How Does Implicit Bias by Physicians Affect Patients’ Health Care?

Implicit bias has to do with the gap between our conscious beliefs and our nonconscious, or implicit, ones. The impact of implicit bias is often underestimated because it operates below awareness. This article addresses the impact of implicit bias and outlines ways to overcome it in support of more thoughtful, effective, action.

Part of the APA Monitor’s CE Corner article series.

New format: After reading the CE Corner article, you will be asked to complete a “Commitment-to-Change” (CTC) exercise. The CTC exercise is designed to help facilitate the translation of your learning into practice. Completion of the CTC is required prior to the completion of the CE Test based on the APA Monitor CE Corner article.

This product is not included in the APA Unlimited CE program.

New York state psychologists: This program is not currently in compliance with the unique requirements imposed by the New York State Board of Education for New York licensed psychologists CE.

• Discuss research that suggests some health care providers have implicit bias toward various patient groups.
• Discuss how certain combinations of physicians and patients lead to poorer interactions.
• Describe possible interventions to improve patient–physician interactions.

Tori DeAngelis