13 Evidence-Based Implicit Bias Implications for Physicians and Healthcare Professionals: Summary
Disparities in Access to and Delivery of Health Care Services The Department of Health and Human Services intends to directly address this inequality in the next four years. The first of the five stated goals are to “Protect and Strengthen Equitable Access to High Quality and Affordable Healthcare”. As part of this goal, one strategic objective specifies an intent to “expand equitable access to comprehensive, community-based, innovative, and culturally- competent healthcare services while addressing social determinants of health.” An increase in healthcare facilities, a more diverse healthcare workforce and collaboration with cultural and community services can all contribute to improvements in access disparities. Chin et al provided specific suggestions for community involvement through school-based care, household outreach, and religious based care delivery.
Accelerating Implicit Bias Several factors can accelerate implicit bias or make it more likely to be a significant influence: 1. Time constraints (e.g., limited time to be with a patient) 2. Complexity (e.g., multitasking or needing to consider multiple factors quickly) 3. Physical constraints (e.g., working long hours) 4. Poor focus on task 5. Ambiguity Conclusion The history of race and racism in America is central to the development of racial implicit bias across various sectors of our society and is a major contributor to racial healthcare inequities. However, we must not lose sight of the intersection of implicit bias and gender, sexual orientation, weight, race, and other individual and group characteristics. Our patients bring their unique physical condition, their intersectional identity, and, in many cases, significant time, living within the ingrained structures, attitudes, and beliefs of this nation. It’s our responsibility to not only engage what we are consciously aware of but also work to uncover personal and organizational biases that impede our movement towards a healthcare environment and society of true equity and the highest quality care.
ACCESS THE FULL ONLINE PRESENTATION
Scan the QR CODE to start online presentation or visit https://uqr.to/bias
Powered by FlippingBook