Unmasking disparities: the challenge of diversity, equity, and inclusion in Press Ganey surveys.

Data on minority group physicians from diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds is sparse and not reported by PG metrics at the national level. While PG metrics typically concentrate on the individual, patterns and trends are clearly discernible at the group level and comparison of groups to capture patterns may yield results hitherto unknown. One could even envisage using AI to capture any trends, differences, and comparative figures to build databases for the future.

VAERS-reported new-onset seizures following use of COVID-19 vaccinations as compared to influenza vaccinations.

The incidence of new-onset seizures, which we defined as de novo seizures occurring within 4 weeks of receiving any of the US Food and Drug Administration-approved COVID-19 vaccinations as reported in patient-reported data compiled in the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System Data (CDC VAERS), has not been explored. The VAERS database contains de-identified patient-reported adverse events following vaccination and represents post-marketing surveillance and analysis of vaccine safety. After adjusting for time at risk, this resulted in estimated incidence rates of 3.

Pivotal clinical trial enrollment of Blacks in multiple sclerosis or neuromyelitis spectrum disorder: when will we achieve parity?

Patient enrollment in people of color among pivotal trials for multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis spectrum disorder (NMOSD) continues to be dismal. It is disappointing that no clinical trial sponsored by a pharmaceutical industry or otherwise, investigating any of the disease-modifying drugs, has tackled this glaring inequity head on. The disease characteristics and phenotype of MS or NMOSD among Blacks and Hispanics are typically aggressive and for this reason alone, if not for any other metric, there needs to a radical shift in allotment of funds devoted to promoting drug research in minority populations.

Vitamin D deficiency in multiple sclerosis: Should testing and treatment be based on racial background?

Maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D may have a protective effect and lower the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS). For patients with MS, maintaining an adequate level of vitamin D level is probably associated with lessening of the frequency and severity of their symptoms. However, what remains unclear is whether if this is true across all racial/ethnic backgrounds.