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A time to act: Anti-racist paediatric research
Sharon Smile1,2,3, Alison Williams1,2
1Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Insights
Addressing racism in research is crucial for health equity. Implementing anti-racism initiatives prevents systemic discrimination and promotes justice for children and families in healthcare.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Equity
- Research Ethics
Background:
- Racism in research leads to systemic discrimination and inequity.
- Racial disparities in health outcomes are evident, exacerbated by events like COVID-19.
- Racism is increasingly recognized as a significant social determinant of health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the urgent need for anti-racism initiatives within the research ecosystem.
- To prevent further harm to children and families caused by inequitable research practices.
- To advocate for justice and equity in scientific research.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on racism in research and health disparities.
- Analysis of the impact of systemic discrimination on children and families.
- Development of practical recommendations for anti-racism strategies.
Main Results:
- Failure to address racism in research perpetuates harm and inequity.
- Intentional anti-racism efforts are necessary to protect vulnerable populations.
- Evidence-based recommendations can guide the implementation of equitable research practices.
Conclusions:
- Urgent implementation of anti-racism initiatives is vital across the research landscape.
- Recommendations include race-based data collection, equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) education, and mentorship.
- These actions are essential for achieving health justice and improving outcomes for all children.
Abstract:
Research offers the potential for new treatments, programs and services, and underlies decisions about funding that can have profound implications for people's lives. When racism in research is not addressed, children and their families will be unjustly impacted by systemic discrimination, exclusion, and inequity. With a growing acknowledgement that racism is a social determinant of health, and as COVID-19 reveals staggering racial disparities, we believe now is the time for intentional anti-racism initiatives throughout the research ecosystem to prevent further harms in patient care and the lives and futures of children. We aim to highlight this need for justice, and conclude with a series of practical recommendations, ranging from the collection and use of race-based data, to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) education, to mentorship opportunities.
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