Targeting Unconscious Bias to Improve Patient Care

We all have biases. We all have times when our decision-making is impaired, even if we’re not aware of what we’re doing. In healthcare, the stakes are high when decisions are influenced unintentionally by pervasive negative stereotypes that can impact peoples' lives or livelihood. Research tells us that healthcare professionals’ biased perceptions adversely affect patient diagnosis and subsequent care, leading to poor outcomes. Additionally, leaders’ biases can act against employees’ access to enhanced work roles or career development opportunities. Reaching optimal patient health outcomes and employees' full potential will be illusive if the blind spot of unconscious bias remains unaddressed. In this webcast, you will learn: -the difference between unconscious bias and conscious bias -why biases occur and their negative effect on patients, employees, and healthcare organizations -research findings on healthcare disparities based on bias -strategies to mitigate risks on an individual and organizational level.