Abstract: TH-PO728
CKD Care: Perspectives From Providers and Administrators About African American and Latinx Patients
Session Information
- Diversity and Equity in Kidney Health - I
November 03, 2022 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Orange County Convention Center‚ West Building
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Diversity and Equity in Kidney Health
- 800 Diversity and Equity in Kidney Health
Authors
- Ashrafi, Sadia Anjum, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States
- Quintero Silva, Laura, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States
- Oloo, Alice A., University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States
- Schwingel, Andiara, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States
Background
African Americans (AA) and Latinx are the most vulnerable populations concerning chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression and adverse health outcomes. The formal healthcare system often lacks equal access and quality of care for all patients, driving disparities in CKD. This qualitative study explored the challenges associated with caring for AA and Latinx patients from the perspectives of healthcare providers and administrators in the nephrology field.
Methods
We interviewed 27 healthcare providers and administrators from 10 states and 22 different organizations. Interviews were conducted virtually from January 31, 2022, to May 16, 2022, and transcribed verbatim. Trained researchers coded the transcriptions and identified emerging themes.
Results
Three emerging themes described perceptions of healthcare providers and administrators about AA and Latinx CKD patients, as follow: (1) Unattainable treatment regimens– reflecting challenges patients have in following dietary guidelines and fluid adherence due to limited access to healthy foods and low health literacy, medication managements due to having little support, limited access to care and missing dialysis due to maintaining employment, lack of awareness about treatment options and home support for home dialysis. These issues are worsened when patients are un/under-insured and lack transportation. (2) Difficulties in meeting patients' needs - reflecting communication barriers such as language, implicit bias regarding disease progression, and overall mistrust patients have towards the healthcare system. Patients' emotional needs are tremendous, and providers experience difficulties when trying to be a listening ear or someone that brings them hope. (3) Need for cultural humility in the multidisciplinary care model – a multidisciplinary health team is needed to provide more effective treatment that understands these patients as a whole. The team needs people able to provide personalized care within their experiences with oppression and discrimination and socio-economic, language, and cultural struggle. However, the current healthcare system mostly lacks such an environment.
Conclusion
The study findings underscore essential areas of improvement in AA and Latinx CKD patients' care, including increasing culturally sensitive support and programs for them.