(NaturalNews) Minority patients are more likely than white patients to rate their received health care as fair to poor. This is particularly true of Chinese-Americans, blacks born in Africa, and Vietnamese-American patients.
Researchers at Harvard University surveyed 4,334 people in 2007. Surveyors asked patients questions such as how quickly they were able to schedule appointments and whether their doctor explained details in a manner that was understandable to them. Generally, whites rated their experiences higher than most minorities.
Unlike previous similar studies, the Harvard study utilized much more detailed categories instead of broadly categorizing the different ethnic groups. For example, African-Americans were separated into three different categories – those born in the Caribbean, Africa, and the United States.
The researchers believe the additional detail is important to the results because the most effective ways to reduce these disparities will be based on the different experiences and needs of the different minority groups.
91 percent of whites rated the care they received as either excellent or good. Chinese-Americans rated their care at 74 percent, African-Americans born in Africa were 73 percent, and Vietnamese-Americans were 72 percent.
According to the study, 63 percent of whites were able to get doctor appointments the same day or the day after they needed care. This percentage was 42 for Cuban-Americans and 39 for African-Americans born in the Caribbean.
Approximately three-quarters of whites surveyed reported that their physicians listened carefully to them. This dropped to 62 percent for Korean-Americans and 58 percent for patients from Central or South America.
The results of the Harvard study are consistent with previous studies of how minorities perceive their health care. Because the findings are consistent, it is not reasonable to blame the patients. They have reported their experiences in several different studies. The solution lies with the health care providers.
The Harvard study also revealed that there are ways that health care providers can improve their patients’ perceptions. One key issue is that of language barriers. Physicians should be incorporating translation services into their health care practices.
This should be considered by even those physicians who are not part of large practices. There are phone banks designed to improve the communication between physicians and their patients. Services such as these are paid for personally by physicians, but government health programs should reimburse physicians who use these services.
Researchers have long agreed that the key to improving health care is improving patients’ perceptions of their care. This is because a negative experience usually leads to less time spent with a doctor as well as poor communication between the physician and patient. Improving this rift is the first step toward improving health care.
This study is expected to be published in the journal Health Affairs.
About the authorJo Hartley Wife, Mother of 8, and Grandmother of 2 Jo is a 40 year old home educator who has always gravitated toward a natural approach to life. She enjoys learning as much as possible about just about anything! http://www.loftymatters.com
Related Articles
• The new rules of imperialism: Economic warfare, consumer products and disease exports
• Why America is still a great place to live: thirteen things I love about this country
• Why Michael Moore's SiCKO is a health care documentary every American must see
• Gore warns Americans over Bush lawlessness, tyranny
• Diabetes and Hispanic Americans: more than just genetics
 |
Additional Resources:
America
health care
physicians
|
Take Action: Support NaturalNews.com
Email this article to a friend
Share this article on: NewsVine | digg | del.icio.us
Permalink to this article: http://www.NaturalNews.com/022978.html
Reprinting this article: Non-commercial OK, cite NaturalNews.com with clickable link.
|
 |
 |
Receive our Natural Health Newsletter for FREE
Subscribe now (it's free!) to win. We randomly choose a subscriber each month to send $100 in eco-home products or a RealGoods.com gift certificate (our choice). Plus, you'll receive FREE news, articles and action alerts from NaturalNews.com editors and join over 800,000 monthly readers who report extraordinary health improvements after becoming a subscriber!
- Receive breaking news alerts on natural health solutions, renewable energy, the environment, global warming and more.
- Receive a free instant download of our $29 Secret Sources guide that reveals top sources for little-known health and diet solutions.
|
|
 |
 |
Recommended Special Report:
Seven Words that can Change the World
by Joseph R. Simonetta
Read this special report now...
"Seven Words That Can Change the World reveals the astonishing, simple truths that have the power to forever transform our world for the better while freeing our minds from the enslavement of limiting beliefs. This is not a text for the simple-minded; it is a guiding philosophy for the mindful, intelligent few who are wise enough to seek out -- and recognize -- the higher simplicities of truly purposeful living." - Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, editor of NaturalNews.com
|
More on NaturalNews.com:
• Streaming Health Ranger Videos
• CounterThink Cartoons
• FREE Special Reports
• Podcasts
|
 |
|
 |
 |
NEW 6-CD audio set reveals amazing new protocol for reversing cancer, diabetes, obesity, heart disease and more. Click to learn more. |
 |
Own the first 8 Health Ranger Report audio programs on 6 CDs. Covers weight loss, ADHD, vaccinations, processed meats, bone health and more. Click to learn more. |
Featured Videos
Short clip on Aspartame
A short clip on aspartame from the documentary All Jacked Up.
Click here to view now...
Exclusive video on Aspartame
The dangers of aspartame! Exclusive interview footage from Cori Brackett of Sweet Remedy.
Click here to view now...
Exclusive Footage from All Jacked Up!
See interview footage featuring the Health Ranger in the upcoming junk food film, All Jacked Up.
Click here to view now...
Drug Ad Parody
See the Health Ranger's satire parody of Merck's cholesterol drug ad.
Click here to view now... |
The Corn Ethanol Biofuels Sham

The Plan for the Food Supply

Don't Talk About the National Debt

|
|
Read recommendations on supplement companies, health food manufacturers and personal care product makers that you can trust. Our 100% independent review list tells you who to trust and who to avoid in the natural health industry. Click to read. |
|