Published Research

Racism in Healthcare: Understanding and Addressing the Experiences of Ethnic Minority Professionals

Every day, healthcare professionals dedicate themselves to improving the lives of others, often under immense pressure and within systems that are far from perfect. But for many ethnic minority staff, that challenge comes with another layer: the persistent reality of racism in the workplace.

From subtle slights and micro-aggressions to overt discrimination, ethnic minority healthcare professionals (HCPs) report experiences that impact not only their wellbeing but also their career progression and the quality of care they are able to deliver. Despite years of initiatives and diversity pledges, inequity continues to run deep in the structures of health and social care.

A new systematic review and thematic synthesis by Irina Mostafa, Juliana Onwumere, and Lisa Wood brings together findings from 21 studies conducted across the world to better understand how racism manifests in healthcare workplaces, and what can be done to create lasting change.

The Reality of Racism in Healthcare Workplaces

The review paints a stark picture of the experiences faced by ethnic minority staff. Many participants described being overlooked for promotions, excluded from decision-making, and having their competence and expertise questioned. Others reported feeling isolated in predominantly white teams or facing constant scrutiny and bias that eroded their confidence and professional identity.

The emotional and psychological toll of these experiences is significant. The study highlights increased stress, burnout, and mental health difficulties, as well as a ripple effect on patient care — when staff are unsupported, entire teams and systems suffer.

Yet, perhaps most strikingly, the research also reveals a sense of silencing and denial: racism is often minimised, dismissed, or reframed as “personality clashes” or “communication issues,” leaving affected staff feeling invisible and unheard.

Moving from Awareness to Action

Importantly, this review goes beyond documenting harm — it offers a roadmap for change. The authors emphasise that acknowledging racism is only the first step; what matters next is embedding sustained, systemic responses that empower staff and hold organisations accountable.

Their recommendations include:

Implementing proactive, transparent anti-racism workplace policies developed with direct input from ethnic minorities
Equipping managers and leaders with meaningful, evidence-based training to identify and address discrimination.
Creating mentorship and sponsorship programmes that promote representation and career development.
Prioritising mental health support for those affected by racism in the workplace.
Embedding accountability mechanisms so that reporting systems lead to real change, not retaliation or inaction.

“Future practice should prioritise proactive policy implementation with input from decision-makers from ethnically minoritised groups and enhance training to equip managers with the skills to address discrimination and promote workplace equality.”

Why This Matters

The persistence of racism within healthcare is not just an issue of workplace culture — it’s an issue of justice, safety, and quality of care. Diverse, inclusive teams are better equipped to meet the needs of diverse populations. When staff feel valued, supported, and safe, patients benefit too.

At Collective Action for Race Equity in Health and Social Care (CARE-HSC), we share this commitment to evidence-based change. Our work centres the lived experiences of carers and professionals to dismantle the systemic barriers that perpetuate inequality — ensuring that every voice is heard and every contribution valued.

Read the Full Study

“A systematic review and thematic synthesis of healthcare professionals’ experiences of racism in the workplace and the support they receive”

Read the full paper here: https://lnkd.in/eUKUU3jd