Is racial bias a factor in malpractice cases?

Under the law, everyone has the right to equal treatment regardless of skin color, ethnicity or nation of origin. This includes housing, employment and especially healthcare. But in reality, many people receive inadequate and potentially damaging medical care because of racial bias.

Physicians, like many people, often have implicit biases or views of racial minorities they are unaware of, which lead them to make unintentional but harmful medical decisions. Because of this, race is a major factor in professional care, including disparities in treatments and pain management.

Minorities receive fewer procedures and diagnostic tests as well as lower quality care. Furthermore, physicians often misdiagnose minority patients and are less likely to take their complaints seriously which could prevent them from receiving emergency and life-saving treatment.

The truth

In a 2003 study, the National Academy of Medicine (formerly the National Institute of Medicine) found that racial and ethnic minorities have worse healthcare outcomes, even after accounting for factors such as insurance, income, age and severity of illness. They also reported that minority persons are less likely to receive appropriate cardiac care, kidney dialysis or transplants, and the best treatments for stroke, cancer or AIDS.

Furthermore, the Harvard Medical Practice Study found “significant differences between hospitals that serve a predominantly minority population and other hospitals.” Black people in particular were more likely to be hospitalized at institutions with more adverse events and higher rates of negligence.

Doctors and providers are often under stress and pressed for time when making medical decisions. They often rely on stereotypes and implicit biases to inform diagnoses. Additionally, physicians are trained to rely on group information such as population risk factors. And may only learn to diagnose minorities when they are sick or struggling with addictions which further reinforces incorrect beliefs.

Time and time again, studies have demonstrated racial bias amongst doctors but implicit bias and cultural stereotypes still linger. If physicians believe that a minority person doesn’t feel as much pain as say a Caucasian person, then their quality of care will be greatly reduced. As long as this difference in treatment exists doctors can make all sorts of medical malpractice errors that cause undue suffering and harm.

Working for a better today

Do doctors get fired? Healthcare professionals need to provide an appropriate standard of medical treatment regardless of a person’s skin color. If they do not, they may be liable for malpractice. These cases can often lead to abuse, neglect or even death.

If you or someone you love has been the victim of racial bias or improper medical care, contact the Law Offices of Scott Harris, APLC. He can evaluate your case and help you take action today.