Racism in health care: systemic changes and institutional policies to advance health equity

Abstract Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified inequalities in health care. Racism is one cause of such inequalities that disadvantage Black, Indigenous, and people of color around the world, but particularly in Germany, European countries, and the United States. To advance health equity and ensure an equitable health care system for marginalized groups, it is necessary to implement systemic change, but international studies indicate there is little evidence of antiracist interventions in organizations and through policies, as well as limited data on their effectiveness. This presentation will present novel research that identifies antiracist interventions on a systemic level, meaning interventions within organizations will be analyzed. The results from this research will be used to derive recommendations and inspire policymakers and providers toward equity-oriented health care. The overarching goal of the proposed research is to contribute to a paradigm shift in Germany and Europe more broadly and enrich a previously deficit-oriented perspective on the topic with important approaches and solutions. It will also increase the geopolitical relevance of the interventions in the US and enable cross-border exchange and partnerships.