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Evidence shows racial and ethnic disparities exist across a range of illnesses and health care services.
Studies addressing these issues report that racial and ethnic disparities persist even when demographic factors, such as socioeconomic status, level of insurance, and comorbidity conditions are controlled.
The 2002 Institute of Medicine report, "Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care," states that while there is substantial data with respect to racial and ethnic disparities pertaining to many health services, there is insufficient data with respect to racial and ethnic disparities in access to, utilization of, or outcomes from physical therapist services.
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Jul 1, 2019 / Feature
Health is affected by far more than the presence or absence of health care. PTs and PTAs can help improve the health of populations by using a wide array of strategies.
May 1, 2018 / Feature
There's a growing role for PTs and PTAs in addressing preventable illness.
Additional Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities Content
Jun 22, 2021 / Review
Authors say a better understanding of the factors associated with lower physical therapy use can help focus health care policy advocacy.
May 11, 2021 / Roundup
We're seizing opportunities to amplify our public policy messages — here's a sampling of some of the issue letters we've signed on to.
Apr 19, 2021 / Roundup
A roundup of recent media coverage with a focus on access and social determinants of health.
Jan 5, 2021 / Review
A global study of disease burden finds a glaring need for rehab in primary care.
Apr 24, 2020 / Podcast
APTA hosted experts in physical therapy and public health to discuss the impact COVID-19 has had on the United States, including how the pandemic interacts with existing geographic, economic, racial, and age-related health disparities. Speakers explored the roles the physical therapy community can play in mitigating not only COVID-19, but health disparities in general.
Apr 22, 2020 / Perspective
There are things we, as individuals and as health care providers, can do to get off the hamster wheel of health disparities.
Jun 5, 2019 / Perspective
Our research showed the community was unaware of physical therapy and its role in prevention, beyond catastrophic care.
Mar 13, 2019 / Perspective
Either we will change how we function as a society or we will face a growing decline in the health and well-being of Americans.
Oct 10, 2018 / Interview
Here's how PTs and PTAs can incorporate social determinants of health into their care.
Jun 1, 2018 / Column
Initiatives are ongoing to improve access to physical therapist services.