Every person should have the right to achieve optimal health. Yet, many individuals experience obstacles to health and wellness. Poverty, racism and discrimination prevent communities from realizing health equity.
It’s important to have a health care system that supports health equity. This is not about placing “blame” on those affected. Rather, it’s about creating a society in which everyone can live their best life.
Addressing Race-Based Medicine
Women of color, in particular, face health equity challenges. Oftentimes, they feel unheard or ignored at their doctors’ appointments. This can make it difficult to advocate for themselves and their health. Women should feel comfortable taking control of their own health and empowered to choose a provider who’s a good fit. It’s essential to find a provider you can trust and who respects your wishes.
Race-based medicine is also something patients of color need to be mindful of. For centuries, the tendency has been to treat patients of different races differently, a practice that is harmful and unnecessary. One instance is the interpretation of lab values. Another is determining whether a woman can have a successful vaginal birth after C-section by considering her race and ethnicity. Lauren Arrington, certified nurse-midwife and champion of health equity at UMMS, firmly believes, “There is no gene for race. No one group is sicker or healthier based on the color of their skin—and it’s vital that patients seek providers who treat them respectfully, as individuals and as equal decision-makers in their own care.” Lauren is part of the team at UMMS who are creating change in health care.
Providers and Patients as Partners
Health inequity is about more than race. Providers need to consider patients’ barriers to care, such as access to healthy food or high medication costs or even neighborhood safety, and work together to help them take advantage of resources that might be of assistance. In addition, many health care organizations also have patient advocates who are staff members dedicated to addressing what’s not working within the health care system. By advocating for needed changes, they are able to help improve patients’ experiences and access to care.
Acting as a health partner, providers should commit to health equity work with their patients to help them achieve their best health, regardless of race or any barriers to care. It’s also essential for providers to assure patients that they are committed to helping them achieve the best possible health outcomes and health care experience.
The University of Maryland’s Medical System has committed to eliminating race-based medicine. Staff members are trained to deliver unbiased care and avoid assumptions and stereotypes. In addition to the lab value and VBAC changes listed above, Lauren Arrington, a provider at UM St. Joseph Medical Group – Women’s Health Associates, helped develop a health equity statement for patients. This statement exists in all the exam rooms and on social media.
It may take time, but achieving health equity is within reach. Arrington emphasizes that “focusing on preventive health, reducing chronic conditions, and ensuring everyone has access to care are all critical for transforming the healthcare experience for everyone.”
Hear the Full Story
In this podcast, Certified Nurse Midwife Lauren Arrington, from UM St. Joseph Medical Group – Women’s Health Associates, discusses the importance and impact of health equity for patients and providers.
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