A new survey reveals that nearly half of healthcare providers have observed discrimination against patients in their facilities, highlighting a pervasive issue of racism in the medical industry. The study, conducted by the Commonwealth Fund in partnership with the African American Research Collaborative, found that 47% of healthcare workers have witnessed patient discrimination firsthand. The survey results paint a troubling picture of health disparities, with 52% of respondents describing racism and discrimination against patients as either a major problem or a crisis in healthcare. Black and Latino patients were reported to face the highest levels of discrimination, at 70% and 61% respectively.
Providers noted significant disparities in how patients of different races are treated. For instance, 48% of healthcare workers believed that White patients advocating for themselves are more readily accepted than Black patients doing the same. This figure rose to 68% among Black respondents. Language barriers also contribute to healthcare inequities. Over half of the survey participants reported that non-English speaking patients may not receive the same quality of care as English-speaking patients.
The stress of witnessing such discrimination takes a toll on healthcare workers, with 47% reporting experiencing stress due to racial and ethnic discrimination in their workplaces. This stress was more prevalent in facilities serving higher proportions of Black and Latino patients.
Experts emphasize the need for systemic changes, including improved reporting structures, cultural competence training, and education on racism in medical schools. As Dr. Laurie C. Zephyrin, senior vice president at the Commonwealth Fund, stated, “Understanding what health care workers are experiencing… is critical to successful and sustainable change.”
See “Half of Healthcare Staff Report Racism & Discrimination Against Patients” (February 16, 2024)