How speaking up at the doctor's office could save your life | Jitana Benton-Lee

Healthcare Disparities & Bias - The healthcare industry faces a silent crisis where patient voices are dismissed, leading to misdiagnosis, inadequate treatment, and potential harm [2] - Implicit or explicit biases against certain populations influence clinical decisions and health outcomes [3] - Black women are 260% (2.6 times) more likely to die during childbirth compared to their white counterparts, highlighting disparities in healthcare outcomes [3] - 48% of Black adults in the US have experienced discrimination while seeking healthcare, leading to avoidance of care and worsening conditions [3] - The industry acknowledges the existence of bias in healthcare against various populations, including children and the disabled, resulting in health disparities [4] Psychological Safety & Moral Courage - Psychological safety, defined as the ability to report concerns without penalty, is often a buzzword rather than a baseline in healthcare settings [3] - The industry needs to foster moral courage, which is the courage to have difficult conversations even when uncomfortable, to address issues in healthcare [3] - Knowledge without psychological safety is like a fire without oxygen, hindering the ability to have difficult conversations and improve healthcare outcomes [3] Systemic Changes & Solutions - The healthcare system normalizes devaluing and dehumanizing people, necessitating a shift towards love, respect, and honor [10] - Nurses, comprising 4300000 (4.3 million) of the healthcare workforce, have a responsibility to actively listen and advocate for patients [10] - The industry should commit to cultural responsiveness, understanding and learning about the cultures of the people they serve, recognizing it as an ongoing process [14][15]