New Gap Analysis Reveals Disparities in Access to Innovative Technologies

Racial and ethnic healthcare disparities in access to advanced interventions have persisted for decades in U.S. healthcare, making clear the need for increased attention and policy action to reduce these disparities. This three-part series research series explores the differences in access to certain advanced interventions for underrepresented groups.

two researchers discuss a table of data

Diversity in Clinical Trials Workshop Series

AdvaMed partnered with Meharry Medical College to present a series of workshop discussions identifying tools and approaches to address the lack of diversity in clinical trials.

Racial Disparities in Health 

The COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with recent attention to issues of social and civil injustice, highlights the need to address health disparities generally and particularly within communities and patients of color. 

Public health data reveals significant differences in the mortality rates for patients of color who are stricken by COVID-19 versus White patients. 

Social determinants of health, access to healthcare, affordability of care, and underlying medical conditions contribute to these disproportionate impacts. The prevalence of certain chronic illnesses within communities and patients of color also leads to devasting health impacts and decreased life expectancy. 

Our Role 

AdvaMed and its members have an important role to play in this effort as we make the technologies and tests that result in the accurate diagnosis of disease and in improved patient outcomes. 

We are collectively engaged in efforts to ensure that our industry is doing its part to mitigate the adverse impacts of health disparities among people and communities of color. 

Principles on Health Equity 

AdvaMed has issued a board-created and board-approved set of principles to guide the industry – as well as interested health care stakeholders, including clinicians and hospitals – in addressing racial health disparities.   

Specifically, the principles call on industry to: 

  1. Promote inclusion and equity and health care, 
  1. Partner in education with stakeholders, 
  1. Advocate for and facilitate patient access to innovative technology, and 
  1. Promote research equity in the medtech industry. 

AdvaMed is committed to long-term action to reach real solutions. The following principles and considerations are intended as initial steps to guide industry as well as interested stakeholders including clinicians, health care providers, and health care facilities as we all embrace the long overdue call to address these inequities. 

Health Equity Best Practices

Our members are doing excellent work within their organizations to advance their health equity agendas. AdvaMed is happy to promote and share some of their initiatives to serve as a template for others who may want to engage in similar projects. Please feel free to reach out to these companies directly to learn more.

B. Braun Medical

B. Braun Medical, in partnership with Advisory Board, has implemented a new strategy focusing on patient outcomes, workforce diversity, and community investment to improve peripheral IV insertion. Learn more.

Becton Dickinson (BD)

BD is targeting some of the most pressing global health challenges, including tuberculosis and anti-microbial resistance. They have also developed private-public partnerships and are working with humanitarian organizations. Learn more.

Medtronic

Medtronic is partnering with the Association of Black Cardiologists to encourage clinicians to pursue additional certification to better treat patients with hypertension, especially in underserved communities. Learn more.

Philips

Through the Philips Avent Pregnancy+ program, Medicaid-eligible families in Michigan are able to access premium content through an app to easily find health information and pregnancy-related social services within the state. Learn more.