How is discrimination defined in a healthcare setting?

Discrimination in a healthcare setting is defined as treating people differently due to personal prejudices. This can manifest in various forms, such as biases based on race, gender, sexual orientation, age, or socioeconomic status, which can negatively impact patient care. When healthcare providers allow their personal beliefs or biases to influence how they treat patients, they may provide substandard care or overlook the specific needs of certain individuals or groups. This behavior undermines the fundamental principles of equity and justice in healthcare, which emphasize that every patient deserves to receive care that is respectful, appropriate, and consistent, irrespective of their background or circumstances.

Other options focus on either equality in treatment or specific factors affecting care; however, they do not address the issue of bias or prejudice that leads to discrimination. Recognizing and addressing discrimination is crucial in creating an inclusive healthcare environment where all patients can receive the high-quality care they deserve.