Racial and ethnic disparities in regional anesthesia in the United States: A narrative review
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Racial and ethnic disparities in regional anesthesia persist in the U.S. Addressing these inequities requires multifaceted solutions, including standardized practices and improved workforce diversity in anesthesiology.
Area Of Science
- Anesthesiology
- Health Equity
- Health Services Research
Background
- Significant racial and ethnic disparities are documented in the administration of regional anesthesia within the United States.
- Anesthesiologists bear ethical and economic responsibilities to confront and rectify these existing disparities in care.
Purpose Of The Study
- To review current evidence on racial and ethnic disparities in the utilization of regional anesthesia among adult patients in the U.S.
- To explore potential contributing factors and propose solutions for these disparities.
Main Methods
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted.
- Studies investigating racial and ethnic disparities in the use of neuraxial anesthesia and peripheral nerve blocks were included.
Main Results
- Minority patients are less likely to receive regional anesthesia compared to white patients, though patterns vary by group and anesthetic type.
- Disparities stem from hospital, provider, and patient-level factors.
- Solutions include standardizing practices through Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathways, enhancing patient education and language services, and boosting workforce diversity and cultural competency.
Conclusions
- Racial and ethnic disparities in regional anesthesia are evident and multifaceted.
- Addressing these disparities requires ongoing efforts within the field of regional anesthesia.
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