The role of race in patient-doctor relationships

This report, out last month from the Urban Institute, highlights the importance of racial diversity in healthcare, revealing that patients of color often prefer and benefit from seeing healthcare providers who share their racial background. However, significant barriers exist that make finding such providers difficult. The report is based on US data from the June 2022 Health Reform Monitoring Survey (HRMS), which is funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and available from HMCA. Fielded semiannually, the HRMS was designed to identify trends and key outcomes related to the Affordable Care Act. Data from the June 2022 HRMS showed that while about 16 percent of adults prefer a healthcare provider of the same race, Black patients are four times more likely than White patients to do so, especially those who anticipate future unfair treatment. Despite this desire, only 18 percent of Black adults have a provider of their race, compared to 76 percent of White adults. The report noted research showing that when patients and providers are from the same race, it can lead to improved communication, higher patient satisfaction, and better healthcare outcomes. However, due to limited access to medical education, high training costs, and systemic exclusion, the current healthcare workforce lacks diversity. The report suggested several strategies to address this, ranging from building pathway programs for students as young as middle school, to lowering financial barriers for low-income medical students.