This is our lane: talking with patients about racism

Abstract

Racism has significantly impacted communities of color for centuries. The year 2020 is a reminder that racism is an ongoing public health crisis. Healthcare institutions have an important role in dismantling racism because of their ability to implement innovative solutions that advance diversity, address social determinants of health, and promote health equity. Healthcare professionals have the unique opportunity to support patients by discussing patients’ experiences of bias and racism. Asking about discrimination, however, can be difficult because of the sensitive nature of the topic and lack of appropriate education. This review highlights the importance of addressing patients’ experiences of racism, utilizing the frameworks of trauma-informed care, structural competency, provider bias, and intersectionality. Furthermore, this review provides ways to engage in meaningful dialogue around discrimination and includes important patient-centric resources.