TaskYour Task is to identify some area of the healthcare arena, as you have experienced it or that you know exists, which suffers from institutionalized bias or racism. As examples: In class we discussed how studies have shown that individuals who self-identify as Black or African Americans can have higher levels of creatinine in the blood (on average), compared to people of other races or ethnicities, and how this impacts their eGFR. We talked about how perhaps training should be done to teach personnel who have clients ask non-health care related questions to respond appropriately while still setting boundaries. These were just a couple of considerations we discussed, and there are many other areas where bias or racism exists.
For this paper, you may choose anything from hiring to promotion, to scheduling, to quite literally anything you have noticed where inequities exist. Choose a topic that speaks to you, preferably one which with you have personal experience or observation. If you lack inspiration, you may choose a newspaper of magazine article which addresses a topic.Unpack that topic in a written paper with a minimum of 3 pages double spaced.
Before you start writing your paper, send me the main idea or area you are going to write on: by18 May I want to see your ideas before you Put a lot of effort into understanding a system and write your paper to make sure it is on track with this assignment.
Next you will start writing the paper answer the following questions:
1. What is the area of healthcare where you have observed systemic bias or racism?2. What are some facts and/or statistics that would support the breadth and depth of this problem? (the CDC website is fountain of information start here: How did you become aware of this issue?4. Whom does it impact and what are the long -term effects of this problem?5. What potential solution(s) do you see for this?6. What part of the system or society created this problem?7. What systemic changes would have to be made for your intended solution to work?8. Who are the key players who would need to be engaged? On what level of leadership? Is this a short term or a long-term project?
Criteria for Success 3 pages, double spaced This is a formal paper. Grammar, syntax, spelling, sentence structure, etc, will matter the same as always. There will be no citations required, however if you have EBP or research to back your idea.
Answer all the questions. Thinking through them will help you see if this change can be made. Make the paper flow in a logical fashion. Follow the rubric.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The healthcare industry is one of the most critical fields in modern times, and it requires that all individuals receive equal treatment and care regardless of race, ethnicity, or any other individual factor. However, this is not always the case as some areas of healthcare suffer from institutionalized bias or racism. This paper aims to identify an area of healthcare where systemic bias or racism occurs and provide potential solutions to the problem at hand.
1. What is the area of healthcare where you have observed systemic bias or racism?
The area of healthcare where I have observed systemic bias or racism is in mental health services. Patients from ethnic minority backgrounds, particularly African Americans and Hispanics, face disparities in obtaining access to mental health services. These disparities often manifest in several ways, such as underfunded mental health services, racial and ethnic disparities in mental health care, poor access to care, and stigma.
2. What are some facts and/or statistics that would support the breadth and depth of this problem?
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), racial and ethnic minority groups in the US have less access to mental health services as a result of several factors. African Americans and Hispanics are more likely to experience socioeconomic disparities, such as poverty and racism that contribute to poor mental health outcomes. African American adults have higher rates of suicide and depression compared to white adults, and ethnic minority groups are disproportionately impacted by trauma, violence, and discrimination.
3. How did you become aware of this issue?
I became aware of this issue through media coverage and personal experiences. Growing up, my family had a negative perception of mental health services and was hesitant to seek such services. This was due to the cultural and social stigma around mental health services, which is prevalent in the African American community.
4. Whom does it impact and what are the long-term effects of this problem?
Minority individuals and communities are disproportionately affected by mental health disparities. The long-term effects include a higher incidence of chronic mental health conditions, increased hospitalization rates, and lower quality of life for those affected.
5. What potential solution(s) do you see for this?
The potential solutions for addressing institutionalized bias or racism in mental health services include targeted funding of mental health services in minority communities, greater public health awareness, anti-racism training for health care providers, and greater access to mental health services via telehealth initiatives.
6. What part of the system or society created this problem?
The institutionalized bias or racism in mental health services are a result of a long-standing history of discrimination, social and cultural stigmas around talking about mental health, and funding disparities in the healthcare industry.
7. What systemic changes would have to be made for your intended solution to work?
The systemic changes necessary for intended solutions to work would include greater funding allocation to mental health services in underrepresented minority communities, mandatory anti-racism training for health care providers, and greater availability of telehealth resources to underrepresented communities.
8. Who are the key players who would need to be engaged? On what level of leadership? Is this a short term or a long-term project?
The necessary key players for improving mental health services in minority communities include health care providers, community leaders, legislative bodies, and healthcare resource providers. This is a long-term project that would require fundamental and structural changes to the healthcare industry to improve mental healthcare access for everyone.
