Addressing Healthcare Disparities in Pediatric Thoracic Transplantation: A Blueprint for Change

Area of Science:

• Pediatric surgery
• Transplant medicine
• Health equity

Background:

• Pediatric thoracic transplantation outcomes have improved.
• Significant healthcare inequities persist in pediatric thoracic transplantation.
• Disparities stem from biases against racial, ethnic, religious, and LGBTQ+ groups, alongside geographic and socioeconomic factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the origins and manifestations of healthcare disparities in pediatric thoracic transplantation.
• To propose a comprehensive blueprint for addressing these inequities.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing research on healthcare disparities in pediatric thoracic transplantation.
• Analysis of identified causes of inequity.

Main Results:

• Healthcare disparities in pediatric thoracic transplantation are multifactorial, influenced by systemic biases and social determinants of health.
• Existing literature highlights the impact of these disparities on pediatric transplant recipients.
• A comprehensive approach to address the root causes of inequity is currently lacking.

Conclusions:

• Actionable strategies are needed to address identified causes of inequity in pediatric thoracic transplantation.
• Implementing these strategies can ultimately improve outcomes for all pediatric thoracic transplant patients.
• Addressing disparities is crucial for advancing health equity in pediatric transplantation.