Health Care Disparities Add Insult to Spinal Cord Injury

Neurology: Clinical Practice, 2021 · DOI: 10.1212/CPJ.0000000000001095 · Published: December 1, 2021

Simple Explanation

Black Americans face a disproportionately higher risk of traumatic spinal cord injury due to violence, highlighting significant health disparities. Following a spinal cord injury, Black individuals are less likely to receive optimal medical care, including decompressive surgery and acute inpatient rehabilitation. These inequities extend beyond initial treatment, with Black patients experiencing higher rates of rehospitalization, pressure injuries, and urinary tract infections post-SCI.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Commentary

Key Findings

1
Black Americans experience a disproportionately high rate of spinal cord injuries due to violence, nearly double the percentage of the Black population in the United States.
2
Following a traumatic SCI, Black Americans have lower odds of receiving decompressive surgery, which is a treatment known to improve clinical outcomes.
3
Black Americans with SCI are significantly less likely to be employed than White persons with SCI, even after adjusting for factors that could limit employability.

Research Summary

The commentary addresses the disparities and increased risk of traumatic spinal cord injury that Black Americans face due to violence. It highlights inequities in rehabilitation services, medical care, and employment opportunities for Black individuals with SCI, emphasizing the need for improved equity and outcomes. The authors call for action to address these disparities through policy changes, community programs, and internal changes within the medical field to combat unconscious biases and promote antiracism.

Practical Implications

Address Healthcare Disparities

Healthcare providers and institutions should actively work to eliminate biases and ensure equitable access to optimal medical care and rehabilitation services for Black individuals with SCI.

Advocate for Policy Changes

Physicians and healthcare professionals should advocate for policy changes and funding mechanisms to study and address the root causes of violence and health disparities affecting Black communities.

Promote Community Engagement

Engage in community education, mentorship programs, and local government initiatives to promote population health and reduce the risk of violence leading to SCI in vulnerable populations.

Study Limitations

1
The study is a commentary and does not present original research data.
2
Specific interventions to reduce disparities are not detailed, requiring further research.
3
The commentary relies on existing literature and statistical data, which may have inherent limitations.

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