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Healthcare biases can have a significant impact on the health and well-being of marginalized individuals, particularly those from racial, gender, and sexual minorities. Despite ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access and reduce disparities, research has shown that systemic biases continue to persist in the medical field, leading to suboptimal care and poorer health outcomes for many patients.
One example of healthcare bias is the treatment of Black patients, who receive lower-quality care for various conditions. Studies found that Black patients receive less appropriate pain management than white patients, leading to unnecessary suffering. Black women experience higher maternal mortality and morbidity rates, in part due to healthcare biases that result in delayed or inadequate care. Systemic issues, such as racism and implicit biases among healthcare providers, contribute to these disparities and perpetuate unequal treatment and poorer outcomes for Black patients.
LGBTQ+ individuals experience healthcare biases, discrimination, and stigma in healthcare settings, leading to reluctance to disclose important health information or avoid care, hindering effective treatment. Transgender individuals often face significant barriers to care, such as difficulty accessing gender-affirming treatments and discrimination from providers. These biases stem from societal stigma and a lack of understanding about the specific health needs and experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Gender biases in healthcare can cause women to receive unequal and inadequate treatment. Research and treatment have primarily focused on men's health, leaving women's health concerns unaddressed. Additionally, women may face stereotypes or biases in the medical field that lead to delayed treatment and poor health outcomes.
Reducing healthcare biases requires a comprehensive approach that includes educating healthcare providers, increasing diversity in the workforce, and implementing policies that prioritize equitable access to care. By actively working to reduce biases based on race, gender, and sexuality, we can improve healthcare outcomes and ensure that everyone receives the necessary care and support.
It is important to learn about biases in healthcare because they can lead to unequal treatment and poorer outcomes for marginalized groups. By understanding and acknowledging biases, we can work towards creating a more equitable healthcare system. One way someone can help is by advocating for diversity and inclusion in healthcare, both in terms of the workforce and the patients they serve. This can involve supporting organizations that promote diversity and equity in healthcare, speaking out against biases and discrimination, and educating oneself and others on the importance of healthcare equity.
The image on the left page depicts a protest that occurred in 2017 at the state Capitol steps in Denver, Colorado, concerning the affordable healthcare act. I selected this particular picture to symbolize the issue, not only because it was taken in Colorado, but also because of its time frame. By opting for a photo that is not extremely recent, I aim to highlight the ongoing struggle for equal healthcare access for all in the past decade, which has only intensified over time.
On the right page, we can see a portrayal of American citizens having the power to bring about change through their efforts and voices. The blue line, painted by the hands, depicts the path toward change that can be achieved with determination. The accompanying quote is directly linked to the theme, emphasizing that the right to life should be reflected in our healthcare system, and must be accessible to all.
Haghighi, Anna S. “Biases in Healthcare: Types, Examples, Overcoming Bias.” Medical News Today. MediLexicon International, August 30, 2021. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/biases-in-healthcare.
Hall, William J, Mimi V Chapman, Kent M Lee, Yesenia M Merino, Tainayah W Thomas, B Keith Payne, Eugenia Eng, Steven H Day, and Tamera Coyne-Beasley. “Implicit Racial/Ethnic Bias among Health Care Professionals and Its Influence on Health Care Outcomes: A Systematic Review.” American journal of public health. U.S. National Library of Medicine, December 2015. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4638275/.
LGBTQ HC, Editors. “Learning to Address Implicit Bias Towards LGBTQ Patients: Case Scenarios .” National LGBTQ+ health center, September 2018. https://www.lgbtqiahealtheducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Implicit-Bias-Guide-2018_Final.pdf.
Villines, Zawn. “Gender Bias in Healthcare: Examples and Consequences.” Medical News Today. MediLexicon International, October 25, 2021. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/gender-bias-in-healthcare.