On the Importance of Language in Reports Discussing Racial Inequities

Abstract

Analgesic effect of intraoperative intravenous S-ketamine in opioid-naïve patients after major lumbar fusion surgery is temporary and not dose-dependent: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

In Response

“…4 Relatedly, the authors indicated that our conclusion that “race appears to be an important determinant of failure to rescue (FTR) following unplanned reoperation” could be misconstrued as perpetuating the myth of race as a cause of biological differences. 2 Our group will be the last to disagree with the well-worn axiom that “race is a social construct and not a scientific classification.” The scientific message of our study was to highlight the increased mortality risk experienced by Black and/or African American children following unplanned return to the operating room when compared to white children. We hope we attained our goal of spotlighting inequities in the rescue rates of children requiring unplanned reoperation.…”

“…By contrast, the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program -Pediatric (NSQIP-P) dataset studied by the authors uses the designation "Black or African American." 2 We suggest this designation should have been used throughout the text. Moreover, although the term "African American" is commonly used in the scientific and lay press, the term "Black" is considered more appropriate in most contexts.…”

“…The authors pointed out that the terms “Black or African American” should have been used throughout our article and that the term “Black” is considered more appropriate. 2 We contend that “African American” is not an expired term and there has been no consensus in the scientific literature as to the definition of race and/or ethnicity. 3 We agree with the AUA leadership that the terminology used to describe racial and ethnic cohorts is often inconsistent and imprecise.…”