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Unequal care: Racial/ethnic disparities in neonatal intensive care delivery.

CPQCC Publication
TitleUnequal care: Racial/ethnic disparities in neonatal intensive care delivery.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2021
AuthorsRavi D, Iacob A, Profit J
JournalSemin Perinatol
Volume45
Issue4
Pagination151411
Date Published2021 06
ISSN1558-075X
KeywordsEthnicity, Humans, Infant, Infant, Newborn, Infant, Premature, Intensive Care Units, Neonatal, Intensive Care, Neonatal, Racial Groups
Abstract

Advances in neonatal intensive care have improved outcomes for preterm newborns, but significant racial/ethnic disparities persist. Neonatal disparities have their origin in a complex set of factors that include systemic racism and structural disadvantages endured by minority families, but differential quality of care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) remains an important and modifiable source of disparity. NICU care has been shown to be segregated and unequal: Black and Hispanic infants are more likely to be cared for in lower quality NICUs and may receive worse care within a NICU. To eliminate disparities in care and outcomes, it is important to identify and address the mechanisms that lead to lower quality care for minority preterm infants. In this review, we identify improvements in both technical (clinical) and relational (engaging and supporting families) processes of care as critical to better outcomes for minority infants and families.

DOI10.1016/j.semperi.2021.151411
Alternate JournalSemin Perinatol
PubMed ID33902931
PubMed Central IDPMC8184602
Grant ListR01 HD083368 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States