Increased attention to harmful race-based clinical algorithms—equations and decision-making tools that misuse race as a proxy for genetic or biologic ancestry1—has led to the reconsideration of these algorithms in many medical specialties. Most such algorithms were developed or endorsed by medical specialty societies, ensuring their widespread use. [JAMA Network]
Advocacy to eliminate the misuse of race in clinical algorithms has grown from grass-roots efforts to organized, coalition-based efforts2 supported by numerous medical societies. The American Medical Association (AMA) has specifically called for eliminating the misuse of race in clinical algorithms and implementing strategies to redress related harms.3 This call aligns with a growing movement to advance reparative approaches, which appropriately use race as a social construct, to identify and redress harms.4
Given the influence of medical societies in developing and legitimizing clinical algorithms, as well as anecdotal reports of societies’ efforts to eliminate harmful algorithms from use, we surveyed societies on their activities related to this and other equity issues. This article presents descriptive findings on organized medicine’s efforts to eliminate harmful race-based clinical algorithms.
More>
###
