Racial inequity in healthcare is a deeply rooted issue shaped by a complex interplay of historical, structural, and systemic factors. Here's an overview of the key causes based on recent research and expert analysis. Structural racism refers to the societal systems—laws, policies, and institutional practices—that systematically disadvantage certain racial groups. In healthcare, this manifests through: Redlining and residential segregation, which limit access to quality healthcare facilities. Environmental injustice, where marginalized communities are exposed to harmful environmental conditions. Carceral practices, affecting health outcomes for incarcerated populations. Discriminatory clinical treatment, including unequal pain management and diagnostic practices.
Causes of Racial Inequity in Healthcare

The second course of the Addressing Racial Health Inequity in Healthcare specialization you will journey through a survey of critical drivers of racial inequities in healthcare. These critical drivers need to be known in order to implement interventions that can achieve health equity. You will explore issues that arise around the financing of healthcare in the U.S, and how this system enables race-based disparities. You will then explore the multiple dimensions of access to care, and how various dimensions perpetuate racial inequities in care. You will also discuss the historical backdrop of mistreatment in healthcare settings that remains pervasive among racial groups. And finally, you will unpack implicit bias and how these biases influence diagnosis and treatment patterns among different racial groups.
Status: Healthcare Industry Knowledge
Status: Medicare
IntermediateCourse14 hours

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