Why We Must Address Medical Biases

Plus, 5 Health Policy Recommendations to Promote Health Equity

Aug 19, 2024

It's been months since I read Dr. Uché Blackstock's book Legacy, and I'm still processing the myriad of ways that racism affects healthcare access and delivery. Part of this might be the fact that I'm also in the process of writing my statements for my PhD applications. Hence, the importance of teaching how racism affects healthcare access and delivery in medical education is clearly at the top of my mind. While the programs I'm applying to certainly won't have an issue with that topic, I'm not immune to the fact that there are other programs, especially MD programs, that might be more hesitant to broach the subject.

In an anti-DEI climate with a potentially contentious presidential election horizon, election day can’t come soon enough for many of us. Regardless of who ultimately becomes the new president, I think critically about how healthcare policy and education will look in the next administration. This is primarily a concern for me as I think about how medical bias has and will continue to impact health outcomes unless action is taken to change the existing policies that are allowing bias to go unaddressed. Therefore, I believe now is the time for us to start making healthcare policy recommendations to ensure health equity for all, especially the marginalized and underserved populations.

The Imperative of Addressing Medical Biases

Medical biases can manifest in many forms, from implicit bias in patient-provider interactions to systemic biases in healthcare policies and practices. These biases often result in disparities in healthcare access, quality, and outcomes, particularly for marginalized communities. Healthcare professionals must address the biases that are inherent in our healthcare system.

That’s why here are five crucial healthcare policy recommendations to address medical biases and promote health equity:

1. Implement Comprehensive Bias Training Programs

One of the most effective ways to combat medical biases is through comprehensive bias training for all healthcare professionals. This training should cover implicit bias, cultural competency, and structural racism. While some argue that our current climate is resistant to this training, our past climate was also resistant to all forms of racial integration. We didn’t allow resistance to stop us from making progress then, and we certainly shouldn’t allow it to keep us from progressing now. This is especially important, knowing that regular, mandatory training sessions help ensure that healthcare providers are aware of their biases so that they can implement strategies to mitigate them.

2. Standardize Data Collection on Health Disparities

Ensuring comprehensive data collection is essential for identifying and addressing health disparities. Healthcare organizations should standardize data collection on social determinants of health, such as healthcare access, economic stability, and education quality. An important aspect of standardization is ensuring that the data is representative, as lack of inclusion contributes to biased data. Through inclusive data collection, we can inform targeted interventions and policy changes aimed at reducing disparities.

3. Foster Diverse and Inclusive Work Environments

Despite resistance, diverse work environments lead to better decision-making and improved patient care. Healthcare organizations should actively recruit and retain a diverse workforce, ensuring leadership positions represent their populations. That last point is one that I want to emphasize, as there tends to be a need for more inclusion at the leadership level. Organizations need to ensure representation at all levels to give the appearance of inclusion without doing the work required to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. When you do have a more diverse workforce, don’t dismiss the importance of mentorship and career development programs for underrepresented groups so that you can support the retention of your workforce.

4. Advocate for Policy Changes at the State and Federal Levels

Healthcare organizations have a powerful voice in advocating for policy changes that promote health equity. This can entail supporting policies that expand access to care, such as Medicaid expansion, and advocating for legislation that addresses social determinants of health, such as affordable housing and access to nutritious food. Having worked at Partners In Health during the global coronavirus pandemic, I saw firsthand the value of advocacy in promoting swift policy changes. So, don’t dismiss the value of speaking with your elected officials about essential policies for the communities you serve.

5. Partner with Community Organizations

Building partnerships with community organizations can enhance the effectiveness of healthcare interventions. Community organizations often have deep ties to their populations and can provide valuable insights and support. Plus, community organizations usually don’t get the respect they deserve. When you intentionally partner with them and give more than you ask, you will build partnerships that will serve you in the long term. Whether you collaborate on health education, outreach, or service delivery, working together can help bridge care gaps and improve health outcomes.

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Implementing these policy recommendations requires a concerted effort and a commitment to continuous improvement. By addressing medical biases and promoting health equity, we can transform healthcare delivery so that all patients receive the high-quality care they deserve.

Are you ready to take the next step towards transforming your healthcare delivery? Book a consultation today to discuss how your organization can implement these policy recommendations and improve patient outcomes. Together, we can make a lasting impact on healthcare equity.