Racism in healthcare is a substantial issue that affects the lives of several patients. Racist language, verbal and physical abuse are common from the bedside area of a hospital. Patients have been denied access to medications, services and dignity. Racism in healthcare affects every aspect of patient care from the initial trip prior discharge.
The very first step to combating racism in health care is to tackle the problems that impact the everyday experience of patients. Racism in healthcare begins with a mindset shift in the team that are seen as having an impact on how patients are treated. According to a report published by the National Association of Hispanic Health Professionals (NASHP), healthcare employees inadvertently perpetuate racism by using words, gestures and behaviors that target and hurt the racial and ethnic groups in their own care. Nurses and other specialists should learn to work with people rather than focusing on a demographic.
It’s likewise important for health care workers to be mindful that they aren’t immune from these types of prejudices. According to a report released by the American Medical Association, 75 percent of doctors feel that they treat all patients with the same disrespect. Furthermore, as stated by the American Psychological Association, prejudice against patients of a specific race is equally as common as prejudice against another race. Research has shown that healthcare workers often don’t establish higher standards of care according to race or ethnicity. Healthcare providers are legally obligated to maintain decent working conditions for all individuals, regardless of their race or ethnicity.
Racism in healthcare has a far larger effect on patients compared to the actual treatment they receive. Many patients are subjected to humiliating or degrading treatment, that makes it impossible for them to keep any sense of control over their body or their lifetime. Racism in health care also effects patients psychologically, preventing them from feeling safe or valued within the health care environment. Physicians and other professionals who witness this racism fail to offer a relaxing atmosphere for patients and don’t make them feel like they are part of a system that respects their wellness and well-being above everyone else.
Healthcare workers are generally required to work in stressful, potentially dangerous environments. Due to their surroundings, these individuals may experience greater degrees of anxiety, anxiety, and burnout. This may have adverse psychological effects on patients, making it difficult for individuals to form bonds and join with fellow workers, causing difficulties with how they react to stress-related illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
The effects of racism in health what is racism care are particularly troubling because racism can go undetected or unexpressed by the patient’s family and other caregivers. Often times, people in healthcare are the very first people to encounter individuals who are experiencing different hardships. As stated by the Emory University School of Nursing, healthcare workers are forced to assist these people overcome the trauma brought about by their own disorders, but they might do this without learning about cultural norms and biases that result in poor treatment decisions and inadequate care. By addressing and changing healthcare worker’s behaviors and attitudes toward individuals of all races, cultures, and backgrounds, healthcare workers can make sure that everybody gets the care that they need and deserve.