Practical Approaches to Advancing Health Equity in Radiology, From the AJR Special Series on DEI

Abstract

Despite significant advances in health care, many patients from medically under-served populations are impacted by existing health care disparities. Radiologists are uniquely positioned to decrease health disparities and advance health equity efforts in their practices. However, literature on practical tools for advancing radiology health equity efforts applicable to a wide variety of patient populations and care settings is lacking. Therefore, this article seeks to equip radiologists with an evidence-based and practical knowledge tool kit of health equity strategies, presented in terms of four pillars of research, clinical care, education, and innovation. For each pillar, equity efforts across diverse patient populations and radiology practice settings are examined through the lens of existing barriers, current best practices, and future directions, incorporating practical examples relevant to a spectrum of patient populations. Health equity efforts provide an opportune window to transform radiology through personalized care delivery that is responsive to diverse patient needs. Guided by compassion and empathy as core principles of health equity, the four pillars provide a helpful framework to advance health equity efforts as a step toward social justice in health.

Keywords: diversity; equity; health disparities; health equity; health services research; inclusion (DEI); radiology pillars.