Addressing Racial Disparities in Hypertension Management: An Educational Initiative

Abstract ID 128659 Poster Board 424 Race/ethnicity often correlate with varying disease prevalence and outcomes, with marginalized groups demonstrating greater risk and poorer outcomes. This raises questions about the underlying causes of these disparities. Social determinants of health, such as education, economics, social support, and access to care, contribute significantly to these differences. In medical education, discussions of social determinants of health are often separated from basic science presentations which tend to oversimplify race and ethnicity as direct disease risk factors rather than discussing these as proxies for broader social and cultural differences. To address this gap, we have developed an educational approach in which students explore healthcare disparities related to specific disease aspects. Their research is incorporated into educational videos. These are then shown at a lunch-and-learn session stimulating targeted discussions on factors underlying racial and ethnic differences in disease. Our initial project focused on hypertension, given its well-documented racial and ethnic variation in prevalence and management. A 2-week elective was created for 3rd/4th year students. The elective began with a review of papers addressing racial disparities in healthcare. Students then researched a topic related to hypertension. Three short, animated videos were created: Hypertension Prevalence and Control, Race and Hypertension, and Addressing Hypertension Disparities. Student projects were incorporated into the third video. The videos were shown at a medical community-wide lunch-and-learn session and used to stimulate discussion. Participants in the lunch-and-learn completed a pre- and post-session survey addressing their basic knowledge as well as attitudes about the impact of race and ethnicity on treatment approaches. The lunch-and-learn session attracted 32 participants from the medical school community. Analysis of pre- and post-session responses revealed an increase in knowledge regarding hypertension treatment. Questions regarding appropriateness of using race in guiding management was more nuanced with participants being less likely to agree with its use after the session than before the session. In conclusion, our educational initiative successfully addressed the complex interplay between race/ethnicity, social determinants of health, and disease outcomes, particularly focusing on hypertension. By integrating discussions on healthcare disparities into medical education through animated videos and targeted discussions, we provided a platform for students and professionals to critically examine the underlying factors contributing to racial and ethnic differences in disease prevalence and control. Our findings suggest that this approach not only enhances understanding of disease pathogenesis and treatment but also fosters a more nuanced perspective on the appropriateness of using race in guiding treatment decisions. Moving forward, initiatives like ours have the potential to contribute to the development of healthcare professionals who are equipped to address health inequities and provide culturally sensitive care to diverse patient populations. Supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The contents are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.