What is one of the first steps to reduce health disparities?

Taking explicit measures to eliminate unconscious race bias is a foundational step in reducing health disparities. Unconscious bias can influence healthcare providers' interactions with patients, potentially leading to differential treatment based on race or ethnicity. By addressing and mitigating these biases, healthcare professionals can ensure that all patients receive equitable care, regardless of their background. This approach promotes a more inclusive environment in healthcare settings and directly impacts patient outcomes and access to services.

In contrast, while monitoring patient satisfaction or enhancing technology in healthcare can contribute to broader healthcare improvements, they do not directly tackle the structural and interpersonal biases that create disparities. Increasing funding for public health systems is also essential, but without addressing the underlying biases that affect care delivery, resources may not be allocated or utilized effectively to bridge the gap in health equity. Therefore, focusing on eliminating unconscious race bias is critical to establishing a solid groundwork for addressing and minimizing health disparities in a meaningful way.