Better Health Starts With Care, Not Kale
Three Strategies for a More Inclusive Healthcare System
I'm embarrassed to admit that I began my career under the illusion that implementing lifestyle changes, such as drinking kale smoothies and taking weekly spin classes, was the key to better health. However, I learned that my obsession with eating healthier and exercising more did not cure all ills.
Three years into my health coaching career, a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren's syndrome laid bare a stark truth. There are unique barriers that Black women confront when seeking equitable care that lifestyle changes alone cannot fix. It's a subject rarely broached, yet indispensable for any provider striving to offer genuinely inclusive healthcare.
This revelation propelled me on a path of self-discovery and a deeper understanding of the profound influence that social determinants of health wield over healthcare provision, particularly for Black women.
Social determinants encompass external factors, ranging from socioeconomic status to access to quality housing.
For Black women, these determinants are often compounded by a history of systemic discrimination and inequalities, resulting in disproportionately higher rates of chronic illnesses, maternal mortality, and other adverse health outcomes.
Three Strategies for a More Inclusive Healthcare System
Therefore, we cannot ignore the underlying factors that shape not only the health challenges Black women face but also their access to equitable care. Recognizing and addressing these determinants is pivotal in dismantling barriers and paving the way for a more inclusive, effective healthcare system for Black women. Here are three essential strategies to get started:
1. Cultivating Cultural Competence
I've spoken extensively about cultivating cultural competence, but it bears repeating. Providing culturally competent care involves a deep understanding of the historical contexts that shape the lives of Black women. Whether we like to admit it or not, our healthcare system is rooted in bias that adversely impacts the health of Black women.
Thus, it's crucial to acknowledge the impact of systemic racism, economic disparities, and historical injustices on Black women's health outcomes. Providers can create a more inclusive and trusting healthcare environment by actively listening to clients, acknowledging their experiences, and being sensitive to their cultural backgrounds. While changing the healthcare system will take time, we can be the catalyst that enables more equitable care for Black women by taking a more proactive approach.
2. Screening and Assessment Protocols
Implementing robust screening and assessment protocols that specifically address social determinants of health is a concrete step. By implementing standardized questionnaires or interviews that delve into aspects such as housing stability, access to nutritious food, educational attainment, employment status, and experiences with discrimination, we can have an immense impact on the health of Black women.
These assessments are very important for healthcare providers because there's a good chance your clients have had a negative healthcare experience. Therefore, integrating them seamlessly into the healthcare workflow allows you to identify and respond to the unique social challenges Black women face. By doing so, you'll be better prepared to navigate potentially difficult conversations.
3. Collaborative Care and Community Resources
We must recognize that healthcare doesn't exist in isolation. Establishing partnerships with community organizations, social workers, and support groups can provide invaluable resources for clients. This network can help address practical challenges that healthcare providers may not be able to handle on their own, such as access to transportation, affordable housing, and childcare.
Additionally, there are immense benefits to pursuing collaborative care models. This team-based approach to healthcare enables providers from various disciplines to work together to meet clients' diverse needs. By integrating medical, behavioral, and social services, providers can offer a holistic approach to healthcare that ensures clients receive comprehensive support.
By adopting these strategies, healthcare providers can play a pivotal role in recognizing and addressing the social determinants of health that uniquely impact Black women. In doing so, we can foster a more inclusive and responsive healthcare environment that lays the foundation for improved health outcomes and a more equitable healthcare system overall.