Vicodin as a Treatment for Structural Violence

Citation:

Staus, R. & Hudspeth, J., 2019. Vicodin as a Treatment for Structural Violence, Harvard University: Social Medicine Consortium.

Abstract:

Elizabeth, a middle-aged African American woman living in Minnesota, develops chest pain and eventually presents to a local emergency room, where she is diagnosed with stress-related pain and given Vicodin. Members of a non-profit wellness center where she is also seen reflect on the connection between her acute chest pain and underlying stress related to her socioeconomic status. On a larger level, how much of her health is created or controlled by the healthcare system? What non-medical policy decisions impacted Elizabeth such that she is being treated with Vicodin for stress?

Notes:

Teaching note available for faculty/instructors.

Download free of charge

Teaching note: Available
Teaching note authors: Staus, Ruth; Hudspeth, James
Last updated on 05/24/2023