Posters
Presenting Author Academic/Professional Position
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 1)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 2)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 3)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 4)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 5)
Medical Student
Presentation Type
Poster
Discipline Track
Patient Care
Abstract Type
Research/Clinical
Abstract
Background: The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the impact of implicit bias training as a component of health system science education on increasing awareness of biases, improving self-efficacy, and promoting organizational change. While such interventions are promising, their effects on provider behavior and patient outcomes over time remain open.
Methods: Following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and the New England Journal of Medicine database. Studies were selected based on relevance to the research question, with eligible studies including Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), non-RCT trials, and observational studies published within the past five years. Search terms included “implicit bias training,” “health system science,” “bias mitigation in healthcare,” “cultural competence,” and “healthcare disparities.” Ten studies were identified and analyzed, focusing on key outcomes such as bias awareness, self-efficacy, institutional change, and scalability.
Results: The review revealed several important outcomes of implicit bias training within health system science education. A significant finding was the increase in bias awareness among healthcare providers, with online courses demonstrating effectiveness in enhancing awareness across various provider groups, regardless of baseline bias levels. Workshops that utilized tools like the Implicit Association Test (IAT) also showed notable improvements in bias awareness among medical students, with retention lasting up to one year. Regarding self-efficacy, train-the-trainer programs, such as the Bias Reduction Improvement Coaching (BRIC) initiative, emerged as highly effective in boosting participants’ confidence and commitment to recognizing and mitigating bias. Similarly, single-session seminars enhanced healthcare providers’ comfort and competence in addressing implicit bias during clinical interactions.
Institutional and cultural change was another critical outcome, particularly with long-term and multi-session programs. These initiatives fostered sustained departmental activities and created opportunities for broader institutional transformation. For instance, interventions like the BRIC program helped establish sustained bias reduction activities, while focus groups and open discussions facilitated meaningful conversations on implicit bias and structural racism. Practical scalability also emerged as a key component, with online interventions such as the Virtual Implicit Bias Reduction and Neutralization Training (VIBRANT) proving feasible and effective for mental health clinicians. Additionally, community-engaged training programs like the COmmuNity-engaged SimULation Training (CONSULT) trial integrated stakeholder feedback effectively, resulting in improved training design and greater acceptability. Though promising, direct evidence linking these interventions to improved patient outcomes remains limited, highlighting the need for further research to evaluate their long-term impact.
Conclusion: Implicit bias training enhances bias awareness and self-efficacy among healthcare providers. Longitudinal programs and community-engaged approaches are critical for fostering sustainable institutional and cultural transformation. Implicit bias training is essential to mitigate healthcare disparities and promote equity. Scalable, sustainable interventions hold the potential to transform healthcare practices. Future research should identify the most effective training components and evaluate their impact on patient-centered outcomes.
Recommended Citation
Harris, Chloe C.; Maddox, Meyer; Murambadoro, Anesu K.; Garcia Valdez, Kevin; Martin, Blake; Mourao, Nina; Patel, Tirath; Anand, Nikhilesh; Baker, Kelsey; and Gadad, Bharathi, "Breaking Bias: How Implicit Bias Training is Reshaping Healthcare Outcomes and Equity" (2025). Research Symposium. 49.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/somrs/2025/posters/49
Included in
Breaking Bias: How Implicit Bias Training is Reshaping Healthcare Outcomes and Equity
Background: The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the impact of implicit bias training as a component of health system science education on increasing awareness of biases, improving self-efficacy, and promoting organizational change. While such interventions are promising, their effects on provider behavior and patient outcomes over time remain open.
Methods: Following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and the New England Journal of Medicine database. Studies were selected based on relevance to the research question, with eligible studies including Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), non-RCT trials, and observational studies published within the past five years. Search terms included “implicit bias training,” “health system science,” “bias mitigation in healthcare,” “cultural competence,” and “healthcare disparities.” Ten studies were identified and analyzed, focusing on key outcomes such as bias awareness, self-efficacy, institutional change, and scalability.
Results: The review revealed several important outcomes of implicit bias training within health system science education. A significant finding was the increase in bias awareness among healthcare providers, with online courses demonstrating effectiveness in enhancing awareness across various provider groups, regardless of baseline bias levels. Workshops that utilized tools like the Implicit Association Test (IAT) also showed notable improvements in bias awareness among medical students, with retention lasting up to one year. Regarding self-efficacy, train-the-trainer programs, such as the Bias Reduction Improvement Coaching (BRIC) initiative, emerged as highly effective in boosting participants’ confidence and commitment to recognizing and mitigating bias. Similarly, single-session seminars enhanced healthcare providers’ comfort and competence in addressing implicit bias during clinical interactions.
Institutional and cultural change was another critical outcome, particularly with long-term and multi-session programs. These initiatives fostered sustained departmental activities and created opportunities for broader institutional transformation. For instance, interventions like the BRIC program helped establish sustained bias reduction activities, while focus groups and open discussions facilitated meaningful conversations on implicit bias and structural racism. Practical scalability also emerged as a key component, with online interventions such as the Virtual Implicit Bias Reduction and Neutralization Training (VIBRANT) proving feasible and effective for mental health clinicians. Additionally, community-engaged training programs like the COmmuNity-engaged SimULation Training (CONSULT) trial integrated stakeholder feedback effectively, resulting in improved training design and greater acceptability. Though promising, direct evidence linking these interventions to improved patient outcomes remains limited, highlighting the need for further research to evaluate their long-term impact.
Conclusion: Implicit bias training enhances bias awareness and self-efficacy among healthcare providers. Longitudinal programs and community-engaged approaches are critical for fostering sustainable institutional and cultural transformation. Implicit bias training is essential to mitigate healthcare disparities and promote equity. Scalable, sustainable interventions hold the potential to transform healthcare practices. Future research should identify the most effective training components and evaluate their impact on patient-centered outcomes.
