Equity in medical devices: Unveiling biases

The paramount duty of the NHS is to uphold unmatched levels of safety and efficacy in medical devices for the welfare of all patients under its wing. However, recent revelations have shed light on a concerning issue—the possibility of racial and ethnic biases embedded within the design and utilisation of various medical devices prevalent within NHS practices. Such biases pose a risk of delivering substandard care to certain ethnic groups, raising alarms over equity and fairness in medical treatment

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Department of Health and Social Care

Acknowledging the gravity of these concerns, the Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP, during his tenure as the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, initiated an independent review aimed at dissecting these disparities. This significant endeavor sought to unveil the depth and repercussions of racial, ethnic, and other biases influencing the design and operational use of medical devices. The ultimate goal of this comprehensive review was not only to illuminate these issues but also to forge pathways toward substantial improvements, ensuring that equity in healthcare is not just an ideal but a reality for all patients within the NHS’s care.

For practice managers, this review serves as a crucial wake-up call, highlighting the potential disparities in medical device design and usage that could affect patient care within their practices. By staying informed about the findings and recommendations of this review, practice managers can proactively implement strategies to mitigate biases and ensure equitable access to safe and effective medical devices for all patients.

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