Addressing Healthcare Disparities in Pediatric Thoracic Transplantation: A Blueprint for Change

Outcomes in pediatric thoracic transplantation have significantly improved, yet stark inequities persist. Disparities arise from biases in the healthcare system toward racial, ethnic, or religious groups as well as LGBTQ+ patients and families. Furthermore, geographic and socioeconomic factors and other social determinants of health also play an important role in outcomes. While the impact of these disparities on pediatric transplant recipients has been previously reported, a comprehensive approach to address these root causes is lacking. This article reviews the existing literature on the origins and manifestations of healthcare disparities in pediatric thoracic transplantation. Building upon this analysis, we then propose a blueprint for change, outlining actionable strategies to address the identified causes of inequity and, ultimately, improve outcomes for all pediatric thoracic transplant patients.