Ableism, ageism, and other biases in healthcare: The impact on young adult patients

Objectives: Young adult patients, particularly those with chronic and rare conditions, face unique challenges related to bias and discrimination when navigating the healthcare system. Making up a minority of individuals with chronic conditions, young adult patients can face micro- and macro aggressions from healthcare professionals related to their age or abilities. The consequences of these biases have a profound impact on the physical and mental health of young adults with chronic conditions. The purpose of this brief report is to present the findings of a multidisciplinary roundtable discussion on the impacts of bias in healthcare on young adult patients. Methods: In a roundtable hosted by the patient-led advocacy organization Generation Patient, medical professionals, researchers, and young adult patients came together to discuss how ableism, ageism, and other biases affect young adult patients and identify solutions for how the healthcare system can begin to address this pervasive issue. Results: This roundtable proceedings document outlines patient and healthcare professional perspectives on the consequences of ableism, ageism and other types of bias faced by young adult patients, including dismissal, misdiagnosis, and power imbalances in the clinician-patient relationship. Conclusion: In this roundtable discussion, participants shared their vision for a more just healthcare system for vulnerable patients, including but not limited to young adults. Practice implications: By bringing together the voices of key partners, this roundtable serves as a call to action for clinicians and the healthcare system to work together to reduce the root causes and subsequent implications of bias and discrimination in healthcare.