Open AccessOperating Bias?: Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Surgical Specialties
Author(s) -
Sarah M. Kling,
George A. Taylor,
Lindsay E. Kuo
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
commonhealth
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2690-6910
DOI - 10.15367/ch.v3i1.524
Subject(s) - ethnic group , health equity , medicine , health care , racial bias , family medicine , nursing , racism , political science , public health , law
Health care disparities are defined as differences in quality and rates of health, health care, morbidity, and mortality among patients of varying racial or ethnic groups. Racial and ethnic disparities are unfortunately pervasive in the surgical literature and among surgical specialties. They may result from any combination of patient, societal, system, and provider-related factors. Disparities exist in relation to health care access, treatments, and post-operative outcomes. Potential ways to better address and rectify racial and ethnic disparities are through continued research into causes of disparities, as well as establishment, implementation, and adherence to standardized, objective treatment guidelines. Significant and continued efforts are needed in order to develop better understanding of and potential solutions for reducing these disparities.