What gave us hope in October? Ending Inequities in End of Life Care
Kristina Sims | OCT 27, 2023
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Ending Inequities in End of Life Care: Embracing an Anti-Oppression Framework
End of life care is a profoundly sensitive and crucial aspect of healthcare. It's a stage in life where compassion, empathy, and inclusivity should shine the brightest. However, I am now more aware that there are pervasive inequities in end of life care that have long gone unaddressed. I wanted to be able to knowledgably challenge and transform this landscape, be a part of the solution if you will. It is now time to adopt an anti-oppression framework that embraces inclusion and social justice. This course from Healwell blew the top right off the problems that we all knew existed and I am grateful that I was among the healthcare providers that were apart of this conversation.
"In order to be truly intentional about inclusion, we have to be honest about the exclusions." This insightful quote by Donna Gayles, reminds me that true change can only occur when we confront the reality of disparities in end of life care. Inequities based on race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, sexual orientation, and other factors persist, preventing countless individuals from accessing the care they deserve. Honestly, I knew this, I spoke up at times when I noticed these things, but not enough. This course was a wake-up call for me that I need consistency in my integrity. Here are the main takeaways that will make me a better healthcare provider.
The Anti-Oppression Framework
An anti-oppression framework is a lens in which we can view and address these inequities. It encourages us to challenge systemic biases, prejudices, and discrimination present in end of life care. Below are some key elements of this framework:
1. Self-Reflection: The journey toward equity begins with self-awareness. Healthcare providers, institutions, and individuals must reflect on their biases, assumptions, and privileges. Only by recognizing these can we work to dismantle them.
2. Intersectionality: Inequities often intersect, compounding their impact. The anti-oppression framework recognizes this complexity and strives to address individuals' unique needs, experiences, and identities.
3. Culturally Competent Care: Providers should undergo cultural competency training to better understand the diverse backgrounds and beliefs of their patients. This knowledge fosters empathy and respectful care, promoting dignity for all.
4. Advocacy and Policy Change: Advocating for systemic change is vital. Policies and practices within healthcare systems need to be transformed to ensure that end of life care is accessible and equitable for everyone.
5. Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about the disparities in end of life care and the need for an anti-oppression framework is crucial. The more people understand the issue, the greater the potential for collective action.
The essence of social justice in end of life care lies in recognizing our shared humanity. "Social justice happens when we see ourselves in others." This means acknowledging that the person receiving care is a fellow human being, regardless of their background, and extending the same compassion we would want for ourselves or our loved ones.
In the journey to end inequities in end of life care, embracing an anti-oppression framework is not just a call for change; it's a moral obligation. It's a commitment to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their identity, background, or circumstances, has access to dignified and compassionate end of life care. Together, as healthcare providers, I believe we can dismantle the exclusions and create a healthcare landscape where social justice and equity prevail, affirming the worth of every individual until their last moments.
For more information look up: The National Center for Cultural Competence https://nccc.georgetown.edu/
Kristina Sims | OCT 27, 2023
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