DEI Special Edition Spring / Summer 2024
had always remained the same.
Many providers probably don ’ t realize how detrimental this lack of repre- sentation could impact patients.
When “ seeing color ” isn ’ t racist or discriminatory
Here ’ s an example when it is very important to see color and more im- portantly pattern. To see color does not mean to be racist or discriminatory, but rather to be cognizant. Seeing color is a way of addressing the issue that: • People of color endure racial bias significantly more often than their White counterparts. • People of color endure colorism and health inequity within and outside of their communities. It is also important to understand that patients from African - American and Latino communities have lower rates of using modern diabetes technology and experience more diabetes complications than their counterparts from other racial groups. While this association may appear disheartening, this is not the end.
Providers can improve outcomes and relationships with patients by starting with the following:
1. Check engine soon! Just as a mechanic has the ‘ prescription ’ to repair a car by listening to understand what may be going wrong, providers must listen intentionally to their patients to not only understand the needs of the patient, but to recognize that each patient within the same background may not respond the same way. 2. Piece the puzzle. Healthcare is like a puzzle. There ’ s a lot of little pieces that need to be put together to form the bigger picture. Therefore, to
30
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online