Bioethical Theories On Healthcare Disparity Department Of Health Science

Written Assignment Unit 5 – Bioethical Theories on Healthcare Disparity Department of Health Science, University Of The People HS 4812-01 - AY2025-T1: Bioethics Instructor: Sidra Shafique Oct 06, 2024 Introduction Healthcare disparity refers to the unequal access to healthcare services and the subsequent differences in health outcomes experienced by different populations. This disparity can manifest in various ways, including race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, geographic location, and even gender (National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report, 2021). In this paper, I will explore the many factors that cause health disparities and who is the most affected. I will also explore the bioethical theories and principles that account for healthcare

This creates a vicious cycle where poverty and poor health reinforce each other (National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report, 2019). There are also factors beyond medical care that need to be considered, such as housing, education, and access to healthy food, which can significantly impact health outcomes. Communities with limited social resources often face higher rates of chronic diseases and lower life expectancy. Such disparities bring to light the nature in which all of these factors have a knock-on effect on one’s overall health and social well-being (TEDx Talks, 2014). Implicit or unconscious bias among healthcare providers can negatively impact treatment decisions for minority populations and hard-to-reach groups. Healthcare providers simply become complacent, creating false assumptions about their patients which can create barriers when treating them. Additionally, language barriers and cultural insensitivity can lead to misunderstandings and impede communication between patients and healthcare professionals (National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report,