Ways to Improve the Patient Experience for African-Americans

As healthcare leaders reflect on one year of the pandemic disrupting everyday life, there should be a discussion about how to address the disproportionate impact Covid-19 has had on Black communities.

While the pandemic has shined a light on healthcare inequities facing minority communities, these barriers to quality care are not new. Over a century ago, we experienced another pandemic– the 1918 Flu.

The benefit of trusted relationships is ultimately better health outcomes. If physicians can offer ongoing touchpoints and communication, not just when patients are not feeling well but also when they feel great, we can use these longitudinal relationships to focus on preventative care needs, too.

I see the impact of social determinants of health on outcomes every day. Suppose I know that my patient has a poor diet due to limited options for quality nutritious food in their neighborhood.