Health disparities in service delivery in the intensive care unit: A critical ethnographic study

The intensive care unit has structural complexities, and critically ill patients are exposed to disparities. Thus, the intensive care unit can be a potential health disparity setting.

This study explored cultural knowledge associated with health disparities in the intensive care unit.

This critical ethnographic study was conducted using Carspecken's approach. It was carried out in intensive care units in Western Iran from 2022 to 2023. Data collection and analysis were conducted in three interconnected stages. The initial stage involved over 300 h of field observation. In the subsequent stage, a horizon analysis was performed. Conversations with 17 informants were recorded in the final stage to enrich the dataset further. Then, the analysis process was carried out as in the previous step to uncover an implicit culture of health disparity.

This research revealed the following themes: (a) extension of the impact of political, social, and cultural powers, (b) being influenced by individual diversity, (c) balancing services based on the consideration of benefits and consequences, (d) departure from professional behaviour and (e) insufficient organizational discipline.

The findings of this study showed that individual diversity, political, social and cultural powers within a context of insufficient organizational discipline, and departure from professional behaviour influence the service delivery culture in the intensive care unit. Moreover, the benefits and consequences of service delivery impact its execution. These stereotypes have the potential to contribute to the emergence of health disparities. Cultural transformation is challenging because of deep-rooted stereotypes, but the reduction of disparities is possible through awareness, critical self-reflection and cultural competence.

The findings of this research can prompt staff self-reflection in situations prone to disparities. Health leaders can use these findings to shape health policies at both macro and micro levels.