The healthcare industry’s track record of engaging with marginalized communities reveals a pattern of mistreatment and neglect that is deeply concerning. Studies and reports have consistently shown that patients of color experience disparities in healthcare access, quality, and outcomes compared to their white counterparts. For example, a study published in the Annals of Family Medicine highlighted that Black and Hispanic patients were significantly less likely than white patients to be given appropriate cardiac care, a discrepancy that can lead to higher mortality rates among these groups. Additional research indicates that patients of color often feel the need to bring an advocate to medical appointments to ensure they receive adequate care. According to a survey conducted by the National Institutes of Health, nearly one third of Black patients reported experiencing racial discrimination in healthcare settings, leading to a distrust of medical professionals and a perceived need for additional support during medical interactions.
The concept of having an advocate is not merely anecdotal but is rooted in the systemic biases present within the healthcare system. A report by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that individuals from marginalized communities are more likely to report poor communication with their healthcare providers, which can result in misdiagnoses, inappropriate treatments and overall lower quality of care. This communication gap underscores the necessity for patients of color to have an advocate present, whether in the room or on the phone, to help bridge the divide and ensure their concerns and symptoms are taken seriously.
The issue extends beyond individual experiences to the structural, systemic level. The American Public Health Association has documented that socioeconomic factors, including access to healthcare facilities, insurance coverage disparities, and social determinants of health, play a significant role in the ongoing healthcare inequity. These structural obstacles further exacerbate the challenges faced by marginalized communities, making the role of an advocate even more critical in navigating the complex healthcare landscape.
Overall, the need for patients of color to have an advocate during medical appointments is a symptom of broader systemic issues within the healthcare industry, including racial bias, communication barriers, and socioeconomic disparities. The data and research on this topic highlight the urgent need for reforms aimed at making healthcare more equitable and inclusive for all individuals, regardless of their background.
“Historically, marginalized communities have been swept under the rug by the healthcare industry. Today, that still occurs and physicians need to be given the time and resources to advocate for their patients so they are heard and properly treated. With physicians and other healthcare workers being overworked, more concerted efforts need to be made by hospitals and organizations to ensure that everyone gets the care they need. ” shares Sarah Worthy, CEO of DoorSpace.
Sarah believes that addressing the burnout physicians are facing, they will have more tools at their disposal to create real change in the care patients are receiving.
“Currently doctors are facing 27-hour days, making it impossible to manage even day-to-day tasks. The change must start at the administrative level and become a cultural norm throughout the industry.”
The disparities and challenges faced by marginalized communities in the healthcare system are not only a reflection of individual biases but are deeply entrenched in systemic and structural inequalities. The compelling evidence and testimonials underscore the critical need for systemic reforms and the importance of advocacy within healthcare interactions. As Sarah Worthy points out, addressing physician burnout and providing healthcare professionals with the necessary time and resources to advocate for their patients are essential steps towards creating a more equitable and effective healthcare system. The journey towards healthcare equity is complex and multifaceted, involving both the dismantling of existing barriers and the proactive building of a more inclusive and understanding healthcare environment. It requires a concerted effort from all levels of the healthcare industry, from administrative changes to shifts in cultural norms, to ensure that every individual, regardless of their background, receives the care and respect they deserve.
