Racial disparities in pediatric otolaryngology: current state and future hope

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The current article reviews the current literature and selected sentinel papers on health disparities particularly relevant to the field of pediatric otolaryngology. The discussion will explore racial disparities in otologic and airway intervention areas, as well as general adenotonsillar disease management. Access to and quality of care will be examined, and disparate outcomes discussed. RECENT FINDINGS: Growing published data demonstrate children from nonwhite backgrounds receive disparate specialty care in representative fields of pediatric otolaryngology. SUMMARY: Racial disparities exist in specialty care pediatric otolaryngology. Such disparities should be viewed in the light of generational inequalities in the United States and the foundational inequities that perpetuate them. Parity in the delivery of such specialty care depends on recognizing our current state and intentional efforts to modulate the impact of such effectual factors.