Racism in healthcare is a significant problem that impacts the lives of many patients. Racist language, physical and verbal abuse are common from the living room of a hospital. Patients are denied access to services, medications and dignity. Racism in healthcare affects every aspect of patient care from the initial visit prior release.
The very first step to fighting racism in health care is to tackle the issues which affect the regular experience of individuals. Racism in healthcare begins with a mindset change in the team that are seen as having an impact on the way patients are treated. According to a report published by the National Association of Hispanic Health Professionals (NASHP), health care employees inadvertently perpetuate racism by using gestures, words and behaviors that target and harm the racial and cultural groups in their own care. Nurses and other specialists must learn to work with all people rather than focusing on a demographic.
It’s also important for healthcare workers to be aware that they are not immune from these prejudices. According to a report released by the American Medical Association, 75 percent of doctors believe that they treat most patients with the same disrespect. Furthermore, as stated by the American Psychological Association, prejudice against patients using a specific race is equally as common as prejudice against any other race. Research has shown that healthcare workers often fail to establish higher standards of maintenance according to race or ethnicity. Healthcare providers are legally obligated to maintain adequate working conditions for all people, irrespective of their race or ethnicity.
Racism in healthcare has a much bigger effect on patients than the true treatment they get. Many patients are subjected to humiliating or degrading treatment, that makes it impossible for them to retain some sense of control over their own body or their lifetime. Racism in health care also affects patients emotionally, preventing them from feeling safe or valued within the health care environment. Doctors and other professionals that see this racism fail to provide a nurturing atmosphere for patients and also fail to make them feel like they are part of a system which values their paper writing service health and well-being above everyone else.
Healthcare workers are typically required to function in trying, potentially dangerous environments. Because of their surroundings, these individuals may experience greater degrees of stress, anxiety, and burnout. This can have negative psychological effects on patients, making it difficult for individuals to form bonds and connect with fellow workers, causing difficulties with how they respond to stress-related illnesses like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
The impacts of racism in health care are particularly troubling because racism can go undetected or unexpressed by the patient’s family and other caregivers. Often times, individuals in healthcare will be the first people research paper writer to encounter individuals that are having different hardships. According to the Emory University School of Nursing, healthcare employees are compelled to help these people overcome the trauma professional writing services caused by their illnesses, but they might do so without learning about cultural norms and biases that lead to poor treatment choices and inadequate care. By addressing and changing healthcare worker’s behaviors and attitudes toward patients of all races, cultures, and backgrounds, healthcare workers can ensure that everyone gets the care that they need and deserve.