Good health care isn’t just about administering prescriptions or giving diagnoses. It’s also about how healthcare professionals treat people. This is especially true when it comes to ensuring high-quality care for minority patients who face discrimination. With a little extra effort and awareness, healthcare workers can better support minority patients while fostering trust and strong relationships.
Avoid Assumptions
Snap judgments can harm the patient-provider relationship quickly. Nobody likes to feel misunderstood, especially during a vulnerable moment in a doctor’s office.
For example, if a patient mentions being sexually active, you might instinctively assume that pregnancy is a consideration for a female-presenting patient. However, not every patient is heterosexual or in a relationship where pregnancy is a factor. These heteronormative assumptions can limit the quality of care and make patients feel uncomfortable or unseen.
Focus on asking open-ended, inclusive questions that allow patients to share their circumstances without having to correct assumptions. This approach leads to more accurate information, ensuring patients feel respected and supported.
Get the Charting Right
To support minority patients in charting, pay close attention to detail. Note essential information like translation needs, cultural considerations, or patient preferences for communication and care.
Always use correct names, pronouns, and gender markers. Avoid language that could unintentionally reinforce stereotypes. Comprehensive and unbiased charting supports equitable care and helps build trust with all patients. Small changes in documentation can lead to big improvements in the patient’s experience.
Communicate Clearly
Medical jargon can confuse patients who are unfamiliar with the healthcare field. When paired with cultural or language barriers, patients may become increasingly frustrated. Slow down, confirm that they understand, and don’t assume nods mean clarity.
Your tone matters, too. Nobody enjoys stoic “next question” clinical vibes during the exam. Be friendly and check in often. Asking “Does that make sense?” goes a long way to ensure patients leave feeling empowered rather than overwhelmed or overlooked.
Offer Appropriate Support
Providing tangible support is key to how healthcare workers can better support minority patients and make sure they feel understood.
For non-English-speaking patients, qualified medical interpreters are essential to prevent miscommunication. Your high school French classes won’t make you a qualified interpreter. Offering multilingual resources along with inclusive educational materials can help patients feel informed and respected.
Beyond language, this can include access to culturally appropriate care, such as understanding dietary needs or customs, that may impact treatment.
Get Patient Feedback
If you truly want to know how your care impacts minority patients, you need to ask them. Whether through formal surveys or just a simple, “How was the quality of your treatment today?” question at the end of a visit, it’s easy to gain insights by listening.
Patients might feel disempowered in medical settings. Asking for their input flips that dynamic while showing them that you’re willing to make adjustments to provide improved care.
Offer a More Inclusive Healthcare Experience
There’s always room to do better. Whether it’s fine-tuning your language, revisiting your assumptions, or simply committing to compassionate curiosity, the actions you take ripple far beyond the exam room.
Every small effort creates a larger sense of belonging, respect, and care for every individual who steps through your door. Isn’t that what health care should be about?