Measuring racial bias in inpatient treatment.

In a retrospective chart audit of 66 black and 36 white male schizophrenic inpatients, the authors found that black patients spent less time in the hospital, obtained a lower privilege level, were given more p.r.n. medications, and were less likely to receive recreation therapy and occupational therapy. Seclusion and restraints were more likely to be used with black patients. The authors ruled out the possibility of more severe pathology in the black patients by global rating of an additional 15 white and 15 black patients. Concluding that there was racial bias, they attribute it to subtle stereotyping and the staff's greater familiarity with white patients; they suggest increased recruitment of black professionals and the inclusion of blacks in each treatment team.