Minority Health Inequality: The Continuing Issue.

Health care in the United States is a complex web that is acknowledged as not serving all Americans adequately. Whether the nation passes a health care system reform with a public option or the promotion of a competitive private system, the discussion of health care reform needs to also address the health disparities of minority communities. According to a policy brief written by the Tomás Rivera Policy Institute (TRPI) at the University of Southern California, ethnic, linguistic, and other minority patients have more disparities in health care than the general populations. This policy brief is a synopsis of a white paper that outlines some case studies throughout the U.S. The health organizations outlined are in communities with large minority populations and offer innovative solutions to help meet the needs of their areas.

Improving Multicultural Health in the United States shows that: (1) more Latino, African American, and other minority ethnic health care professionals are necessary for the complete and competent care of these populations because they provide culturally and linguistically appropriate treatment and health education; (2) improving the safety of patients and affordability of care are measures needed to achieve equality in the health care system; and (3) a primary prevention system should be integrated to decrease dependence on emergency care.

Latinos comprise 5 percent of the physician population, while African Americans make up 4.5 percent of the physician population, though their percentage of the U.S. population is 12.6 percent and 12.1 percent respectively.

Select Key Findings: Many resident physicians believed that limited English proficiency families under their care do not understand their child’s diagnosis, medications, discharge instructions, or follow-up plan. Eighty percent admitted to having reservations about communication with such families. The shortage of health care professionals is so severe that the federal government has designated certain areas of the country as “Health Professional Shortage Areas” (HPSAs). About 20 percent of the U.S. population lives in an HPSA.

Select Policy Recommendations: Affirm diverse staffing as a vital step in building equality into the health care workforce. Provide culturally competent training for health care professionals so that medical staff is able to communicate directly with patients.