Implicit bias in healthcare: clinical practice, research and decision making

Gopal, D. P., Chetty, U., O'Donnell, P., Gajria, C. and Blackadder-Weinstein, J. (2021) Implicit bias in healthcare: clinical practice, research and decision making. Future Healthcare Journal, 8(1), pp. 40-48. (doi: 10.7861/fhj.2020-0233)

[img] Text
238747.pdf - Published Version

262kB

Abstract

Bias is the evaluation of something or someone that can be positive or negative, and implicit or unconscious bias is when the person is unaware of their evaluation. This is particularly relevant to policymaking during the coronavirus pandemic and racial inequality highlighted during the support for the Black Lives Matter movement. A literature review was performed to define bias, identify the impact of bias on clinical practice and research as well as clinical decision making (cognitive bias). Bias training could bridge the gap from the lack of awareness of bias to the ability to recognise bias in others and within ourselves. However, there are no effective debiasing strategies. Awareness of implicit bias must not deflect from wider socio-economic, political and structural barriers as well ignore explicit bias such as prejudice.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Chetty, Dr Ula
Authors: Gopal, D. P., Chetty, U., O'Donnell, P., Gajria, C., and Blackadder-Weinstein, J.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
Journal Name:Future Healthcare Journal
Publisher:Royal College of Physicians
ISSN:2055-3323
ISSN (Online):2055-3331
Published Online:17 March 2021
Copyright Holders:Copyright © Royal College of Physicians 2021.
First Published:First published in Future Healthcare Journal 8(1):40-48
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record