Somnath Saha|Michele Freeman|Joahd Toure|Kimberly M Tippens|Christine Weeks|Said A. Ibrahim
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the VA Health Care System: A Systematic Review
Portland VA Medical Center|Portland VA Medical Center|University of Pennsylvania|National University of Natural Medicine|Philadelphia VA Medical Center|University of Pittsburgh
better understand causes racial disparities health care reviewed synthesized existing evidence related disparities equal access veterans affairs va health care system systematically reviewed synthesized evidence studies comparing health care utilization quality race within va racial disparities va exist across wide range clinical areas service types disparities appear prevalent medication adherence surgery invasive procedures processes likely affected quantity quality patientprovider communication shared decision making patient participation studies indicate variety likely root causes disparities including racial differences patients medical knowledge information sources trust skepticism levels participation health care interactions decisions social support resources clinician judgmentbias racialcultural milieu health care settings differences quality care facilities attended different racial groups existing evidence va indicates several promising targets interventions reduce racial disparities quality health care