Actionable Steps Toward Achieving Health Equity in Arrhythmia Care: A Focus on Underrepresented Racial and Ethnic Groups, Women and Older Populations (Joint Session)-Actionable Steps Toward Achieving Health Equity in Arrhythmia Care: A Focus on Underrepresented Racial and Ethnic Groups, Women and Older Populations (Joint Session)

Actionable Steps Toward Achieving Health Equity in Arrhythmia Care: A Focus on Underrepresented Racial and Ethnic Groups, Women and Older Populations (Joint Session)

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The session focused on addressing disparities in cardiac electrophysiology care, specifically among different racial groups, women, and older patients. Dr. Jonathan Crispin discussed atrial fibrillation (AFib), highlighting how underdiagnosis and genetic predispositions contribute to disparities among racial groups. Data showed disparities in the prescription of anticoagulants, impacting the risk of strokes and other complications.<br /><br />Dr. Temerisa's presentation addressed challenges in managing cardiac care for older adults, considering the increasing prevalence of AFib in aging populations. She highlighted gaps in clinical trials for older adults and emphasized integrating care with social support systems and advocating for medications' affordability.<br /><br />Dr. Laura Gravelin discussed using AI to identify patients who qualify but do not receive necessary defibrillator devices, drawing from her experience in a Columbus, Ohio health system. Her initiative aimed to rectify disparities, improve patient care, and address unconscious biases in treatment practices.<br /><br />Overall, the session underscored the need for comprehensive education, improved screening and monitoring, increased representation in clinical trials, and leveraging technology like AI to improve equitable care in cardiac electrophysiology. The panel acknowledged challenges but emphasized the importance of advocacy and systemic changes to address these disparities effectively.

Keywords

cardiac electrophysiology

racial disparities

atrial fibrillation

anticoagulants

older adults

clinical trials

AI technology

unconscious bias

healthcare advocacy

equitable care