IDEA Series: Ethnic and Racial Bias in Pulse Oximetry

In this installment of the IDEA series, Dr. David Wu discusses the epidemiologic evidence that the standard pulse oximeter is less accurate for persons of color, and the regulatory environment that has allowed this continued health inequity. He also shares his team's research on how protocols regarding pulse oximetry measurements have impacted the accessibility of COVID-19 therapy for persons of color.

This Department of Medicine Grand Rounds session will take place on Thursday, December 1, 2022 at 12:15 p.m. and has been approved for Ethics Credit.

Activity Information

How to Claim Credit

You may claim credit after watching this activity.

You will be redirected to the BCM DCPD credit management site when claiming credit and may be asked to register or log in.

Needs Statement

Faculty and trainees within the Department of Medicine who are involved in the care of patients need to receive regular updates on recent advances and guidelines in the field of internal medicine. Clinical scenarios will be used to review the current management of common medical conditions, including chronic pain and opioid abuse. Multidisciplinary sessions will be also used to educate learners about human trafficking and the role of physicians in identifying and assisting victims in the community. The overall aim of the series is to advance clinical knowledge, enhance the quality of patient care, and improve treatment outcomes.

Educational Objectives

At the conclusion of the session, the participants should be able to:

  • Discuss the history, development, and regulation of the pulse oximeter.
  • Review evidence for racial bias in pulse oximetry measurement.
  • Identify possible mechanisms for the existence of racial bias and how they can be addressed.
  • Describe the potential effects of bias in pulse oximetry measurement, with particular attention to recognition of severe COVID-19.

Target Audience

Professional Categories

  • Physicians
  • Medical Students
  • Fellows
  • Residents

Specialties

  • Internal Medicine

Interest Groups

  • Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
  • Ethics

Activity Evaluation

Evaluation by questionnaire will address program content, presentation, and possible bias.

Educational Methods

  • Lectures

Accreditation/Credit Designation

Baylor College of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Baylor College of Medicine designates this enduring material activity for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

This activity has been designated by Baylor College of Medicine for 1 credit of education in medical ethics and/or professional responsibility.

Activity Director

  1. Allison Heinen, D.O.

Term of Approval

December 1, 2022 through December 31, 2024. Original release date: December 1, 2022.

Disclosure Policy

Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education (CME) for physicians. BCM is committed to sponsoring CE activities that are scientifically based, accurate, current, and objectively presented.

In accordance with the ACCME Standards for Commercial Support, BCM has implemented a mechanism requiring everyone in a position to control the content of an educational activity (i.e., directors, planning committee members, faculty) to disclose any relevant financial relationships with commercial interests (drug/device companies) and manage/resolve any conflicts of interest prior to the activity. Individuals must disclose to participants the existence or non-existence of financial relationships at the time of the activity or within 24 months prior.

In addition, BCM has requested activity faculty/presenters to disclose to participants any unlabeled use or investigational use of pharmaceutical/device products; to use scientific or generic names (not trade names) in referring to products; and, if necessary to use a trade name, to use the names of similar products or those within a class. Faculty/presenters have also been requested to adhere to the ACCME's validation of clinical content statements.

BCM does not view the existence of financial relationships with commercial interests as implying bias or decreasing the value of a presentation. It is up to participants to determine whether the relationships influence the activity faculty with regard to exposition or conclusions. If at any time during this activity you feel that there has been commercial/promotional bias, notify the Activity Director or Activity Coordinator. Please answer the questions about balance and objectivity in the activity evaluation candidly.

All of the relevant financial relationships listed for these individuals have been mitigated.

Disclosures

The following individual(s) has/have reported financial or other relationship(s) with commercial entities whose products/services may relate to the educational content of this activity:

Presenter

  1. Tianshi David Wu, M.D., M.H.S.

    Tianshi David Wu, M.D., M.H.S.

    Assistant Professor, Investigator
    Baylor College of Medicine; Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness, and Safety

    Disclosure:

    Nothing to disclose.

Activity Director

  1. Allison Heinen, D.O.

    Allison Heinen, D.O.


    Disclosure:

    Nothing to disclose.

Planning Committee Members

  1. Galant Chan, M.D.

    Galant Chan, M.D.

    Assistant Professor
    Baylor College of Medicine

    Disclosure:

    Nothing to disclose.

  2. Richard J. Hamill, M.D.

    Richard J. Hamill, M.D.

    Professor
    Baylor College of Medicine

    Disclosure:
    • Advisory Committee Membership: Moderna TX, Inc. (Chair, Adjudication Committee)
  3. Kristen Lavere, M.D.

    Kristen Lavere, M.D.

    Internal Medicine Resident
    Baylor College of Medicine

    Disclosure:

    Nothing to disclose.

  4. Zaven Sargsayan, M.D.

    Zaven Sargsayan, M.D.

    Assistant Professor
    Baylor College of Medicine and Ben Taub Hospital

    Disclosure:

    Nothing to disclose.

  5. Stephanie Sherman, M.D.

    Stephanie Sherman, M.D.

    Assistant Professor
    Baylor College of Medicine

    Disclosure:

    Nothing to disclose.

Presenter:

Tianshi David Wu, M.D., M.H.S.

Tianshi David Wu, M.D., M.H.S.

Assistant Professor, Investigator Baylor College of Medicine; Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness, and Safety

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