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Torn Between Caution and Compassion: a Dilemma for Clinicians from Black and Minority Ethnic Groups During the
Nisa Shah1, Irfan M Ahmed2, Tahir Nazir3
1Preston Clinical Commissioning Group, Preston, UK.
Insights
Disparities in COVID-19 death rates among ethnic groups are known. Mitigation strategies for Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) healthcare staff in the UK do not fully address their moral and emotional dilemmas.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Healthcare Disparities
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Established evidence shows significant disparities in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) death rates correlating with ethnic origin.
- A concerningly high incidence of COVID-19 deaths among healthcare staff from Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities in the UK has caused widespread anxiety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the adequacy of current mitigation strategies in addressing the unique challenges faced by BAME healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To highlight the professional, moral, and emotional conflicts experienced by BAME clinicians.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative analysis of concerns raised by BAME clinicians and professional organizations.
- Review of Public Health England (PHE) mitigation strategies in response to pandemic pressures.
Main Results:
- Current mitigation strategies, while seemingly comprehensive, fail to adequately address the profound ethical and emotional burdens on BAME healthcare staff.
- BAME clinicians report feeling compelled to choose between patient care duties and personal health preservation.
Conclusions:
- Existing COVID-19 mitigation policies require enhancement to acknowledge and support the specific vulnerabilities and ethical dilemmas of BAME healthcare professionals.
- Further consideration is needed to balance professional obligations with the fundamental right to health and safety for all healthcare workers.
Abstract:
The wide disparity in coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-related death rates based upon the ethnic origin is well established by now. The higher incidence of COVID-19 deaths amongst the healthcare staff belonging to black and minority ethnic (BAME) communities living in the United Kingdom has generated a great deal of concern and anxiety in clinicians. Public Health England (PHE) has outlined mitigation strategies after immense pressure from professional organisations and influential clinical leaders. Although seemingly well thought through, these measures fall short of addressing the professional, moral and emotional dilemma faced by the BAME clinicians who feel that they are being expected to choose between their duty towards their patients and the profession, and their responsibility to look after their own health.
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