Racial/ethnic disparities and patient safety

Pediatr Clin North Am. 2006 Dec;53(6):1197-215. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2006.09.003.

Abstract

The number of racial/ethnic minority children will exceed the number of non-Latino white children in the United States by 2030, but little is known about racial/ethnic disparities in patient safety, particularly when it comes to children. A literature review revealed several racial/ethnic disparities in pediatric patient safety. A new conceptual model is proposed for understanding racial/ethnic disparities in patient safety. Evidence suggests that improving patient safety for minority children could be achieved by routinely collecting and monitoring parental self-reported data on race/ethnicity, language, and English proficiency; enhancing the cultural competency of health care providers and staff; and providing adequate language services for all limited English-proficient patients and their families.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Black or African American / statistics & numerical data*
  • Child
  • Health Priorities / organization & administration
  • Hispanic or Latino / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Medical Errors / prevention & control
  • Medical Errors / statistics & numerical data*
  • Safety Management / organization & administration*