Inequitable care delivery toward COVID-19 positive people of color and people with disabilities


  • Abstract

    This study aimed to explore provider observations of inequitable care delivery towards COVID-19 positive patients who are Black, Indigenous, and Other People of Color (BIPOC) and/or have disabilities and to identify ways the health workforce may be contributing to and compounding inequitable care. We conducted semi-structured interviews between April and November 2021 with frontline healthcare providers from Washington, Florida, Illinois, and New York. Using thematic analysis, major themes related to discriminatory treatment included decreased care, delayed care, and fewer options for care. Healthcare providers’ bias and stigma, organizational bias, lack of resources, fear of transmission, and burnout were mentioned as drivers for discriminatory treatment. COVID-19 related health system policies such as visitor restrictions and telehealth follow-ups inadvertently resulted in discriminatory practices towards BIPOC patients and patients with disabilities. As patients experience lower quality healthcare during the pandemic, COVID-19-related restrictions and policies compounded existing inequitable care for these populations.


  • Authors:

    Lee D, Kett PM, Mohammed SA, Frogner BK, Sabin J

  • Journal/Publisher:

    PLOS Glob Public Health

  • Edition:

    Apr 2023.

  • Link to Article

    Access the article here: PLOS Glob Public Health

  • Documents:

    Policy Brief

  • Citation:

    Lee D, Kett PM, Mohammed SA, Frogner BK, Sabin J. Inequitable Care Delivery Toward COVID-19 Positive People Of Color And People With Disabilities. PLOS Glob Public Health . Apr 2023

  • Related Studies:

    Exploring Health Workforce Influence on Equitable Care Delivery and Stigmatization toward COVID-19 Positive People of Color and People with Disabilities