A Systems Approach to Achieve Equity in Healthcare Research

Abstract

Healthcare in the United States is inequitable. The consequence of inequity is that the burden of serious chronic disease, such as diabetes, falls disproportionately on populations experiencing health disparities, predominantly Black, Indigenous, and people of color. [1] The reasons for the inequity include the negative impact of the social determinants of health of individuals and families from these communities, being underrepresented as participants in clinical research, having limited access to technologies that support self-care, and a lack of researchers and clinicians from these same populations. [2] To achieve equity and fairness, there is a need for a paradigm shift in healthcare research and innovation based on improving access, trust, and self-efficacy [3] to convert new knowledge into positive health outcomes.