How do we solve problems with the medical community? First, it’s important to understand the issues that influence the health care of minority populations. Marketing to HCPs is multifaceted; pharmaceutical companies must fulfill the demands of not only the HCP, but also of the patients (indirectly), payors, and the FDA. Payor demands and FDA requirements must be met by both HCPs and pharmaceutical consulting companies. This article will discuss the factors contributing to healthcare disparities, including social and delivery system factors. It will also discuss ways to address these issues through public health forums, such as addressing refugee and migrant health. Finally, it will also discuss a code of medical ethics for physicians.
Social and delivery system factors driving inequity
The American College of Physicians (ACP) recently published recommendations for physician leadership on social determinants of health. These recommendations are based on a thorough review of relevant research, policy documents, and news articles. The recommendations were also informed by input from the ACP’s Board of Governors and Councils. They urge more attention to social determinants of health and better funding for these issues.
The most significant non-medical factor influencing health is socioeconomic status. By examining wealth, family income, and education, one can gauge socioeconomic status. Higher education is associated with better economic outcomes, and occupation has social network benefits and financial benefits. Although income levels are associated with socioeconomic status, income inequality in the United States increases. In addition, the disparity between rich and poor is growing, with income inequality increasing since the 1980s.
Socioeconomic status, race, and ethnicity can exacerbate health care disparities and directly impact health outcomes. For example, Latina women experience a higher incidence of cervical cancer and higher mortality rates than white women. Further, Latina women have fewer health insurance options than white women, and access to care is much more limited. This research suggests that these factors contribute to the disparity in health.
Uplifting underrepresented communities in public health forums
Increasingly, we see the disparity in health care access among underrepresented communities due to income and geography. Global health professionals must explore opportunities to uplift underrepresented communities in public health forums to address this disparity. This includes encouraging physicians to practice in remote areas, addressing health inequities, and more.
One way to increase the inclusion of underrepresented communities is to expand the definition of key collaborators in public health forums. Front-line workers and innovators can help identify and address chronic diseases that affect underrepresented communities. By increasing the visibility of critical collaborators in public health forums, organizations can better prepare these underrepresented communities for future emergencies and develop strategies for addressing their health inequities. Similarly, incorporating these individuals will help organizations identify the disproportionate burden of chronic disease among underrepresented populations.
Improving refugee and migrant health
Many barriers exist to refugee and migrant health, including a lack of knowledge, a complex healthcare system, and low health literacy. Additionally, the cultural competence of many health providers makes the situation even more difficult. However, there are several ways to improve refugee and migrant health, and they all involve working with the medical community.
One way to improve refugee and migrant health is by working with the medical community to educate and increase the number of health literacy activities for refugees and migrants. The RM Child-Health initiative is an excellent example of this. It supports projects across five European countries that aim to improve the health literacy of young refugee and migrant children. These initiatives aim to improve health literacy among children and make it easier for them to understand the importance of health care and access it when needed.
To improve the health of refugee and migrant populations, the medical community must work with healthcare providers to address the barriers that these patients face. The lack of transportation, cultural and linguistic competence of healthcare workers, and lack of financial resources have contributed to the difficulty in providing quality care. These barriers also inhibit the early detection of costly and potentially life-threatening diseases and conditions. To overcome these problems, healthcare providers must create and implement specific programs.
