A recent study published in JAMA Network Open reveals significant disparities in the application of behavioral flags in pediatric patients’ electronic health records (EHRs). The study, titled “Inequities in the Application of Behavioral Flags for Hospitalized Pediatric Patients,” highlights how Black or African American children, especially those under eight years old, are disproportionately flagged compared to their White counterparts. This disparity raises concerns about potential biases and structural racism within healthcare systems.
The research analyzed 55,865 pediatric patient encounters and found that Black children had higher incidence rates of behavioral flags. These flags, intended to identify patients who may pose a risk to themselves or others, were more frequently applied to children from families with government insurance compared to those with private insurance. This suggests that socioeconomic factors also play a role in the inequitable application of these flags.
The findings indicate that the use of behavioral flags may reflect biases against Black families rather than the behavior of the patients themselves. This could lead to stigmatization and unequal treatment in healthcare settings, exacerbating existing health disparities. The study underscores the need for healthcare providers to critically evaluate the criteria and processes used to assign behavioral flags to ensure they do not perpetuate discrimination.
See: “Inequities in the Application of Behavioral Flags for Hospitalized Pediatric Patients” (February 20, 2025)
