Health care workers in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada reported racial and ethnic discrimination in the health care system, with reports highest in the U.S., according to the Commonwealth Fund.
Through two surveys conducted in 2022, the Commonwealth Fund asked physicians and other health care workers about their observations and experiences with racial and ethnic discrimination in the health care system. Both surveys underscored how racism and discrimination are shared problems in health care.
“The survey findings highlight that discrimination in health care is a common problem, but not a uniquely American phenomenon,” wrote the researchers. “However, the negative impact discrimination has on the health of Americans is exceptional, as evidenced by our wide disparities in health and health care by race.”
Key takeaways from The 2022 Commonwealth Fund International Health Policy Survey of Primary Care Physicians and the African American Research Collaborative (which was conducted in collaboration with the Commonwealth Fund) include:
- Forty percent of U.S. physicians said the health system treats people differently based on their racial or ethnic background, followed by 26 percent of physicians in Canada and 25 percent in the U.K.
- Half of U.S. physicians (50 percent) said they had patients who told them they felt they were treated unfairly or that their health concerns were not taken seriously due to their race or ethnic background, followed by 49 percent of physicians in Canada and 39 percent in the U.K.
- Half of all health workers (52 percent) said racism against patients is a major problem or crisis.
- Nearly half of all health care workers (47 percent) reported having witnessed discrimination against patients.
- Health care workers across the U.S., U.K., and Canada reported patients of color most often received inferior care or treatment compared to white patients, such as patients of color being less likely to receive pain medication compared to white patients, as well as patients of color experiencing longer wait times in emergency rooms compared to white patients.
- Most health care workers in the U.S. said speaking languages other than English may lead to different treatment from providers, and all physicians in the U.K. and Canada reported language as the largest reason for discrimination aside from race or ethnicity.
The Commonwealth Fund research team concluded their review with several action items to address the widespread issue, including:
- Delivery system reforms that focus on enhancing equitable access, reducing reliance on emergency services, and addressing the root causes of health disparities (such as lack of trust in providers and inadequate insurance coverage).
- Required evidence-based education and training for all health care workers on discrimination, race, and racism.
- A culture that encourages a system for anonymous reported experiences of racism or discrimination.