COVID-19 Content
Will You Hear Me? Have You Heard Me? Do You See Me? Adding Cultural Humility to Resource Allocation and Priority Setting Discussions in the Care of African American Patients With COVID-19

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.08.036Get rights and content
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Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has refocused our attention on health care disparities affecting patients of color, with a growing body of literature focused on the etiology of these disparities and strategies to eliminate their effects. In considering the unique impact COVID-19 is having on African American communities, added measure must be given to ensure for sensitivity, empathy, and supportive guidance in medical decision making among African American patients faced with critical illness secondary to COVID-19. In this article, we explore the applications of cultural humility over cultural competency in optimizing the care we provide to African American patients faced with critical health care decisions during this pandemic. In turn, we charge one another as health care providers to consider how ethical principles and guidance can be applied to honor African American patients' unique stories and experiences.

Key Words

COVID-19
health disparities
diversity and inclusion
communication
resource allocation
palliative care

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