INVESTIGATING THE IMPACT OF DISCRIMINATION AMONG HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS (A CASE STUDY OF FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE EBUTE-METTA)

This study investigates the impact of discrimination among healthcare professionals, exploring its prevalence, sources, and consequences within healthcare settings. Through a mixed-methods approach, including surveys and interviews, the research examines how discrimination affects job satisfaction, mental health, and professional performance. The findings reveal that discrimination, based on factors such as race, gender, and ethnicity, is a significant issue, leading to increased stress, burnout, and decreased productivity. The study highlights the urgent need for organizational interventions and policies to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion, ultimately fostering a more supportive and effective work environment for all healthcare professionals Discrimination in health care means non-provision, incomplete provision, or variable provision of health care to individuals, or groups of individuals, because of their personal and social attributes (Whitaker et al, 2017). Modern health care delivery system is complex and rapidly changing. The organization of professionals involved in patient care used to be that of a hierarchy, with the physician in a “command” position. Now it routinely combines the efforts of physicians of different specialties, skilled nursing and other health care professionals in a health care team (O'Connell et al, 2014). High quality and effective clinical practice in such environment requires a physician to be a member, and often the leader, of many teams that must work together to deliver health care. Relationships between professionals in the healthcare team are by their nature unequal ones. Differences in knowledge and experience in specific issues confer on those who possess them, unequal responsibility and authority both ethically and legally, and precisely because of this inequality of authority and responsibility, inter professional discriminations are common and expected (Strutton D, Knouse S. B, 2015). Despite the emphasis on equality and inclusivity in healthcare environments, instances of discrimination continue to emerge, often subtly embedded in organizational culture or interpersonal interactions. This creates disparities in how healthcare professionals are treated, with marginalized groups often bearing the brunt of such biases. The problem is further compounded by its ripple effects on patient care. Discrimination can lead to a lack of trust and communication among healthcare teams, resulting in errors, mismanagement, and suboptimal patient outcomes. Furthermore, it erodes the moral and ethical fabric of healthcare institutions, contradicting the principles of equity and justice foundational to the profession. The aim is to study investigating the impact of discrimination among healthcare professionals, using Federal Medical Center, Ebute Metta, Lagos as a case study. A descriptive research design was adopted in conducting this study, questionnaire was used for data collection in this research. The study reviewed that Finally, 50 (45.5%) of respondents feel supported by their institution regarding discrimination issues. This is supported by Zambrana et al. (2015), who found that healthcare workers who perceive institutional support report better psychological well-being and are more likely to remain in their roles, even in the face of systemic challenges. In conclusion, tackling discrimination in healthcare institutions such as the Federal Medical Center, Ebute Metta, is essential for promoting equity, professional integrity, and better health outcomes. Continuous efforts toward awareness, policy enforcement, and organizational change are imperative to ensure that all healthcare professionals operate in an environment free from bias and discrimination.