AI Uncovers Bias Against Sickle Cell Patients in Medical Records

Study finds sickle cell patients twice as likely to have negative descriptors in clinician notes compared to other patients.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 7:00pm

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An extreme close-up X-ray image showing the intricate, ghostly structures of red blood cells in various stages of sickle cell disease, conceptually illustrating the medical challenges faced by those living with this chronic condition.An X-ray view exposes the hidden challenges faced by sickle cell patients, whose distorted blood cells can block vital circulation and trigger agonizing pain crises.Chicago Today

A new study from the University of Chicago Medicine used AI and natural language processing to analyze nearly 40,000 clinician notes, finding that sickle cell patients were more than twice as likely to have negative words like "aggressive," "nonadherent," and "noncompliant" in their records compared to Black patients without the disease. The researchers say this bias, fueled by the stigma around opioid use, leads to sickle cell patients receiving poorer care.

Why it matters

Sickle cell disease disproportionately affects Black Americans, and the study highlights how clinician bias and the stigma around opioid use can lead to marginalized patients being treated differently and having their pain dismissed. This can have serious consequences for their health outcomes.

The details

The study analyzed 18,326 adult patient records at the University of Chicago Medicine, looking for seven "negative" descriptors like "aggressive," "nonadherent," and "noncompliant." They found sickle cell patients had more than twice the odds of having these negative words in their records compared to Black patients without the disease. Sickle cell patients also had roughly the same odds of being negatively described as patients with opioid use disorder. The researchers say these biased descriptions can lead to doctors having less empathy and misremembering important medical details.

  • The study was published on April 13, 2026.
  • The University of Chicago Medicine has launched an anti-bias curriculum for its residents to address these issues.

The players

Dr. Monica Peek

A primary care physician and professor for health justice at the University of Chicago Medicine, and the senior author of the study.

Dr. Austin Wesevich

A hematology and oncology specialist at the University of Chicago Medicine, and the lead author of the study.

University of Chicago Medicine

The academic medical center where the study was conducted and the anti-bias curriculum was launched.

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What they’re saying

“Our goal was to try and isolate the effect of race, chronic illness and opioid use in order to understand how clinicians respond to each one and what that means for the care they deliver.”

— Dr. Monica Peek, Senior Author

“Part of the issue for Black patients — and many marginalized groups — is that many in this population have multiple social identities that may be stigmatized because of income, immigration status, gender or other factors. So when patients experience discrimination in health care, it is challenging to pinpoint what identity may be triggering the behavior.”

— Dr. Monica Peek, Senior Author

“Unfortunately, this contemporary media portrayal is all too relevant. Nationwide, patients with sickle cell disease are not receiving the same quality of care that other patients experience.”

— Dr. Austin Wesevich, Lead Author

“A patient with sickle cell disease who experiences daily pain and who happens to be Black and asking for opioid treatment deserves no less trust than any other patient.”

— Dr. Austin Wesevich, Lead Author

What’s next

The University of Chicago Medicine has launched an anti-bias curriculum for its residents to address these issues, using roleplay and data to show doctors how their words can impact patient care. The goal is to move doctors away from trying to measure pain through objective measures and toward a system of trust.

The takeaway

This study highlights the urgent need to address clinician bias and the stigma around opioid use, which is leading to marginalized patients like those with sickle cell disease receiving poorer care. By implementing anti-bias training and fostering a culture of trust, healthcare systems can work to ensure all patients receive the high-quality, equitable care they deserve.