As healthcare professionals, the thoughts, feelings, and attitudes that we unconsciously have about our patients can negatively impact their health outcomes. Implicit bias refers to the “attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions in an unconscious manner” (Kirwan Institute, 2020).

Recent systematic reviews related to implicit bias in health care providers has uncovered negative implicit bias towards older adults, people of color, people with disabilities, psychiatric patients, patients who are obese, people of low socioeconomic status, and women. These implicit biases result in adverse health outcomes related to treatment recommendations, pain management, empathy, and poorer communication as well as poorer patient–provider interactions, patient treatment decisions, and treatment adherence. These poorer health outcomes result in health disparities or health differences.

The purpose of this integrative review was to summarize the evidence related to implicit bias and the various educational methodologies that are used to manage and diminish bias.

Methods:

We used the five-stage framework for conducting an integrative literature review proposed by Whittemore and Knafl. Thirty-three studies were identified and critically analyzed.

Results:

The results of this review reveal that real-world case studies, small and large group discussions, theater performance, interactive activities, and virtual reality are effective educational interventions at reducing implicit bias.

Conclusion:

Educational opportunities that challenge health care professionals to explore their implicit bias towards others is warranted in order provide high quality care that considers diversity, equity, and inclusion and limits health disparities.