Reconsidering Race and Clinical Algorithms (Plenary)-Reconsidering Race Plenary-Establishing a Race-Conscious Approach to Clinical Guidance in Pediatric Care

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This document discusses the establishment of a race-conscious approach to clinical guidance in pediatric care. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) aims to achieve optimal health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. The AAP is working towards eliminating race-based medicine in clinical algorithms and providing a tested approach for other organizations to rectify the problematic use of race in clinical guidelines.<br /><br />The project consists of several phases, including the development of clinical practice guidelines, policy statements, clinical reports, and technical reports. The AAP has formed a Rapid Revision Team (RRT) to review and revise their policies, focusing on the identification and prioritization of race-based policies. The team has faced challenges in dealing with the insidious nature of bias in the literature and the depth and breadth of AAP policy.<br /><br />Moving from race-based to race-conscious medicine involves acknowledging the historical biases and discrimination embedded in healthcare. It requires analyzing the effects of structural and systemic racism, addressing healthcare bias and stereotyping, and supporting individuals in overcoming barriers to healthcare access. The goal is to reduce health disparities and eliminate the assumption that racial groups are inherently diseased.<br /><br />Opportunities identified include standardizing the approach and methodology, scaling the process for broad application, and forming partnerships with specialty societies. The AAP emphasizes the importance of inclusive and anti-biased language in their guidance.<br /><br />Overall, this document highlights the AAP's commitment to promoting equity in pediatric care by addressing the use of race in clinical guidelines and working towards a race-conscious approach that acknowledges the impact of racism and reduces health disparities.

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Joseph Wright, MD, MPH (AAP)

Keywords

race-conscious approach

clinical guidance

pediatric care

American Academy of Pediatrics

eliminating race-based medicine

Rapid Revision Team

healthcare bias

health disparities

inclusive language

equity in pediatric care