SCCM Resource Library-Is My Pulse Oximeter Racist?

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The pulse oximeter, a commonly used medical device, is limited in its ability to care for all patients equally due to design bias. Bias in medical design can affect devices, algorithms, and prediction tools. In the case of the pulse oximeter, the bias is due to physical bias, where the physical principles of the device are biased against certain demographics. Specifically, the current widely used pulse oximeter does not work as well for patients with darkened skin tones, leading to occurrences of undetected hypoxemia in these patients. This racial bias in pulse oximetry has been known for decades, but little has been done to address it. Recent studies have shown that black patients have a higher frequency of undetected hypoxemia compared to white patients, leading to worse clinical outcomes. This issue has prompted calls for action from stakeholders such as legislators, healthcare organizations, and clinicians. It is essential for clinicians to be aware of the accuracy issues of pulse oximetry and use additional diagnostic tools to assess tissue oxygenation in patients.

Asset Subtitle

Cardiovascular, Professional Development and Education, Procedures, 2022

Asset Caption

This session will describe problems with some of the most commonly used monitors in the ICU: pulse oximeter, arterial line, and pulmonary artery catheter. Recent evidence showing racial bias in pulse oximeter accuracy will be discussed.

Meta Tag

Content Type Presentation

Knowledge Area Cardiovascular

Knowledge Area Procedures

Knowledge Area Professional Development and Education

Knowledge Level Intermediate

Knowledge Level Advanced

Membership Level Select

Tag Monitoring

Tag Pulse Oximetry

Tag Professional Development

Tag Diversity Equity and Inclusion DEI

Year 2022

Keywords

pulse oximeter

medical device

design bias

physical bias

undetected hypoxemia

racial bias

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