Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Mark A. Stallo

Abstract

Implicit bias has been identified as a significant problem that hinders effective healthcare delivery. The purpose of this qualitative exploratory phenomenological study was to examine whether implicit bias influenced healthcare services for African Americans with comorbidities aged 30 and over living in New York City during the COVID-19 pandemic. Current studies show healthcare disparities, revealing barriers with healthcare delivery; however, they do not disclose a patient’s lived experience qualitatively, which constituted a gap in the literature. The frameworks of the behavioral model of health services use, and social construction and policy design guided this study. Research questions addressed (a) whether a significant correlation exists between implicit bias and the New York City healthcare delivery system; and (b) how communication abilities, comorbidities, and other medical conditions influence services and whether current policies are effective in mitigating healthcare inequities. A phenomenological design was used to examine qualitative surveys from purposive and snowball samples of 13 participants. The data set revealed participants’ lived experiences of a biased encounter. Disparities in healthcare for this African American group were prevalent in the findings. The findings reveal poor access to platforms for complaints and evidence of healthcare inequity. Research results indicate a need for healthcare transparency. Implications for positive social change include modifications to healthcare policy, instrumentation review, improved health equity for African Americans, further understanding of bias in healthcare, and the promotion of healthcare education.

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