Equitable Access to Quality Palliative Care for Black Patients: Challenges and Opportunities
Black Americans suffer disproportionately in the face of serious illness. Evidence points to significantly worse pain management, ineffective communication from providers, and an outsized burden on family caregivers.
CAPC conducted a comprehensive environmental scan in 2021 to identify opportunities to reduce these inequities. The scan included several components: 1) a first-of-its-kind literature review to establish what is known about disparities, barriers, and successful interventions; 2) interviews with community advocates and experts to explore effective strategies and policy recommendations; and 3) outreach to health equity champions to identify replicable interventions that improve access to and/or the quality of palliative care for Black people. The scan is part of CAPC's Project Equity.
The findings were disseminated as a national call to action in a 2021 public briefing. Key insights from the scan resulted in the development of practical technical assistance that can drive meaningful change in the care of Black patients with serious illness.
Project Leadership
Brynn Bowman, MPA
Chief Executive Officer, Center to Advance Palliative Care
Brittany Chambers, MPH, MCHES
Director, Health Equity and Special Initiatives, Center to Advance Palliative Care
Executive Advisors
Karen Bullock, PhD, LCSW
Endowed Professor of Social Work, Boston College
Kimberly Johnson, MD
Professor of Medicine and Director, Duke Center for Research to Advance Healthcare Equity
Diane E. Meier, MD, FACP, FAAHPM
Founder, Director Emerita and Strategic Medical Advisor, Center to Advance Palliative Care
View the full listing of Steering Committee Members.
This health equity initiative was made possible thanks to the generous support of funders, The Commonwealth Fund, The John A. Hartford Foundation and The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations with additional support from Ho-Chiang.