Advocacy in the Face of Health Disparities

Strategies for Combating Health Disparities in African American Communities

Health disparities continue to plague the African American community, resulting in poorer health outcomes and shorter life expectancies. In addition, research has shown that Black people have an increased likelihood of experiencing financial barriers when accessing health care and have a higher uninsured rate than their White counterparts (Ndugga & Artiga, 2023). Although health disparities are complex and multifactorial, two key contributing factors is the lack of access to quality healthcare and the systemic racism that persists within the healthcare system. 

As is well known, a lack of access to quality healthcare can prevent patients from accessing preventative services for chronic health conditions, significantly impacting their health (Majerol, M., Newkirk, V., & Garfield, R., 2015). In addition, as history has shown, systemic racism in the form of implicit bias impacts the patient-provider relationship and the quality of care patients receive (DeAngelis, 2019). Therefore, we cannot ignore the significant barriers affecting Black patient health.   

However, one way to combat these disparities is for Black patients to participate in their healthcare and advocate for themselves actively. Today, we will explore strategies for empowering Black patients to better advocate for themselves in healthcare.

Tip 1: Communication is Key

Effective communication with healthcare providers is critical in advocating for oneself. For this reason, Black patients need to speak up and share their concerns and preferences with their providers. In addition, healthcare providers can encourage them to ask about treatment options, medication side effects, and any other issues that may impact their health. 

Additionally, it is essential for a healthcare provider to "read the room." If patients seem confused or concerned, healthcare providers can encourage them to ask for clarification if they need help understanding something said. Remember that being intentional and explicit in communications reduces room for error.

Tip 2: Explain their Rights as a Patient

It should go without saying that healthcare providers commit to doing no harm. For that reason, ensuring that patients access healthcare services free from discrimination is a top priority. Thus, patients must know they can file a complaint if they feel they are not treated with dignity and respect.

For healthcare providers, this means there is a responsibility for us to hold eachother accountable. If patients are not provided equitable care, healthcare providers must encourage them to speak up. In extreme circumstances, healthcare providers may also need to speak up if they know that harm is being done to patients. While doing so can be uncomfortable, preventing adverse health outcomes is necessary.

Tip 3: Provide Resources and Support

We must provide adequate resources and support because we cannot assume what patients know and don’t. This includes everything from partnering with patient advocacy organizations to hosting an online support group. Whichever avenue healthcare providers choose, the idea is not for them to encourage their patients to participate actively in their healthcare.

For instance, healthcare providers can encourage their patients to work with their healthcare providers to develop a comprehensive care healthcare plan. By doing this, patients can ensure that their healthcare providers consider their unique health needs and preferences. Furthermore, they have also received the valuable support they need to impact their health positively. 

While health disparities persist within the African American community, empowering Black patients to advocate for themselves can help combat them and promote better health outcomes. Effective communication with healthcare providers, knowledge of patient rights, and access to resources and support are critical in empowering patients to take an active role in their healthcare. By working together, patients and providers can help bridge the health disparities gap and create a more equitable healthcare system.

Source 

DeAngelis, T. (2019). How does implicit bias by physicians affect patients' health care? American Pyschological Association. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/03/ce-corner 

Majerol, M., Newkirk, V., & Garfield, R. (2015). The uninsured: A primer. Kaiser Family Foundation Publication, pp. 7451–10.

Ndugga, N. & Artiga, S. (2023, February 13). How recognizing health disparities for Black people is important for change. Kaiser Family Foundation Publication. https://www.kff.org/policy-watch/how-recognizing-health-disparities-for-black-people-is-important-for-change/