Abstract 9313: Clinician Training, Implicit Bias, and Self-Efficacy in Treating African American Patients: A Substudy of the HYpertension and VALUEs Trial

• Published in: Circulation (New York, N.Y.) N.Y.), 2021-11, Vol.144 (Suppl_1), p.A9313-A9313
• Main Authors: Pham, Vy A, Blair, Irene, Helmkamp, Laura, Maertens, Julie A, Hanratty, Rebecca, Vupputuri, Suma, Steiner, John, Havranek, Edward P, Dickinson, Miriam L, Daugherty, Stacie L
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0009-7322; 1524-4539
• DOI: 10.1161/circ.144.suppl_1.9313

BackgroundImplicit bias among clinicians is believed to contribute to health disparities. Clinicians have racial biases comparable to others in society, leading to calls for trainings in cultural awareness. However, whether such trainings improve clinician self-efficacy or reduce bias is not well known. We assessed the relationships between prior cultural awareness training, perceived efficacy in caring for African American patients, and implicit race bias. MethodsAs part of a larger trial, a sample of primary care clinicians (PCPs) completed a race implicit association test (IAT) and survey regarding prior training in cultural awareness, and perceived efficacy in caring for African American patients (i.e., preparation to care for, and skill in developing positive relationships and overcoming bias). IAT d-scores measure racial implicit bias with scores >+0.15 indicating “pro-White” race bias, scores 0.05). IAT scores were similar between clinicians who had training in cultural awareness and those without prior training (Mean(SD)=0.32(0.47) vs. 0.42(0.35), p=0.32). ConclusionsIn this sample of PCPs, prior cultural awareness training was not associated with either implicit bias or preceived efficacy in caring for African American patients. This study suggests that cultural awareness trainings may need to be further developed and expanded to target implicit bias and improve clinician self-efficacy.