MelanInHealth

Problem Statement  

How might we develop and implement a comprehensive solution that makes it easier for US-based Black women to locate and access Black and culturally sensitive medical professionals in their area?

‍

Problem Background  

Finding Black and culturally sensitive doctors is vital for Black women in the U.S. These healthcare providers are more likely to understand and respect the unique cultural backgrounds and health concerns of Black patients, leading to better communication, higher levels of trust, and more accurate diagnoses. This is particularly crucial for Black women, who face specific health disparities, such as higher rates of maternal mortality and certain chronic conditions. Access to culturally competent care significantly improves health outcomes and overall healthcare experiences.

Despite this clear need, Black women face significant challenges in finding Black doctors. Although they represent about 7% of the U.S. population (U.S. Census 2020), only 5% of doctors in the country are Black, with an even smaller percentage being Black women (AAMC). This shortage is exacerbated by geographic disparities, as Black doctors are predominantly located in urban areas, leaving many rural and suburban regions with little to no access to these critical providers.

Systemic barriers further complicate the issue. The underrepresentation of Black students in medical schools, driven by institutional biases and lack of support, results in fewer Black physicians entering the workforce. Moreover, Black women frequently encounter bias and discrimination within the healthcare system, discouraging them from seeking care and making the search for culturally competent providers even more urgent. Although some resources exist, the process of finding a suitable doctor remains lengthy and difficult, highlighting the pressing need for a comprehensive solution to improve access to quality healthcare for Black women.

‍

User Pain Points & Research Insights

I conducted user interviews by surveying a sample population of 12 Black women who live in various states across the US. Based on the information gathered, I identified several pain points supported by data and participant feedback:

1. Limited availability of Black doctors - many Black women struggle to find Black doctors due to the overall shortage of Black physicians in the US.
2. Geographic Disparities - many Black doctors are concentrated in urban areas, leaving rural and suburban regions underserved.
3. Lengthy and Challenging Search Process - the process of finding a Black doctor is often time-consuming and difficult.
4. Bias and Discrimination - Black women frequently encounter bias and discrimination in healthcare settings, making it crucial for them to find culturally sensitive providers.
5. Underrepresentation in Medical Schools - The systemic underrepresentation of Black students in medical schools leads to fewer Black doctors entering the workforce.
6. Lack of Trust in non-Black Providers - A lack of trust in non-Black providers often leads to dissatisfaction with care or avoidance of the healthcare system altogether.
7. Lack of Comprehensive Resources - Existing resources and directories are often insufficient, outdated, or not tailored to the specific needs of Black women.

‍

Supporting Data

The quantitative data results provided some very important details that helped to narrow down a potential solution. 50% of the Black women surveyed stated that they did not have a Black doctor, the reasons given being availability and proximity issues, location barriers and long wait times for appointment scheduling. Those women that did have Black doctors indicated that they found them via their Healthcare and Insurance Provider networks, Social Media and word-of-mouth recommendations and online directories and databases (or the trusty Google search). 

60% of respondents indicated the importance of having a doctor that understands their cultural background, as the historical and ongoing experiences of bias and discrimination in the medical space contribute to a significant trust gap in the Black community. These and other pain points highlighted the significant barriers that Black women face in accessing culturally competent healthcare, and underscored the need for a tailored solution that addresses these challenges directly.

‍

Feedback

The feedback revealed both positive and negative aspects of Black women's search for suitable healthcare providers. Many participants expressed frustration over the difficulty in finding Black doctors, noting that it often took weeks, months, or even longer to locate a provider. Those living outside urban areas faced additional challenges, frequently having to travel long distances or settle for non-Black doctors in their vicinity.

A recurring theme in the responses was the desire for a provider who understands and empathizes with their cultural background and specific health concerns. Many women had experienced feeling dismissed, judged, or misunderstood by non-Black doctors. In contrast, they felt more comfortable and respected when treated by Black doctors, which positively influenced their willingness to seek regular care and follow medical advice, ultimately leading to better health outcomes.

Despite the existence of some online tools, the search for a Black doctor remained challenging and time-consuming, often due to incorrect or outdated information. Participants expressed a strong need for a more centralized and reliable platform specifically tailored to their healthcare needs.

‍

Landing on the Solution

Based on the qualitative and quantitative research conducted, I knew that the solution needed to be tailored to the specific needs of Black women, ensuring culturally competent care through a combination of unique features. That solution will be an online platform and mobile application that will easily allow the user to search, research and select a suitable provider within a reasonable distance of their location. 

‍

Explanation of Solution

At its core, the platform will offer a centralized database of vetted Black and culturally sensitive providers, including doctors, specialists, and mental health professionals. Users can utilize advanced search functionality to filter by location, specialty, insurance, gender, and language, making it easier to find a provider who meets both medical and cultural needs. Providers will have the ability to access certain data sets collected on the platform, such as data accuracy, user reviews and retention data.

To build trust and empower informed decisions, the platform will feature user reviews and ratings, allowing women to share and benefit from each other’s healthcare experiences. Appointment scheduling will be seamlessly integrated, enabling direct booking with providers, thus simplifying the process.

Additionally, the platform will include community and support resources such as educational content and forums, providing a space for Black women to access relevant information and peer support. Mobile app integration will ensure that these resources and functionalities are accessible on the go.

‍

‍

Future Steps

Right now, I have a very basic idea of how I would like MelanInHealth platform and app to function. My next steps include collaborating with designers and developers to turn this idea into a functional platform and mobile app. 

We'll begin with user research, design prototypes, and development, followed by testing and iteration to ensure the solution meets the needs of Black women seeking culturally sensitive healthcare.

Some future problems that will be considered include:

1. Expanding the Provider Network
2. Ensuring Data Privacy and Security
3. Platform/App Scalability
4. User Education and Support
5. Language and Accessibility Options 
6. Integration with other Health Services
7. Community Engagement and Feedback Loops 
8. Long-term health Outcome Tracking
9. Monetization and Sustainability 
10. Appointment Availability and Wait Times

‍