African American Clients’ Perceptions of Bias In Louisiana Healthcare

African American Clients’ Perceptions of Bias In Louisiana Healthcare School of Allied Health Professions Robin Steed, PhD, LOTR

Background How did I come up with this topic?

Attitudes towards African Americans sample positive population negative

Current Study What I did during summer vacation

Demographics • n = 9 • 5 female 4 male • 9th grade – college • varied occupations • addictive disorder

Guiding Questions “What have you experienced in terms of racial bias in healthcare?” “What contexts or situations have typically influenced or affected your experiences of racial bias in healthcare?”

Analysis of Transcripts • Basis of Discrimination • Consequences (or Results) of Discrimination • Possible Solutions

Basis of Discrimination • Ethnicity • Insurance • SES • Ethnicity • Perceived Lifestyle

Insurance and Trauma Outcomes

Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey 2008, Louisiana

Days to Dg by Insurance & Ethnicity

Results of Bias • Poor Communication • Deferred Treatment • Superficial Triage • Poor Client-practitioner Relationship

What does subtle bias look like? • Lack of eye contact • Hesitant to touch/no touching • Washing hands after every touch • Talking “around” • Disrespectful language “Atta boy!” • In a hurry • Not explaining/ not asking / ignoring

Implications for Future Research • ROI investigations • Efficacy of community awareness campaigns • Examination of instructional interventions for practitioners • Design of client education

Questions? robinsteed.pbworks.com researchday.pbworks.com

African American Clients’ Perceptions of Bias In Louisiana Healthcare