Racism in healthcare is a major challenge facing equity in patient care. Racial discrimination permeates the healthcare systems in various countries. Consequently, this negatively affects both patients and healthcare workers leading to higher risks of illnesses and lower standards of care for people of color. Additionally, racism harms mental and physical health and can make it difficult for people to access healthcare services. It can lead doctors to neglect, disbelief, or actively discriminate against patients. Health equity refers to a situation where people have opportunities according to their needs. It involves the individualization of care to bring patients to the same level of health.
Read more on racism in healthcare and equity in patient care at;
THE IMPACTS OF RACISM IN HEALTHCARE
Racism in healthcare leads to pain treatment of Black people due to the belief that they have thicker skin and less sensitive nerve endings. Such myths lead to the discriminative treatment of Black people. Moreover, racial discrimination may prevent a certain group of people from receiving emergency care. This undermines equity in patient care hence negatively affects the mental and physical health of the racial victims. Additionally, racial disparities affect the medical care of pregnant women and newborn babies. Resultantly, this may lead to higher infant mortality rates.
Read more on the impacts of racism in healthcare at;
METHODS OF PROMOTING EQUITY IN PATIENT CARE
To promote equity in patient care, it is important to identify how health disparities in a community affect specific groups. Furthermore, it is essential to recognize that each person has their own racial and ethnic biases. This helps in coming up with measures and policies to eliminate racism in healthcare. This promotes the good mental and physical health of all groups of people. Additionally, it is crucial to show respect to people of all groups and make efforts to involve all groups in enacting change.
Read more on the methods of promoting equity in patient care at;
Additional attachments
