Creating diverse societies and tools for tackling inequities in patients

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Mr. Ali Asri, a fourth-year medical student at the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Marrakech. He is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view on the topic, nor The European Sting’s one.

  In today’s world, with its growing diversity, our healthcare system is facing challenges in delivering quality personalized care to all individuals. Picture a scenario where treatment decisions are based not on the patient’s needs but on factors like their background, language or ethnicity – highlighting the need for change. To tackle this pressing issue proactive steps must be taken by all stakeholders in healthcare, including students, professionals, NGOs and government bodies. It is only through efforts that we can establish a healthcare system where every patient is treated fairly and equitably..

1. Advocating for Systemic Change

  Student organizations and associations should support the inclusion of new modules in medical school programs that emphasize caring for patients while being culturally aware. And also encourage interdisciplinary collaboration between medical schools and other fields like sociology, anthropology, and linguistics to enhance cultural competency. It’s also important to create workshops that address language and cultural differences, for students so they can deliver care confidently. 

Moreover, spreading awareness among marginalized communities about healthcare resources and infrastructures and social aid is essential. 

2. Role of NGOs and Continuous Training

   Non profit organizations (NGOs) have a role in educating and informing healthcare professionals about these matters, which are often overlooked. NGOs ought to conduct training sessions and seminars for doctors and caregivers that emphasize the importance of communication techniques with patients, from diverse cultural backgrounds. This training should include the use of interpretation services, managing cultural misunderstandings, and employing simulations and case studies, in addition to peer education with professionals who have experience working with diverse populations (Military doctors, Medecins sans frontieres,…)

3. Government Investment and Policy Revisions

   Governments need to allocate funds for research to better grasp these differences and their impact on healthcare. This kind of research can help shape new health policies and initiatives as it’s crucial to reassess and update existing healthcare policies to tackle other obstacles. 

Enhancing telemedicine infrastructure will also help improve healthcare accessibility providing remote consultation options that can bridge gaps for patients in underserved areas.

4. Monitoring and Evaluation

   The different stakeholders should enhance monitoring and evaluation approaches to make sure that these services see improvements. It’s important to track performance indicators (KPIs) like waiting times, patient happiness and the quality of care provided. Utilizing feedback systems and patient surveys can offer insights while internal audits help ensure that new healthcare policies and organizational changes are put into practice effectively.

   In a world that is becoming more diverse it is important for our healthcare system to adapt and deliver high quality care to everyone. By integrating cultural competency into medical education, advocating for continued professional development, investing in research and services, and rigorously managing outcomes, we can overcome the gap in patient care. It is, through consistent actions that we can establish a healthcare setting where every patient, no matter their background, is treated with the respect and quality care they need.

About the author

Ali Asri is a fourth-year medical student at the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Marrakech. His passions lie in global health, public speaking, and diplomacy. Ali engages deeply in international forums and global summits, where he advocates for health equity and effective crisis management. He is dedicated to exploring innovative solutions for global health challenges and continuously seeks opportunities to enhance his skills.