The Future of Black Health Hinges on This Election
How the Election Can Drive Needed Change to Tackle Implicit Bias in Healthcare
As we approach the pivotal November 2024 presidential election, the future of Black health is more uncertain and urgent than ever. In this crucial time, we must bring implicit bias in healthcare to the forefront of the agenda.
Implicit bias, the subconscious attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions, plays a significant role in healthcare delivery.
Implicit bias affects decision-making processes, leading to disparities in treatment and outcomes. However, there's a silver lining: implicit bias is predictive and preventative. This means that while healthcare providers can anticipate the likelihood of biased decisions, they also have the power to take proactive steps to mitigate these biases and protect their patients.
Implicit Bias in Healthcare: A Predictive and Preventative Approach
Studies have shown that implicit biases contribute to inequitable treatment and disparities in health outcomes, particularly for Black patients. For instance, research shows that treatment for the pain of Black patients is often undertreated compared to their white counterparts, and Black women face significantly higher maternal mortality rates. This means that there are broader systemic issues in place that are contributing to the adverse health outcomes that we are seeing in the Black community. Therefore, we must stop “blaming” the individual and start “recognizing” the healthcare system's role in perpetuating healthcare disparities.
We do that by recognizing the dual nature of combating implicit bias. On the one hand, implicit bias is predictive, meaning that healthcare providers can anticipate their potential biases based on patterns and past behaviors. For instance, providers might notice that they tend to assume noncompliance when working with Black patients. On the other hand, implicit bias is preventative, meaning with the right strategies and interventions, these biases can be addressed before they negatively impact patient care. Using our previous examples, if providers notice that they tend to assume noncompliance when working with Black patients, they can combat that bias by assuming there might be another explanation for why their health isn’t improving. By doing this, they’re shifting from a predictive to a preventative approach.
The Critical Role of the 2024 Election
Even though some healthcare providers and advocates avoid discussing the upcoming election like a plague, I refuse to take that approach. The reason is not that I strongly believe in how everyone should vote and want to discuss it. Instead, I view the upcoming election as an opportunity to advocate for policies addressing implicit healthcare bias. As voters, healthcare providers, and advocates, we must ensure that our leaders prioritize health equity and take concrete steps to eliminate disparities.
Here are some key points to consider:
1. Policy Advocacy
Advocate for policies that mandate implicit bias training for healthcare professionals. This has been a continuous issue, and legislation, such as the EDUCATE Act, has sought to prevent diversity, equity, and inclusion topics from being discussed in medical training. However, training on topics like implicit bias can help providers recognize their biases and adopt strategies to mitigate them. As we aim for more equitable care, there is reason for our policy advocacy to lean toward overcoming inequities in healthcare.
2. Research and Funding
Support candidates who pledge to increase funding for research on health disparities and implicit bias. Research makes a huge difference in addressing health disparities because it scientifically validates the lived experiences of our patients. This research is crucial for developing evidence-based interventions that can be implemented across healthcare systems. Without research, the status quo will remain, so we must encourage our candidates to focus on increasing funding in the areas impacting the most vulnerable patients.
3. Community Engagement
Encourage leaders to engage with Black communities to understand their healthcare needs and concerns. As much as I think candidates should be doing this automatically, unfortunately, they don’t always. Therefore, it’s pertinent that we create opportunities for them to engage with our communities so they can better understand the community's struggles. For policies to be informed by the voices of those most affected by health disparities, candidates need to hear those voices.
Your Role in Shaping the Future
However, our work doesn’t end with candidates who, unfortunately, make promises they don’t keep. Therefore, healthcare professionals must be uniquely influential in this movement. By committing to addressing implicit bias within your institutions, you can set a standard for equitable care and inspire others to follow suit.
Here are three steps your organization can take action on today:
1. Implement Implicit Bias Training
Regular training sessions help staff identify and address their biases. However, the key to their taking the training seriously is their buy-in. That means if there is resistance, you need to get to the root of what may be causing that resistance. When implementing this training, ensure it is ongoing and integrated into professional development programs.
2. Promote Diverse Hiring Practices
A diverse workforce can provide varied perspectives and reduce the prevalence of implicit bias. If you’re working with a diverse patient population, having a workforce that reflects the communities you’re working with is even more critical. Due to a history of mistrust in our healthcare system, patients tend to feel more comfortable with providers who look like them. Ensuring that hiring practices are inclusive and promote diversity at all levels is a way to build stronger patient-provider relationships.
3. Engage in Community Partnerships
Partner with Black communities and organizations to better understand their healthcare needs and develop targeted interventions. Don’t dismiss the value of partnering with the communities where you work. Building trust and developing collaborations will create foundations for effective healthcare delivery and improving health outcomes.
Most importantly, remember that transformative change starts with you. The path to health equity may be challenging, but we can make a significant impact by addressing implicit bias, advocating for equitable policies, and committing to ongoing education and improvement.
Now is the time to take action. Book a consultation today to transform your healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes. Let's work together to ensure every patient receives the high-quality, equitable care they deserve.
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Together, we can create a future where Black health is prioritized, protected, and promoted. Let's make this election count.
Warm regards,
Tomesha R. Campbell, MA