Achieving Equity in Neurological Practice

Neurological processes and prognoses frequently vary by sex/gender, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and geographic location. In particular, individuals of lower socioeconomic status and from minority racial and ethnic backgrounds have worse neurological health and often receive a lower standard of neurological care. These inequities in neurological outcomes are attributed to wider societal social influences, which impact how people live and how neurology is practiced. This book provides the theoretical background, scientific evidence, and experiential knowledge warranted to properly care for vulnerable, underserved patients with neurological diseases at the levels of the provider and system. The root causes of neurological health inequities are examined across a broad range of topics and offers possible solutions for achieving neurological health equity. In addition, the bigger picture with regard to the pipeline of practitioners and purview of policy makers is discussed. Initial chapters help to frame the overall issue of neurological health equity. Subsequent chapters evaluate neurological health equity from the clinical practice standpoint, with a focus on select populations and subspecialty care delivery settings. Achieving Equity in Neurologic Practice is primarily written by neurologists who see patients and have a great understanding of inequities in neurologic care. This is the first book published on neuroequity and its depth makes it a must read for anyone involved in the care of neurologic patients.