Racism in healthcare is a substantial issue that affects the lives of many individuals. Racist language, verbal and physical abuse are common in the living area of a hospital. Patients are denied access to medications, services and dignity. Racism in healthcare affects every aspect of patient care in the first trip until release.
The very first step to combating racism in health care is to address the issues which impact the regular experience of patients. Racism in healthcare begins with a mindset change in the team that are seen as having an effect on the way patients are treated. According to a report released by the National Association of Hispanic Health Professionals (NASHP), healthcare workers inadvertently perpetuate racism using gestures, words and behaviors that target and harm the racial and cultural groups in their own care. Nurses and other specialists should learn how to work with people rather than focusing on a market.
It is also crucial for healthcare workers to be mindful that they are not immune from these types of prejudices. According to a report published by the American Medical Association, 75 percent of physicians believe that they treat most patients with the identical disrespect. Furthermore, as stated by the American Psychological Association, bias against patients of a specific race is equally as common as bias against any other race. Research has shown that healthcare workers often don’t set higher standards of care according to race or ethnicity. Healthcare providers are legally obligated to maintain adequate working conditions for all individuals, regardless of their race or ethnicity.
Racism in healthcare has a far bigger effect on patients than the actual treatment they receive. Many patients are subjected to humiliating or degrading treatment, making it impossible for them to keep some sense of control over their own body or their lifetime. Racism in health care also effects patients psychologically, preventing them from feeling safe or valued within the medical environment. Physicians and other professionals who see this racism fail to offer a nurturing atmosphere for patients and also fail to make them feel as though they are a part of a system which values their health and well-being above everyone else.
Healthcare workers are typically required to work in trying, potentially harmful surroundings. Due to their environment, these individuals may experience higher rates of anxiety, anxiety, and burnout. This may have adverse psychological effects on patients, which makes it hard for individuals to form bonds and connect with fellow workers, causing problems with how they respond to stress-related illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
The effects of racism in health care are particularly upsetting because racism can go undetected or unexpressed by the individual’s family and other caregivers. Quite often, people in healthcare are the first people to encounter individuals who are experiencing different hardships. As stated by the Emory University School of Nursing, healthcare employees are forced to help these individuals overcome the trauma caused by their disorders, but they may do so without learning what is racism about cultural norms and biases that result in poor treatment decisions and inadequate care. By addressing and changing healthcare employee’s behaviours and attitudes toward patients of all races, cultures, and backgrounds, healthcare workers can ensure that everybody receives the care they need and deserve.
