Health Care Disparities FORUM

Health Care Disparities FORUM: Unconscious bias in diagnostic delays in patients with suspected TB: Is it a problem?

Worldwide, tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of death from a single infectious disease agent and the leading cause of death among persons living with HIV infection.  Multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB has become a major health threat globally.  Healthcare workers (HCWs) who provide care to patients with infectious pulmonary TB are at risk for acquiring the infection if occupational safety measures are not implemented.  Fear of contracting TB infection – founded or unfounded – may lead to bias (conscious or unconscious) and negatively impact the provision of quality patient-centered care of patients with suspected or confirmed TB.  Nonetheless, HCWs have a professional obligation to provide care clinical care to TB patients.