Healthcare disparities in trauma: why they exist and what we can do.

Abstract

This review will explore the underlying causes of healthcare disparities among trauma patients and offer considerations for reducing inequities to improve trauma care. Newly recognized racial disparities exist with respect to triaging trauma patients and in acute pain management. Social Determinants of Health offers a model to understand disparity in trauma care. Race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and access to healthcare drive outcome disparity among trauma patients. These disparities include reduced healthcare services, inadequate pain management, reduced postdischarge care, and increased mortality. Increasing workforce diversity may mitigate implicit bias and improve cultural competency. Social determinants of health impact the disparities in trauma care and offer a framework to address care through creative solutions.