Expose, explore and promote equitable care through patient simulation
Whether it’s a young African-American mother who isn’t given proper pain medication or an older adult who isn’t provided with potential outcomes, we must acknowledge implicit bias can alter care. Modern Healthcare Custom Media hosted a discussion on how healthcare professionals can learn to acknowledge and alter preconceived notions about patients and their ensuing treatments. To access the full webinar, visit: www.modernhealthcare.com/PatientSimulationWebinar.
Implicit bias impacts patients 1
Given the various individual perspectives that are prevalent in a medical setting, it’s impossible for every member of the healthcare team to approach each patient with a nonjudgmental eye and a clear-slate approach. Our observations—through friends, family members, social media, entertainment options, education and more—run through the many filters we’ve accepted as norms over the years. It’s difficult, if not impossible, to not see some of those assumptions come through when we view patients.
There’s a difference 2 between assuming a trait and acting on that trait
Since it’s nearly impossible to shut our inner-voices and assumptions off each time we see a new patient, we must actively approach each patient with an open mind and an undetermined set of expectations. For example, something as simple as a certain culture’s reluctance to leave care decisions solely to the patient can have a huge impact on selecting a productive course of care. Fighting off acknowledgement of patient traits, stereotypes and assumptions may seem like a difficult process. But over time and by building self-awareness, turning off those assumptions can become intuitive and second-nature.
Systemic biases can also 3 impact treatment
Poor patient outcomes resulting from certain biases has made national headlines. Although medical schools have come a long way when teaching about bias and assumptions—and the inherent dangers of giving into perceptions—there is no doubt that the education of a doctor, nurse or other member of a medical team can draw on their previous studies and teachers when creating biases toward others. Often, a patient’s economic realities, lack of communication and a general distrust of the medical community can also create unrealistic barriers to effective treatment.
It’s possible to alter methods 4 and modes of delivery to provide essential treatment
Treatment affects outcomes, but assigned treatment plans are only as effective as their intended use and how treatment plans are carried out on behalf of the patient. If we are able to stave off early preconceptions about a patient while acknowledging fears and concerns—hopefully as a result of diagnosis and discussion—we will be able to move past what we’ve initially associated with patients and instead focus on their actual realities.
Simulation of potential 5 issues can provide healthcare providers with a proactive edge when dealing with patients
By communicating with patients, their family members and each other, a medical team can help adjust treatment plans if they ask the right questions and respond appropriately to the answers. In a simulated environment, practitioners can interact with each other to discuss strategies, potential outcomes and more—all before meeting with the patient or family members to discuss treatment.