The Impact of Systemic Racism on Health Outcomes

Systemic racism refers to how societal policies, practices, and structures create and maintain inequitable outcomes for people of colour. In healthcare, systemic racism can manifest in several ways, including unequal access to care, disparities in health outcomes, and biases in healthcare. These factors can lead to significant health disparities for people of colour, contributing to higher rates of chronic diseases, infant mortality, and COVID-19 infections and deaths.

Unequal access to care is a key issue in healthcare disparities. People of colour often face barriers to accessing healthcare, such as a lack of insurance, transportation, or culturally competent providers. These barriers can make it difficult for people of colour to receive the care they need, leading to worse health outcomes and increased healthcare costs.

Disparities in health outcomes are also a major concern. African Americans have a higher prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension compared to whites, leading to higher morbidity and mortality rates. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the significant disparities in health outcomes among people of colour, who have been disproportionately affected by the virus due to underlying health conditions, inadequate access to care, and greater exposure to the virus.

Biases in healthcare can contribute to disparities in treatment and outcomes. Providers may hold implicit bit lower quality to differential treatment of patients based on their race or ethnicity, which can result in lower quality care and worse health outcomes. For example, studies have shown that Black patients are less likely to receive pain medication than white patients, even with the same symptoms. They found out that African American patients were 22% less likely than white patients to receive any pain medication.

To address these issues, it is important to acknowledge the role of systemic racism in creating health disparities and work to implement policies and practices that promote health equity. This may include expanding access to healthcare coverage, increasing diversity in the healthcare workforce, and investing in culturally responsive care. By addressing the root causes of health inequities, we can work towards creating a more just and equitable healthcare system for all.

Systemic racism in healthcare is a significant issue contributing to health disparities and worse health outcomes for people of colour. Addressing this issue requires a multi-pronged approach that includes expanding access to care, reducing biases in healthcare, and promoting health equity through policies and practices. By working to create a more equitable healthcare system, we can help ensure that everyone has the opportunity to achieve optimal health and well-being.