Health inequities in the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of gastrointestinal disorders significantly impact racial, ethnic, and immigrant populations. Patients born outside the U.S. are less likely to be diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) before age 16 and often face milder disease progression compared to U.S.-born patients. South Asian, Latine, and Asian patients in Western countries are at greater risk for IBD, suffering from more extensive inflammatory progression and facing challenges in accessing IBD specialists. Furthermore, patients of color report poor symptom control, lower quality of life, and greater financial and social challenges, which exacerbate disparities in IBD care.
In the third activity of this CME Outfitters Q&A series, expert faculty will answer questions about improving health equity in gastrointestinal care. The focus will be on understanding upstream, midstream, and downstream drivers of health inequities, such as socioeconomic status, immigration status, and lack of social support. Learners will gain actionable strategies, including utilizing case managers, interpreter services, culturally aligned dieticians, and community support workers to address social drivers of health. These strategies aim to improve diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes for underserved populations, fostering equitable gastrointestinal care delivery.
