Staff Perspectives Highlight Health Disparities in Hospital Care for Black Patients
A qualitative study in Journal of General Internal Medicine examined how non-clinicial hospital staff perceive health disparities affecting care for hospitalized Black adults. Through interviews with frontline workers, including patient care assistants, transporters, custodial staff, and ward clerks, researchers identified themes related to workplace dynamics, implicit bias, institutional pressures, and efforts by staff to support equitable care. Participants described how structural factors such as staffing shortages, hierarchy, and limited organizational support can influence patient experiences and contribute to disparities. The findings suggest that addressing hospital culture and engaging all members of the care team may help reduce inequities in inpatient care.