Why telemedicine is not enough to address racial health disparities

15 April 2020, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Stuttgart: A mouthguard hangs over a doctor's coat in a family doctor's surgery in a treatment room. (to dpa "How telemedicine proves itself in the Corona crisis") Photo: Marijan Murat/dpa (Photo by Marijan Murat/pi HOUSTON - The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked several conversations on health care, and while the threat seems to be dwindling in parts of the United States, there are some conversations that still need to be had.

Back in May 2021, Dr. Anthony Fauci, who leads the COVID-19 response in the U.S., noted during a graduation ceremony at Emory University that "the undeniable effects of racism" have led to unacceptable health disparities that especially hurt African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans during the pandemic."COVID-19 has shone a bright light on our own society’s failings," he said. "Almost all relate to the social determinants of health dating back to disadvantageous conditions that some people of color find themselves in from birth regarding the availability of an adequate diet, access to health care, and the undeniable effects of racism in our society."MORE: Dr.

Fauci says COVID-19 pandemic exposed 'undeniable effects of racism'A recent study led by the University of Houston, published by the Journal of General Internal Medicine, argues how the introduction of telemedicine could potentially bridge the gap between health disparities plaguing communities of color but could also result in "unintended consequences" if not properly executed. "[Telemedicine] has the potential to improve healthcare use and ensure continuity of care," the background to the article explains.