Frequently Asked Questions
What is implicit bias and how does it affect healthcare?
Implicit bias is an individual's unconscious prejudice against a person or group of people. In healthcare, this presents a serious issue because it determines how doctors view patients and therefore also affects the quality of care provided.
You can read more about implicit bias in healthcare here: https://patientengagementhit.com/news/what-is-implicit-bias-how-does-it-affect-healthcare
What are social determinants of health?
Social determinants of health are environmental factors such as race, education, wealth, etc. that have an effect on the health and health care of an individual. These factors play a large role in explaining the disparities in health between different populations.
What is maternal mortality?
Maternal mortality is the death of a woman during or related to a pregnancy. America is currently undergoing a severe maternal mortality crisis. America's maternal mortality rate is twice as high as similarly wealth countries, and about 60% of these deaths are preventable. This issue affects Black women especially, who are around 3 times more likely to die in childbirth than white women.
What is currently being done to combat maternal mortality?
Currently, there is a Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee, with a subcommittee that examines Maternal Health Disparities.
You can read more about the committee here: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/mch/Maternal-Mortality-and-Morbidity-Review-Committee.aspx
Where can I find more information about maternal mortality?
Here are some links to informative articles about maternal mortality, specifically in Black women:
https://www.cdc.gov/healthequity/features/maternal-mortality/index.html