Health Equity and Access Weekly Roundup: March 23, 2024

Study Assessing Blood Pressure Interventions in Rural Black Population Finds Little Effect

A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine explored hypertension treatment among Black patients in the rural South. Despite interventions like peer coaching and practice facilitation, no significant improvements in blood pressure control were observed compared with usual care. Practice-wide improvements were noted by researchers, but individual patient outcomes didn't reflect this. Challenges like low completion rates for coaching sessions highlight the complexity of managing hypertension in this population. The study acknowledged further research is needed to address disparities and access barriers in rural communities.

Breaking Barriers: Partnerships to Improve Diabetic Eye Health in Alabama

This research article addressed the challenges of diabetic eye health in Alabama, particularly affecting African American communities, with over half a million people impacted. The authors highlighted a partnership between Genentech and the American Diabetes Association aimed at addressing barriers to eye care, including limited access, lack of awareness, and socioeconomic factors. Through strategic initiatives focusing on identifying and reducing these barriers, as well as community outreach and education, the collaboration seeks to improve health equity and mitigate the impact of diabetic eye disease. Future efforts will involve research and focus groups to track progress and understand patients' experiences across different health care settings.

Racial Variations in Cardiovascular Outcomes Found in Hidradenitis Suppurativa Study

A study presented at the 2024 American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting highlighted significant disparities in cardiovascular outcomes and abnormal serum laboratory values among different racial groups with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Utilizing the TriNetX platform, researchers found that Black and Asian patients with HS exhibited higher prevalence of cardiovascular issues and abnormal serum values compared with their White counterparts. Disparities were noted in myocardial infarction prevalence and hyperlipidemia, emphasizing the importance for health care providers to consider racial differences in managing HS and addressing cardiovascular risk factors.

New Legislation Threatens DEI in Med School While Research Reveals Socioeconomic Disparity in Acceptance Rates

New research revealed socioeconomic disparities in MD-PhD program acceptance rates, indicating that applicants from low-income households are significantly less likely to be accepted compared with their wealthier counterparts, even after adjusting for academic performance. These findings coincide with legislative proposals aiming to ban diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices in Alabama schools, potentially exacerbating existing disparities. The researchers stated that urgent action is needed to address systemic biases favoring privileged backgrounds and promote socioeconomic equity in admissions through holistic approaches.

Researchers Evaluate Consequences of 2016 CDC Guidance for Patients With SCD

The 2016 CDC Guideline for Opioid Prescriptions for Chronic Pain may have inadvertently harmed patients living with sickle cell disease (SCD) according to a recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine. While the guideline aimed to promote safer opioid use for chronic pain, excluding patients in active cancer treatment or end-of-life care, it unintentionally affected those with SCD who often require opioids for managing chronic painful episodes known as vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs). Researchers observed a significant decline in opioid prescriptions filled by patients with SCD after the guideline's implementation, leading to increased emergency department visits for VOC-related issues. The study conclusion underscored the importance of considering the unintended consequences of federal guidelines, particularly for vulnerable populations like those with SCD, and emphasized the need for clear guidance, education, stakeholder engagement, and outcome evaluations to prevent harm in the future.