February 18th 2024.
A recent collaboration between the Commonwealth Fund and the African American Research Collaborative has brought to light the prevalence of racism in the healthcare industry. The joint report, based on a survey of over 3,000 healthcare workers, has revealed that half of the respondents have personally experienced or witnessed racism in hospitals and clinics. This alarming statistic serves as a wake-up call to the serious problem of discrimination in the healthcare system.
USA Today has reported that the survey results also show that 47% of healthcare workers have witnessed discrimination against patients in their workplaces, while 52% believe that racism is a crisis or major problem in the healthcare industry as a whole. As the CEO of AARC and lead author of the report, Henry Fernandez emphasizes the significance of this study in addressing the issue of discrimination in healthcare. He believes that understanding the connection between discrimination and negative health outcomes is crucial in mitigating harm to patients and promoting overall better health outcomes.
While the focus of the report is on the experience of patients, it also sheds light on the reality of racism in the workplace for healthcare workers. Among the Black healthcare workers surveyed, 58% reported experiencing discrimination in their workplaces based on their race or ethnicity. These workers also expressed concerns about facing retaliation if they raise their concerns about discrimination, despite their employers' efforts to address the issue.
The report highlights four key actions that could help reduce discrimination in healthcare workplaces, as identified by over two-thirds of healthcare workers. These actions include making it easier to anonymously report instances of racism or discrimination, actively listening to patients and healthcare workers of color, examining the treatment of non-English speaking patients, and providing training to healthcare staff to recognize and address discrimination.
Dr. Laurie C. Zephyrin, the report's co-author and senior vice president for Advancing Health Equity at the Commonwealth Fund, stresses the importance of listening to the voices of those on the front lines in addressing health care inequities. She believes that understanding the experiences and needs of healthcare workers is crucial in creating sustainable change towards equitable healthcare systems.
The report also reveals that facilities with mostly Black or Latinx patients have higher instances of racism compared to those with a majority white patient base or no clear majority. Healthcare workers also reported experiencing stress due to racial or ethnic discrimination, especially in facilities that serve mostly Black or Latinx patients.
This report serves as a reminder of the urgent need to address racism in the healthcare industry. It also highlights the critical role of education in combating medical racism and promoting equity in healthcare. As a UCLA study has shown, educating healthcare workers about Black history and its impact on healthcare can help reduce discrimination and promote equity. It is time for the healthcare industry to listen to the voices of those on the front lines and take necessary actions towards creating a more equitable system for all.
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