HealthWatch: February 2005

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

Prescriptions For Change: Reducting Health Disparities in Our Community - program series presented by the Roundtable Community Council and the Center for Reducing Health Disparities and sponsored by the St. Luke’s and Mt. Sinai Health Care foundations (PDF listing of events)
Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Healthcare - Register for the Symposium (Friday, Feb. 11, 2005)
The Roundtable Community Council
Cleveland State University: Health and Culture Website
Cuyahoga Regional HIV Services Planning Council: Ryan White Title I
The Center for Reducing Health Disparities
The National Conference for Community and Justice, Northern Ohio Region
Senior Outreach Services, Community Based, Culturally Competent Elder Support Services

National

Association of American Medical Colleges, Confronting “Unequal Treatment”
The Commonwealth Fund, Underserved/Minorities
The Commonwealth Fund, Eliminating Racial And Ethnic Disparities In Women’s Health Care Is Focus Of National Symposium
Kaisernetwork.org, Panel Discussion on Efforts to Eliminate the Healthcare Gap
Minoritynurse.com
National Cancer Institute, Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities
The National Academies, Examining Unequal Treatment in American Health
National Healthcare Disparities Report Summary
“Really Unequal Treatment?”
WebMDHealth, Ethnic Disparities Rampant in Healthcare