Medical Care, Race and Class

Paper Summary:

This paper introduces, discusses and analyzes the topic of medical care between ethnicities. Specifically, the paper compares and contrasts the differences in medical care between blacks and whites, and of different classes. The paper reports that studies indicate that there are distinct differences in how members of different races and classes are treated throughout the healthcare industry.

From the Paper:

"This article concurs with other studies that indicate black patients receive less cardiac care than white patients with equal symptoms. Their study further indicates that this substandard treatment exists in all or most black patients, and not simply in patients with poor behavior or attitudes. It is well documented that black Americans have a larger overall distrust of the medical profession, and there is some speculation this attitude may influence a small percentage of healthcare professionals. However, most studies indicate that more black patients are less satisfied with their care. There is a direct link between patient satisfaction and how patients comply with and utilize health services. This study attempts to explain racial differences in satisfaction and treatment, for the first time. The authors describe the methods used, the concept of the study, and include tables with their findings, which include minorities say they are more comfortable with their own minority physicians."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Geiger, H.J. (2001). Racial stereotyping and medicine: the need for cultural competence. Canadian Medical Association Journal. 164-176.
• Mayberry R.M., Mili F., Ofili E. Racial and ethnic differences in access to medical care. (2000). Med Care Res Rev; 57 (Suppl 1):108-45.
• Canto J.G. Allison J.J. Kiefe C.I., Fincher C., Farmer R., Sekar P., et al. (2000). Relation of race and sex to the use of reperfusion therapy in Medicare beneficiaries with acute myocardial infarction. New England Journal of Medicine; 342(15):1094-100.
• LaVeist T.A. Nickerson K.J., Bowie J.V. (2000). Attitudes about racism, medical mistrust, and satisfaction with care among African American and white cardiac patients. Med Care Res Rev; 57 (Suppl 1):146-59.

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