Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Acute Perioperative Pain Management-Racial and Ethnic Disparities

Racial and Ethnic Disparities_ K. Smith

Pdf Summary

This document discusses racial and ethnic disparities in acute perioperative pain management. The author highlights the history of bias in pain management and identifies disparities in acute pain management in the perioperative and emergency room settings. The physiological and psychological consequences of poorly managed acute pain are also discussed.<br /><br />Implicit bias is identified as a contributing factor to these disparities. Implicit bias is unconscious and can be developed as early as 3-7 years old. It influences judgment and decision-making. The document also provides information on the classification of race and ethnicity according to the U.S. Census Bureau.<br /><br />The document presents a PICO(T) question focused on African American surgical patients experiencing acute perioperative pain in the hospital setting. It examines whether there is decreased opioid medication administration compared to non-Hispanic Whites, leading to untreated pain and increased hospital stay or readmission.<br /><br />The author conducted a comprehensive search using various databases and found that false beliefs and racial bias continue to shape the perception and treatment of black patients. Black patients have higher revisit/readmission rates than white patients. The document suggests that interventions to reduce racial disparities require diverse and culturally competent education for both providers and patients.<br /><br />The limitations of current research and the lack of participation from racial and ethnic minorities are discussed. The implications for practice emphasize the responsibility of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) to act in the best interest of the patient. The document calls for evidence-based educational awareness among anesthesia providers to promote culturally competent pain management and improve outcomes.<br /><br />Recommendations for practice include increasing self-awareness of personal implicit bias, providing individualized treatment, and incorporating shared decision making between the patient and provider. Workforce development and efforts at the community, state, and federal levels are also recommended.<br /><br />In conclusion, the document stresses the importance of optimal perioperative pain management from a public health and policy perspective. It highlights the costly long-term effects of healthcare inequities and the continued risk of inadequate treatment and pain control for ethnic minorities. Culturally competent pain management is identified as a key strategy to address healthcare disparities.

Keywords

racial disparities

ethnic disparities

acute perioperative pain management

pain management bias

implicit bias

African American surgical patients

opioid medication administration

untreated pain

readmission rates

culturally competent pain management