled with marketing materials to raise awareness of these new data fields and why and how to complete the fields. CHEA’s ongoing efforts for optimization of initiative are underway in an iterative process where we engage with partners across the health system. Recent efforts include implementing self-entry of data via the patient portal MyPennMedicine, monitoring uptake of data and determining best practices in hot spots, analyzing workflows to determine second phase education and training opportunities, and identifying previously hidden populations that have emerged due to new demographic data fields.

Learn more about Bias and Health Care Disparities and The Populations We Serve