Research: Artificial intelligence can fuel racial bias in health care, but can mitigate it, too
While some algorithms do indeed exacerbate inequitable medical care, other algorithms can actually close such gaps, a growing body of research shows.
health disparities
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5 tips for covering racial bias in health care AI
It’s important for journalists to take a nuanced approach to reporting about AI in order to unearth inequity, highlight positive contributions and tell patients’ individual stories in the context of the broader research.
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National study highlights rural-urban and racial disparities in cancer survivorship
Between 1975 and 2011, not only did survival rates for common cancers in rural areas trail behind urban areas in the US, but also the cancer survival rates for Black individuals in both rural and urban areas remained lower than for other races and ethnicities.
Expert Commentary
Vaccinated at the ball: A true story about trusted messengers
Highlighting a recent article in the American Journal of Public Health, a comics journalist tells the story of an effort to increase COVID vaccination rates in Chicago’s House Ball community.
Expert Commentary
Racial disparities in mental health care: An explainer and research roundup
Little has changed since the office of the U.S. Surgeon General issued a report on mental health disparities two decades ago. Persisting structural racism is one of the key drivers of disparities but experts and advocates are hopeful for change.
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How they did it: Washington Post reporters reveal FEMA failures, denial of disaster aid to Black families in the South
Two reporters explain how they overcame major barriers investigating FEMA and share tips on interviewing hesitant sources, building data journalism skills and more.
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Native Americans have higher death rates, lower life expectancy than white, Black and Hispanic populations, CDC study shows
The study also reports that 34% of non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native deaths are misclassified on death certificates.
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New research links racism to higher preterm birth rates in Black women
Two new studies add to the mounting evidence that racism — including the legacy of redlining — has an impact on preterm birth rates in the U.S.
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7 tips for finding local stories in The Lancet’s 2021 health and climate change report
Even for journalists who don’t typically cover climate change, the Lancet Countdown reports are a treasure trove of story ideas that can help explain how extreme weather events affect personal health.
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It’s flu season. Here’s what research shows about adult vaccinations
Studies show that Black and Hispanic adults in the U.S. have lower rates of immunization against vaccine-preventable infections compared with white adults.
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