Health disparities: A barrier to high-quality care

Purpose. Disparities in the treatment,of, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, mellitus, and cancer among the sexes and racial. groups and possible interventions are discussed. Summary. The ongoing process to identify and reduce health disparities, has en engaged numerous federal agencies as they monitor, the nation's progress toward policy-driven and health-related objectives. Cardiovascular, disease disproportionately affects rhPority groups and is the leading cause of death among women in the United States, and, both groups receive suboptimal care: for the disease. Disparities in the treatment of diabetes mellitus in African, Americans women, patients with less than a high school education, and the elderly,have been found. Many minority. groups continue to suffer disproportionely from cancer. Racial disparities also exist in cancer screening and treatment. Minorities are underrepresented in clinical trials for multiple reasons, many of which may be related to cultural beliefs. At all levels of coinsurrance, the poor are less likely to seek preventive care. Adherence to national screening and treatment guidelines, clinical trial recuitment and participation, addressing and geographic barriers, an increasing access to insurance are part of the coordinated efforts required to reduce health disparities. Because pharmacists influence patients' health status directly through pharmacetical care and indirectly by engaging patients in their treatment, it is essential for pharmacists to be able to provide culturally competent care. Conclusion. Despite significant efforts over the past several years, health, disparities ties continue to exist, particularly among minority groups. Interventions aimed at eliminating these disparities should include ensuring cultural competence among health care providers and improving health literacy among patients.