Leading researchers and clinicians have identified priorities for surgical disparities research for use by clinicians, researchers, funding organizations, policymakers, and other key stakeholders, according to an article published online by JAMA Surgery .
Healthcare disparities, i.e., differences in the burden of disease, injury, violence, or opportunities to achieve optimal health experienced by socially disadvantaged populations, have been well documented. Compared with other groups, African American individuals have an increased mortality risk across multiple surgical procedures. Gender, sexual orientation, age, and geographic disparities are also well documented. Further research and interdisciplinary collaboration are needed to understand the interrelated factors that affect patient experiences in the surgical setting.
In acknowledgment of these issues, the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the National Institutes of Health-National Institute of Minority Health and Disparities convened a research summit to develop a national surgical disparities research agenda and funding priorities. Sixty leading researchers and clinicians gathered in May 2015 for a 2-day summit.
In summary, five overarching priorities were identified for surgical disparities research. Research should be directed toward:
"We challenge researchers and funding entities to take these priorities to heart and begin moving research in the field of surgical disparities 'from knowing to doing.' Within the context of the larger literature, summit results also call for ongoing evaluation of evidence-based practice, rigorous research methods, incentives for standardization of care, and building on existing infrastructure to support these advances. With ongoing support and collaboration from the NIH, ACS, and affiliates, best practices for implementation of identified research priorities can be achieved and be used to create more optimal access to equitable quality care for all patients," the authors write.
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( JAMA Surgery . Published online March 16, 2016. doi:10.1001/jamasurg.2016.0014. Available pre-embargo to the media at http://media.jamanetwork.com .)
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JAMA Surgery