Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Regional Anesthesia: A Brief Review
Alva Powell1, Elizabeth Khusid2, Briana Lui2
1Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA. alp9205@nyp.org.
Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities
|November 8, 2024
Summary
Racial/ethnic minorities and lower socioeconomic groups receive fewer regional anesthesia procedures. Ensuring equitable access to this pain and surgical anesthesia method is crucial for all patients.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Health Services Research
- Health Equity
Background:
- Regional anesthesia is increasingly recognized for managing chronic pain and surgical anesthesia.
- Existing literature suggests potential disparities in its application.
- Understanding these disparities is vital for equitable patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize literature from 2013-2023 on health disparities in regional anesthesia.
- To identify patient populations underserved by regional anesthesia.
- To highlight the need for equitable access to regional anesthesia.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review.
- Analysis of studies published between 2013 and 2023.
- Focus on health disparities related to race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status in regional anesthesia.
Main Results:
- Patients from racial/ethnic minority groups were less likely to receive regional anesthesia.
- Individuals with lower socioeconomic status also showed reduced access to regional anesthesia.
- These disparities were observed despite the growing importance of regional anesthesia.
Conclusions:
- Significant health disparities exist in the utilization of regional anesthesia.
- Equitable provision of regional anesthesia is necessary as its use expands.
- Addressing these disparities is essential for improving patient access to effective pain and surgical management.
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