Increasing Equity in Pain Management, Substance Use Disorder Treatment, and Linkages to CARE

STRATEGY: Recognize Intersectionality and Reduce the Impacts of Implicit Biases

What is intersectionality? Intersectionality is a concept coined by Kimberlé W. Crenshaw, JD, LLM, Professor of Law, Columbia University, to describe the overlapping and compounding effects of racial, gender, and class discrimination. Every individual holds interconnected identities (e.g., race, ethnicity, socioeconomic class, gender identity, sexual orientation) that affect their experiences of health and wellness. Rather than being defined by just one identity or social characteristic, each person is the totality of their experiences and identities, as well as all of the associated privileges and oppressions. Why intersectionality is important for care teams In healthcare, intersectionality can be used as a framework for providing patient-centered care. Seeing the whole patient, and all of that person’s intersecting identities, allows care teams to recognize and reflect on the different advantages and disadvantages that patients bring with them to the care setting. Without considering intersectional identities, care teams run the risk of losing patient trust. Ultimately, an intersectional approach can lead to more holistic, patient-centered, and culturally responsive care.

Kevonya Elzia explains why it is important for providers to see and understand a patient’s intersectional identities.

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