Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To develop guidance for pediatric clinicians on how to discuss race and racism in pediatric clinical settings. METHODS: We conducted a modified Delphi study from 2021 to 2022 with a panel of pediatric clinicians, psychologists, parents, and adolescents with expertise in racism and child health through scholarship or lived experience. Panelists responded to an initial survey with open-ended questions about how to talk to youth about race and racism. We coded the responses using qualitative methods and presented them back to the panelists. In iterative surveys, panelists reached a consensus on which themes were most important for the conversation. RESULTS: A total of 29 of 33 panelists completed the surveys and a consensus was reached about the concepts pediatric clinicians should consider before, during, and after conversations about race and racism and impediments clinicians may face while having these discussions. Panelists agreed that it was within the pediatric clinician’s role to have these conversations. An overarching theme was the importance of having background knowledge about the systemic nature of racism. Panelists agreed that being active listeners, learning from patients, and addressing intersectionality were important for pediatric clinicians during conversations. Panelists also agreed that short- and long-term benefits may result from these conversations; however, harm could be done if pediatric clinicians do not have adequate training to conduct the conversations. CONCLUSIONS: These principles can help guide conversations about race and racism in the pediatric clinical setting, equipping clinicians with tools to offer care that acknowledges and addresses the racism many of their patients face.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Article number | e2023063767 |
| Journal | Pediatrics |
| Volume | 154 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jul 2024 |
Funding
Funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This work was supported by the Joseph and Dorothy Giddan Child Health Medical Research Grant, Northwestern University. Dr Clark\u2019s efforts were supported by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities of the NIH under Award Number T37MD014248. Dr Heard-Garris\u2019s efforts were supported in part by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (K01HL147995) and the Northwestern University Clinical & Translational Sciences Institute Award (NUCATS support UL1TR001422). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH or Northwestern University. FUNDING: Funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This work was supported by the Joseph and Dorothy Giddan Child Health Medical Research Grant, Northwestern University. Dr Clark\u2019s efforts were supported by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities of the NIH under Award Number T37MD014248. Dr Heard-Garris\u2019s efforts were supported in part by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (K01HL147995) and the Northwestern University Clinical & Translational Sciences Institute Award (NUCATS support UL1TR001422). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH or Northwestern University.
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health