Reducing racial bias among health care providers

Stereotyping or the “process by which people use social categories (e.g. race, sex) in acquiring, processing, and recalling information about others” is used to organize and simplify complex situations and give “greater confidence in their ability to understand”, predict, and potentially control situations and people. These cognitive shortcuts can exert powerful effects on thinking and actions at an implicit, unconscious level; influence how information is processed and recalled; and patients’ adherence to treatment, communication and behavior may be affected by providers’ overt or subtle attitudes and behaviors. Even well-intentioned providers who are motivated to be non-prejudiced may stereotype racial/ethnic minority members, particularly under time pressure, fatigue, and information overload conditions that diminish cognitive capacity. These conditions are frequently found in health care settings. There is some evidence of the efficacy of minimal interventions in reducing stereotyping and discrimination. Other research has shown that people who are made aware of the influence of their stereotypes can be motivated to mentally “correct” their initial biased responses. This evidence shows the promise of critical reflection for addressing unconscious bias. Programs that can provide a nonthreatening environment in which to practice new skills and the need to avoid making providers ashamed of having racial, ethnic, or cultural stereotypes are needed. Dr. Burgess will draw on the research in racial healthcare disparities, stigma, social cognition, and communicating about healthcare disparities to address how to reduce racial bias among health care providers.