(208) From Bystanders to Upstanders: A Multi-Institutional Implicit Bias Workshop Series

Introduction: Implicit bias influences clinical decision-making in healthcare delivery. Managing bias is an important aspect of professional development and impacts patient care. This study aims to describe the impact of a novel, interactive, multi-institutional educational workshop defining implicit bias and introducing strategies to combat bias.

Methods: A simulation-enhanced, scenario-based educational workshop was implemented at five otolaryngology residency programs in 2023. A 19-question electronic survey was administered before and after the workshop. Demographic data, familiarity with implicit bias, and preparedness in responding to it were collected using a 5-point Likert scale. Pre- and post-survey data were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed rank tests.

Results: Seventy-four participants (54% female) from five institutions participated in this experience. Results revealed a self-assessed increase in overall familiarity with implicit bias across gender and residency program, with median ratings increasing from 4 to 4.5 (p < 0.001) except among attendings (baseline median rating of 5/5). Participants reported an enhanced sense of preparedness to address implicit bias across all stratifications by gender, training level, and residency program, with an overall median increase from 3 to 4 (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Participants in this implicit bias workshop demonstrated increased familiarity with implicit bias and improved readiness to respond to it. The workshop facilitated important discussions and shed light on uncomfortable situations, emphasizing the value of ongoing work to target implicit bias in healthcare.