Inequities in in healthcare outcomes for ethnic minority groups has come into the limelight since the COVID pandemic. But research shows that racial inequity is a far more prevalent issue in the UK health care system, especially where maternity care and mental health is concerned.
In this article, we’ll explore the evidence of racial inequities in the UK healthcare system, as well as what could be done to help remedy the problem.
What does the evidence say about racial inequity in UK healthcare?
A 2022 review ordered by the NHS Race and Health Observatory found “overwhelming” evidence of poor outcomes for ethnic minority groups. Researchers looked at five key healthcare areas: mental health, maternity and neonatal healthcare, generic testing and genomic medicine, the NHS workforce and digital access to healthcare. The study found ethnic disparities across each of the five areas, with some of the largest inequalities being in mental health and maternity care.
1- Racial inequalities in maternity healthcare
While looking at maternity services, the researchers found evidence of ethnic minority women experiencing stereotyping, disrespect and discrimination. The consequences of this treatment go far beyond these women feeling unwelcome and cared for.
In fact, a report published by Mothes and Babies: Reducing Risk through Audits and Confidential Enquiries across the UK found that black women are four times more likely to die in pregnancy or childbirth and Asian women are twice as likely, compared to white women.
And it isn’t only ethnic minority women that suffer disproportionately, but also their babies. Data from the Office for National Statistics shows that the stillbirth rates for black babies was almost double that of white babies in 2021.
2- Racial inequalities in mental health
Meanwhile in mental health, the review shed light on some alarming disparities. For example, it found that ethnic minority patients were less likely to be referred by their GP for psychological and talking therapies than white patients.
Evidence of inequality wasn’t confined to adults but were even discovered for children as well. For instance, one study in the review showed that black children were 10 times more likely to be referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) via social services rather than their GP, compared to white children.
Moreover, researchers found clear evidence of inequalities in psychiatric wards, including higher rates of compulsory admission for ethnic minorities. To make matters more alarming, they found that black patients were more likely to be restrained in the prone position or put into seclusion in psychiatric wards.
What could be done to help remedy racial inequities in UK healthcare?
Remedying inequities for people from ethnic minority backgrounds won’t come from any one area, but rather a comprehensive approach that includes the following:
1- New models of care
Current models in the UK healthcare system are leading to disproportionately negative outcomes for people from minority ethnic backgrounds. New models of care that are better aligned with social and anti-racist models are needed to safely meet the needs of ethnic minorities, as well as the white majority.
2- More self-advocacy
While people from ethnic minority backgrounds aren’t to blame for the treatment they receive in healthcare settings, they need to increase efforts to protect themselves. Effective self-advocacy includes thoroughly researching their conditions, the treatment they should expect from healthcare professionals and how to make medical negligence claims after receiving substandard care.
3- Support from independent organisations
Campaign groups and charities can help raise awareness and promote practices that better align with the needs of ethnic minority groups. For instance, campaign group Five x More has launched steps for health care professionals to adopt to help improve black women’s maternal health outcomes. Meanwhile, Black Minds Matter UK offers free 1:1 therapy for Black people in the UK.
The evidence of racial inequity in the UK healthcare system is undeniable and overwhelming. Even so, not enough has been done to bring about change. It’s time for decisive and effective action, from the healthcare system itself, the ethnic minority groups that suffer, and the independent organisations that support them.
