The Public Health Crisis We're NOT Talking About

4 Strategies to Practically Address Implicit Bias in Healthcare

It’s been four years since the brutal murder of George Flyod brought the harsh realities of racism to our television screens and newsfeeds, yet the racism that ended his life is still very present today. It’s not only present in our criminal justice system but also in our healthcare system. So much so that on March 6, 2024, a group of Senators introduced the resolution, S.Res.575, which declared racism a public health crisis. Further, it recognized how overt racism has been embedded in our medical science and medical training since the 18th century, contributing to disproportionate harm to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).

Perhaps what’s not talked about enough is that overt racism isn’t the only thing that harms the BIPOC population. In many ways, implicit bias is equally (and in unique ways more) harmful in healthcare settings. In case you’re new to me or the term, let’s clearly define implicit bias.

Implicit biases are unconscious stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions. 

Implicit bias is particularly insidious in healthcare because unconscious prejudices of healthcare providers can lead to unequal treatment and poorer health outcomes for BIPOC populations. Understanding and mitigating implicit bias is crucial for healthcare organizations committed to providing equitable care. Thus, this week's newsletter will explore the impacts of implicit bias on healthcare and practical strategies for addressing it within your organization.

How Implicit Bias Impacts Healthcare

Many healthcare providers are genuinely unaware of their biases because they are implicit. For this reason, they might find themselves engaging in differential treatment of patients based on factors such as race, gender, or socioeconomic status. Just because it’s unconscious doesn’t mean it is incredibly harmful. We know from the research that unconscious behavior can undermine the quality of care provided and further exacerbate health disparities.

That’s why part of our work at Enhance Black Women’s Health is equipping you with the knowledge and tools to identify implicit bias within your practice and implement strategies to combat it. Doing so will enhance your ability to provide empathetic, equitable care, foster trust, and improve patient health outcomes. However, we cannot do that without recognizing and addressing these biases to ensure all patients receive the high-quality care they deserve.

How to Practically Address Implicit Bias in Healthcare

As I’ve already mentioned, implicit bias is a subtle yet pervasive issue in healthcare. Here’s how to address it:

Strategies 1. Awareness and Education

I might sound like a broken record, but I will keep beating this same old drum. The first strategy in mitigating implicit bias is recognizing that it exists. As I’ve mentioned in previous newsletters, some congressional leaders are trying to ensure we don’t discuss implicit bias in healthcare. We must fight back with training programs and workshops to help healthcare professionals become aware of their biases. By understanding its impact on patient care, we know that providers will be more likely to take proactive steps to mitigate it. 

Strategy 2. Standardized Protocols

We all know about the positive impact of standards of care. By implementing standardized treatment protocols, we can reduce the influence of bias in clinical decision-making. By this, I mean that when we follow the same protocols for everyone, regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status, we can ensure the same level of care for all patients. In doing so, providers can ensure that they’re basing the care they provide on each patient's symptoms and medical history, not their race or ethnicity.

Strategy 3. Diverse Workforces

This might be an unpopular opinion, but we tend to trust those who share common traits with us. When working with communities you might not share common traits with, it’s essential that you promote diversity within your healthcare team. By doing this, you’re allowing patients the opportunity to see themselves represented by the healthcare staff. From a more practical level, having diversity within your workforce can help mitigate implicit bias. Diverse teams bring different perspectives and experiences, which can challenge and counteract unconscious biases.

Strategy 4. Patient Feedback

It should go without saying that feedback is a gift, even when it’s not the easiest thing to hear. We all have implicit bias, so we must encourage and actively seek patient feedback about their care experiences. This means being open to hearing where we fall short and where we excel. By highlighting the areas where bias may be affecting patient interactions and outcomes, we can improve the care we provide to patients. 

---

If you take nothing else away today, I want to ensure you know that addressing implicit bias requires commitment and continuous learning. Healthcare organizations can move towards more equitable and compassionate care by implementing these strategies. In doing so, we can dismantle these biases and improve health outcomes for all patients.

Join our free newsletter, The EBWH Community Newsletter, to stay updated on the latest healthcare equity and implicit bias training.

---

Featured Product

Fearing the Black Body: The Racial Origins of Fatphobia by Sabrina Strings

This enlightening book explores how racial and body biases have intertwined throughout history, contributing to contemporary issues in healthcare and beyond. Understanding these historical contexts can deepen our awareness of implicit bias and inspire us to create more inclusive practices.

Learn more here! 

(Note: While I earn a commission if you purchase using my link, I only recommend products that I use, love, and trust are a good option for you.)

Thanks for supporting our mission, and chat with you soon! 

Warm regards,

Tomesha 

Founder and CEO, Enhance Black Women’s Health