Sajid Javid Orders Review Of Medical Device Racial Bias

[naomi24]

//A review into whether medical devices are equally effective regardless of the patient's ethnicity has been ordered by Health Secretary Sajid Javid.

Research suggests oximeters, which are clipped to a person's finger, can overstate the level of oxygen in the blood of people from ethnic minorities.

Ministers want to know whether bias could have prevented patients receiving appropriate Covid treatment.

Mr Javid said any bias was "totally unacceptable". //

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-59363544

The word bias smacks of something quite deliberate which I'm certain isn't the case. Should Mr Javid et al choose their words more carefully? I think so.

[sp1814]

naomi24

The story that YOU posted is based on race because oximeters can overstate the level of oxygen in the blood of people from ethnic minorities.

This bias should be investigated in case it's true. If it turns out to be true, then heath care providers and patients should be provided with data that can help them make informed decisions.

Really - what's the issue with this?

Are you seriously telling everyone you have a problem with a word inbox Javid's statement?

Don't you think the meat of the story deserves attention?

[anneasquith]

10.56pm. Read and learn @ rowanwitch .

[naomi24]

If it’s failing some people i think it deserves every attention - and urgently.

And yes, I do have a problem with Javid’s terminology - hence the thread.

[pixie374]

He used the right terminology. He didn't say "prejudice" because he didn't mean that. Any misinterpretation is not his fault.

[naomi24]

Look up ‘bias’.

[sp1814]

naomi24

You may be right there.

I'm assuming that most people reading the statement would understand that in this context, Javid is referring to the biased readings that oximeters might produce based on the ethnicity of the patient.

...and then there are others who for whatever reason, would not.

[pixie374]

I don't need to. You've heard of unconscious and semi-conscious bias. This is the latter. Not deliberate. But still there.

[naomi24]

Precisely SP.

[Mamyalynne]

Peter posted two links @ 17.55 - one from the BMJ and one from the NEMJ, both use the word.

In my opinion correctly in this case.

[pixie374]

Totally.

[naomi24]

Mamyalynne, my problem with the use of the word is that those who may feel they’re being treated less than equal aren’t likely to be regular subscribers to the BMJ and the NEMJ…. but if you’re happy with Javid potentially upsetting people I don’t know why I’m concerned. It must be ok. Happy days. I can sleep soundly now. Night night.

[Mamyalynne]

Night Naomi.

[tomus42]

What's your worry? If results indicate that the device may not be functioning correctly, then surely an investigation is appropriate.

[naomi24]

Not just appropriate, Tomas. Imperative!

Why am I among the few concerned that this wording has the potential to upset ethnic minorities? A sad indictment on our society. Ahhh well …such is life.

[albaqwerty]

I'm a great believer that ''them in charge'' should use the correct words, in this case I don't think he meant bias to equate to prejudice.

In this machines case (and there are others, facial recog I think) gives differing info on different colourings, amongst other factors, possibly because when they are first invented/made they are not tested on a diverse enough number of skin-colourings.

[sanmac]

I imagine that you could also claim that the development and marketing of sun-tanning creams are biased because of the fact that they are not really efficacious for some minorities.

[tonyav]

efficacious

WOW, what a great word that is, sanmac. Haven't heard that word used since The Scaffold and that record they did 'Lilly The Pink'.

[jno]

bias doesn't mean the same as prejudice. Bowling balls have bias (naturally, I would always use one with a left bias...) but they don't have prejudice. Only people can be prejudiced; inanimate things can have bias, and that includes oximeters.

[1ozzy]

What terminology should Sajid Javid have used Naomi?
You haven't offered an alternative.
Please enlighten all those that disagree.

[sp1814]

I think a consensus is forming here. The original poster on one side who has inferred something from Javid's statement...and everyone else (seemingly without an agenda to pursue).

Will check out this thread later to see who else agrees with this weak contention.