Why Dismantling DEI in Healthcare Kills People, EP 155

Thriving Practice with Tracy Cherpeski

In an era where DEI initiatives are under unprecedented attack, healthcare stands at a critical crossroads. This episode cuts through the political noise to expose a stark reality: dismantling DEI programs in healthcare settings isn't just about politics – it's about survival. Drawing from extensive research and real-world data, we explore how implicit bias directly impacts medical decisions, treatment options, and ultimately, patient survival rates. From cancer treatment disparities to maternal mortality rates, the evidence is clear and devastating. We'll examine why current political pushback against DEI programs poses an immediate threat to patient care, and why healthcare providers – especially private practice owners – have both an opportunity and obligation to stand against this dangerous trend. This isn't just another conversation about diversity – it's about preventing needless deaths and ensuring every patient receives the care they deserve.

Episode Overview

This episode explores the profound impact of implicit bias in healthcare settings and provides evidence-based insights into why maintaining and strengthening DEI initiatives is crucial for patient survival and care quality.

Key Points Discussed

• The scientific foundation of implicit bias and its early development
• Real-world impacts of healthcare disparities on patient outcomes
• Why dismantling DEI programs directly threatens patient care
• Evidence-based solutions for addressing healthcare inequities
• Specific actions private practice owners can take to create more equitable healthcare environments

Important Statistics Highlighted

• Implicit bias development begins in children as young as 3-5 years old
• Over 4.5 million Implicit Association Tests conducted between 1998-2006 demonstrated the pervasiveness of implicit bias
• Black women face higher mortality rates after breast cancer diagnosis
• Non-white patients consistently receive fewer interventions
• Black men are less likely to receive chemotherapy and radiation for prostate cancer

Resources Mentioned

• National Institutes of Health definition of implicit bias
• Transformative Learning Theory
• Prejudice habit-breaking approach research
• MLK's 1966 speech to the Medical Committee for Human Rights

Action Steps for Different Audiences

For Private Practice Owners:

• Examine hiring practices and intake procedures
• Assess marketing materials for inclusive representation
• Review physical space accessibility and welcoming atmosphere
• Evaluate sliding scale fee structures

For Healthcare Providers:

• Stand up for equity initiatives
• Document disparities
• Advocate for patients
• Examine personal biases

For Patients:

• Know your rights
• Document experiences
• Share stories
• Support equity-focused healthcare providers

Resources for Taking Action

Anti-Oppression Leadership Academy https://nadifantastic.com/

Black Women’s Maternal Health

https://nationalpartnership.org/report/black-womens-maternal-health/

Mandated Implicit Bias Training for Health Professionals—A Step Toward Equity in Health Care

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama-health-forum/fullarticle/2795358

National Institutes of Health Implicit Bias Training

Diversity Science

Teach-Back Method

https://www.ahrq.gov/patient-safety/reports/engage/interventions/teachback.html

Quote of the Episode

"Of all forms of inequity, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhuman."

• Martin Luther King Jr., 1966

Share This Episode

If you found this episode valuable, please share it with your colleagues and healthcare networks. The more we spread awareness about these crucial issues, the more impact we can have on creating equitable healthcare systems.

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