Non-invasive Ventilation and the VM-2000: Improving the Versatility of an Affordable, Easy-to-Use Emergency Ventilator;The Struggle over Medical Bias in the United States

Author:
Joachim, Julia, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Virginia
Advisors:
Norton, Peter, EN-Engineering and Society, University of Virginia
Barker, Shannon, University of Virginia
Allen, Timothy, EN-Biomed Engr Dept, University of Virginia
Laub, Glenn, Ventis Medical
Abstract:

Successful healthcare depends not only on state-of-the-art care, but also on inclusive access to affordable care. Sociotechnical innovation can contribute to these ends. Biases pervade the US healthcare system, compromising care equity, quality, and access. This struggle can be alleviated by public awareness of these biases in medicine. Health professionals, medical societies, insurance companies, and health justice advocacies generally agree that biases disadvantage some groups in the US healthcare system. The responses, however, are divided. Mainstream health institutions typically favor incremental change, invoking scientific objectivity as the road to unbiased care. To social justice advocates and their allies, however, institutional science is in itself part of the problem. They demand fundamental, structural reforms to redress dangerous biases in healthcare.

Degree:
BS (Bachelor of Science)
Keywords:
medical bias, ventilator, access to medicine, healthcare equity, medical devices inherit bias, companies reactions, Non invasive ventilation
Notes:

School of Engineering and Applied Science
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering
Technical Advisor: Dr. Glenn Laub
STS Advisor: Dr. Peter Norton
Technical Team Members: Charlie Hepner, Emma Mitchell, Eamon McElhinney

Language:
English
Issued Date:
2023/05/12