Medical Economics (3/4, Littrell) reports a study suggests “that patients who perceive discrimination in health care settings are more likely to delay seeking medical care due to nervousness. This trend is particularly prevalent among younger adults and racial and ethnic minorities.” According to researchers, “mediation analysis revealed that patient-clinician communication significantly influenced the relationship between discrimination and care delays, with the strongest impact observed among younger adults – ages 18 to 44 – and racial and ethnic minority groups.” Researchers believe the “study underscores the importance of fostering effective and inclusive communication with patients – particularly those from historically marginalized groups.” They concluded, “By prioritizing better [communication], health care delays associated with patient apprehension related to perceived discrimination may be reduced.” The study was published in JAMA Network Open.
Related Links:
— “Patients’ fear of discrimination drives health care delays,” Austin Littrell, Medical Economics, March 4, 2025