Health disparities based on race, ethnicity, disability, gender, sexual orientation and more are often the result of inequities inherent in long-standing organizational policies, procedures and norms. Patient Safety Beat talked with four experts from Massachusetts who offer thoughts on how to address these structural biases, improve outcomes and, in the end, advance safety for all.
“The risk-taking doesn't happen without the leader of the meeting giving everyone permission to speak up. Someone — a leader — needs to send a signal that breaks the ice and makes it okay to say what you have on your mind and to be present within the context of your culture and your ethnicity.”
— Deborah Washington, R.N., Ph.D.
Massachusetts General Hospital
“How can we claim to care about high-quality and safe care when those terms only apply to some of us - usually those with advantages - and not all of us, especially those that need care the most?”
— Karthik Sivashanker, M.D., M.P.H.
American Medical Association
“Always keep in mind that this is not a one-and-done endeavor. You have to continue to monitor to reach the goal you are striving for, which is to reduce inequities in health care.”
— Matilde Castiel, M.D.
Health & Human Services
City of Worcester
“No one benefits from inequitable outcomes. When we have healthy communities, with citizens who participate in their own health and understand clinical care, we will have better outcomes for all.”
— Milagros Abreu, M.D., M.P.H.
The Latino Health Insurance Program, Inc.
