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Unequal
Treatment:
Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Healthcare
A 2002 Institute
of Medicine Report asserted that racial and ethnic minorities
receive a lower quality of healthcare than non-minorities, even
with access-related factors controlled. WVIZ/PBS and 90.3 WCPN
ideastream, in partnership with NCCJ, The National Conference
for Community and Justice, confronts the problem of disparities
in healthcare.
-
LISTEN
to an exploration of the problem on 90.3 WCPN Morning News -
approx 6:30am and 8:20pm, Thursday February 10, 2005
-
CALL-IN
during a discussion of Healthcare Disparities on 90.3 WCPN from
9 - 10am, Thursday, February 10, 2005
-
WATCH
an explanation of the issues on Ideas, on WVIZ/PBS from 9-10pm
Thursday, February 10, 2005 and...
-
ATTEND
the Unequal Treatment Symposium Friday, February 11, 2005 at
Executive Caterers at Landerhaven
-
...then WATCH a discussion of next steps to
address the problem, following the Symposium, on Ideas, on WVIZ/PBS
from 9 - 10pm Thursday, February 17, 2005
-
CLICK here for links and
more information about Health Disparities
- For more
information about “Worlds Apart,” a video series about
health disparities produced by Maren Grainger-Monsen, MD, go to
the Stanford
School of Medicine site or the Fanlight
Productions site.
- Medical advances
have preserved millions of lives. But not everyone has the same
access to the latest in medical technology. Disparities in the
way medical treatment is applied exist between races and ethnic
groups. Studies suggest if those disparities could be eliminated,
more lives could be saved than by any advance in medical science.
We've been addressing those disparities with a series of programs
on the ideastream stations. One of those trying to do something
about the problem in our community is Dr.
Amir Soas, president of the Harmony Foundation.
 Racial
and Ethnic disparities in healthcare exist regardless of income,
healthcare insurance plan, or medical treatment. Both reports, Diverse
Communities, Common Concerns: Assessing Health Care Quality for
Minority Americans by The Commonwealth Fund and Unequal
Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care
from the Institute of Medicine (IOM) provide an in-depth exploration
of this topic which raises many questions that need answers. Focused
research is paramount to help us understand the extent of the inequities.
Simultaneously, systematic change needs to remain at the forefront
as we reach to create equal healthcare for all.
Some Healthcare Disparities:
- not given
the right medication
- not given
the quality treatments
- receive
less desirable medical procedures
- less likely
to have continuity with a primary care physician
- lack of
health insurance
- language
barriers
Ways
to Remove Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Healthcare
- Equal health
plans for all.
- Enhanced
Doctor-Patient Relationships
- Patient
Protections
- Civil rights
to prohibit discrimination in healthcare
- Incentives
along with accountability for physicians to spend time and communicate
effectively with minority patients.
- Resources
to provide adequate interpretation of services.
- Utilization
of community health works that help bridge the gap between the
patient and physician.
- Bring together
a variety of disciplines such as social worker, physician, and
nurse to form a team that could enhance patient care.
Sources:
The
National Academies, Examining Unequal Treatment in American Health,
Minoritynurse.com
Information
and Resources
Local
National
This multiple
media project, and the Symposium, are made possible through the
support of:
Aetna
| Cleveland
Clinic Foundation | Cleveland
Clinic Health System
Kaiser
Permanente | Lake
Hospital System | Sisters
of Charity Foundation of Cleveland
University Hospitals
Health System |
