Week 5: 02/05/19 – Angela Coaston
1) How do individual physicians contribute to health care disparities? Thinking about an area of health care of particular interest to you, what research do you think could be done to either understand the effect of individual physicians on health disparities, or to decrease this effect?
I think individual physicians contribute to health care disparities by understanding their own biases and mindset regarding people of all ethnicities. I think the more they become aware of themselves, then they are able to see others as humans and treat them accordingly. I think a qualitative research study would help to elevate the difficult but crucial conversation around the pressures providers have based upon how they were trained. The “Silent Curriculum” article resonated with me. I believe that the more we can discover the thinking and experiences of providers we can then change our curriculum and practices to be more inclusive and truly patient centered without implicit bias.
2) Structural issues within health care delivery are implicated in health care disparities. Please brainstorm 4 structural issues that might contribute to these disparities. Which of these are relevant to your particular area of research, and how?
1. Public Health Double Pane Bullet Proof Glass – Power dynamics
2. Small cramped and broken places – oppressive atmosphere
3. Healthcare within the four walls – limiting care to only within walls
4. Cultural Translation opportunities – integrating cultural considerations throughout every patient encounter.
The one most relevant to my area of research is healthcare beyond walls and healthcare in an excellent environment of care within the community. Mobile Medical Clinics are my area and I believe these healthcare delivery models eliminate the structural issues especially for those who lack access to care.
Angel