US Study Reveals Racial Disparities in Children’s Healthcare
TL/DR –
According to a study published in The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health, children of color in the U.S. are less likely than their white peers to receive equal treatment in the healthcare system. The study, which reviewed dozens of previous researches, found disparities in care across all pediatric specialties and races, with children of color being less likely to receive diagnostic imaging, experiencing longer wait times at the ER, and being less likely to be diagnosed and treated for developmental disabilities. The researchers argue that these disparities root in structural racism, including unequal access to healthy housing and economic opportunities, disparate policing, and unconscious bias among healthcare providers; they suggest that healthcare providers should check and challenge their own practices for biases in the meantime, with more sweeping policy changes necessary in the long term.
Neglected Pain Relief in US for Children of Color: New Findings
Children of color in the US are likely to face more difficulties in getting painkillers than their white peers, according to recently published findings in The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health. This scenario was created by reviewing numerous studies examining the disparities in healthcare for children.
Disparities in Pediatric Care
Dr. Nia Heard-Garris, a researcher at Northwestern University and pediatrician at Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago who supervised the review, affirms the existence of these disparities across all pediatric specialties. These inequities are not limited to Black Americans, but also affect Hispanic, Latinx, and Asian American children.
Examples of Inequalities Across Specialties
The review highlighted problems such as long wait times at the ER, lesser likelihood of getting diagnostic imaging, increased chances of surgical complications, and difficulties in being diagnosed and treated for developmental disability. The most significant disparity was seen in pain management, where children of color are less likely to receive painkillers for conditions like broken bones, appendicitis, and migraines, as stated by Dr. Monique Jindal, assistant professor at the University of Illinois, Chicago and one of the review authors.
Insurance Not a Factor
According to the researchers, these disparities exist even among insured children, ruling out lack of insurance as a cause.
Root Causes of Inequities
Structural racism, including unequal access to healthy housing and economic opportunities, disparate policing of kids of color, and unconscious bias among healthcare providers, are believed to be the foundations of these health inequities.
Possible Solutions and Policy Changes
Jindal, who authored a companion paper presenting policy recommendations, emphasizes the need for substantial policy changes and possible state-level actions, such as continuous eligibility for social safety-net programs like SNAP, Medicaid, and CHIP. She also highlights the need for healthcare providers to monitor their own practices for biases.
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