Why This Doesn’t Work for Black Women

3 Ways to Champion Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Healthcare

Before being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren's syndrome, I was ignorant of Black women's unique challenges in pursuing equitable healthcare. When you're experiences with the healthcare system are as infrequent as mine before my diagnosis, it's easy to dismiss the occasional bias and stigma you face. After getting diagnosed, I began to recognize the harm this outdated notion of a "one-size-fits-all" approach was having on the health outcomes of Black women. 

Around that time, I became aware of the nuanced realm of diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare and began to explore why tailored care is the only way forward. As a patient and a health educator, I began to understand that applying a uniform healthcare approach to all individuals, regardless of their unique circumstances, is bound to be ineffective, if not outright harmful. The harm of one-size-fits-all approaches is evident in the case of Black women, who face a myriad of challenges that demand specialized attention. Let's dive into a few of those unique challenges now. 

1. Socioeconomic Disparities

Let's start by addressing the elephant in the room: socioeconomic disparities. Black women often find themselves at the intersection of race and gender-based inequalities, leading to reduced access to quality healthcare. Economic barriers, such as lack of insurance coverage, limited financial resources, and lower socioeconomic status, contribute to delayed or neglected care. When we don't consider the impact of socioeconomic disparities, we are putting the health of our clients at risk. 

2. Cultural Competence

Cultural competence is not an option—it's a necessity. A one-size-fits-all approach fails to acknowledge the rich tapestry of cultural backgrounds within the Black community. It overlooks the importance of culturally sensitive care, which considers unique belief systems, traditions, and practices that may impact healthcare decisions and outcomes. If providers aren't considering how their clients' culture can influence their behaviors, they may provide recommendations that don't apply to them. 

3. Disproportionate Health Burdens

Black women often face higher rates of chronic conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, and certain cancers. These disparities are not simply due to genetics but are deeply intertwined with systemic issues like inadequate access to nutritious food, safe housing, and quality education. By assuming that these conditions can be solved by habit change, providers ignore the systemic barriers perpetuating a cycle of health inequity.

4. Maternal Mortality 

Perhaps one of the most glaring examples of the failure of a uniform approach is the shocking maternal mortality rate among Black women. Black women are twice as likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than their white counterparts (Adebayo, 2022). While many contributing factors exist, dismissing Black women's concerns, even when in excruciating pain, illustrates the importance of providers listening to their clients. Therefore, this is a stark reminder that maternal care must be individualized, culturally sensitive, and responsive to the unique health needs of Black mothers.

3 Ways to Champion Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Healthcare

Now that we've shed light on the limitations of a one-size-fits-all approach, let's explore some concrete examples of how we can champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare:

1. Culturally Competent Training

Healthcare providers should receive training that emphasizes cultural competence and sensitivity. Cultural competence enables providers to understand better the cultural nuances that may influence a client's health decisions and preferences. When providers consider the impact of culture on healthcare decisions, they can make recommendations that their clients can easily adhere to. 

For instance, a health coach with a client who frequently attends dinners with their extended family might recommend creative ways to prepare some of their family's favorite foods. Sharing recipes for air-fried chicken or zucchini lasagna can help their clients prepare nutrient-dense meals that don't compromise on flavor. In doing so, the health coach can show their client that there is no one way to be healthy. 

2. Community Partnerships

Collaborating with community organizations that serve Black women can help bridge gaps in healthcare access. By working with these community organizations, providers can share resources, provide education, and offer support tailored to this demographic's needs.

For example, a physician might partner with the local YMCA for a community fair offering free health screening. We know that regular check-ups are essential for preventative care. For community members who cannot go to a physician regularly, this provides a way for them to access the care they need. By showing up for the community, the physicians can build trust where it might not have previously existed. 

3. Anti-bias Education

Implicit biases can have profound effects on healthcare delivery. Implementing anti-bias education programs can help providers recognize and address their biases, ensuring fair and respectful treatment for all patients.

By way of illustration, a health clinic might invest in an instructor to give their employees a half-day of implicit bias training. Through this training, the clinic can ensure that each of its staff and practitioners is trained on implicit bias and how to mitigate it in the care they provide to the patients at the clinic. By doing so, the clinic cannot only promote an inclusive environment but also have a basis for holding those accountable who are engaging in implicit bias. 

It's Time to Embrace Tailored Care for Black Women

If you walk away with nothing else, I want you to know that a one-size-fits-all approach is inadequate in pursuing equitable healthcare. To truly serve our diverse patient population, especially Black women, we must be willing to step outside the comfortable confines of uniformity and embrace tailored care. Understanding and addressing their unique challenges can pave the way toward a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system.

So, healthcare providers, let's join hands in this endeavor. Book me for future engagements, and together, we can create a healthcare landscape that prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion for all. Remember, the future of healthcare is personalized, and it starts with us.

Reference

Adebayo, C. T., Parcell, E. S., Mkandawire-Valhmu, L., & Olukotun, O. (2022). African American Women's Maternal Healthcare Experiences: A Critical Race Theory Perspective. Health Communication, 37(9), 1135–1146. https://doi.org/10.1080/10410236.2021.1888453