Achieving Health Equity: Advancing Colorectal Surgery among Racial and Ethnic Minorities in America

Area of Science:

• Surgical outcomes research
• Health equity studies
• Minority health

Background:

• Persistent racial inequities exist in short- and long-term outcomes after colorectal surgery.
• These disparities are evident in both inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer patient populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing racial inequities in surgical outcomes and complications.
• To discuss the contribution of social determinants of health and biopsychosocial factors to these disparities.
• To highlight potential intervention mechanisms for achieving health equity in minority populations undergoing colorectal surgery.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on racial disparities in colorectal surgery outcomes.
• Analysis of social determinants of health and biopsychosocial factors.
• Identification of intervention strategies for health equity.

Main Results:

• Significant racial inequities identified in surgical outcomes and complication rates.
• Social determinants of health and biopsychosocial factors are key contributors to these disparities.
• Evidence-based intervention strategies are needed to address these inequities.

Conclusions:

• Addressing racial inequities in colorectal surgery requires a multifaceted approach.
• Interventions must consider social determinants of health and biopsychosocial factors.
• Achieving health equity for minority populations in colorectal surgery is a critical goal.