A recent study published in JAMA Network Open highlights concerning disparities in how doctors respond to patient portal messages, revealing a significant gap based on the race and ethnicity of the patients. Analyzing responses from over 39,000 primary care patients, the study found that Black patients are at a disadvantage compared to their white counterparts when seeking medical advice online. While response rates were similar across all provider types involved in patient care, attending physicians were notably less likely to respond to messages from Black patients, creating a gap of 3.95 percentage points compared to white patients. This discrepancy underscores the need to address systemic biases in healthcare to ensure equitable access and treatment for all patients, regardless of race or ethnicity.
The study’s findings raise concerns about the allocation of healthcare resources and the prioritization of patients based on racial and ethnic backgrounds. With white patients receiving a disproportionately higher percentage of responses from attending physicians despite being a minority in the sample, the study suggests a lower prioritization of patients from minoritized racial and ethnic groups during triaging. Addressing these disparities is crucial for improving care equity and informing healthcare delivery support algorithms to ensure fair and equal treatment for all patients, regardless of race or ethnicity. Read more