Module three: Experiences of bias

Summary

This module delves into the experiences of bias in healthcare, highlighting the importance of cultural sensitivity for Māori and Pacific communities. It underscores the significance of understanding equity versus equality, recognizing one's privilege, and the impact of implicit biases on patient care. Personal narratives reveal the need for clinicians to engage empathetically, pronounce names correctly, and value cultural nuances to foster trust and improve health outcomes.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The module emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing both implicit and explicit bias in healthcare to ensure culturally safe care for Māori and other minority groups.
• 🌐 Learning a few words in te reo Māori and understanding different worldviews can significantly contribute to providing culturally safe care.
• 🔑 It's crucial to recognize the difference between equity and equality in healthcare, acknowledging that not everyone starts from an equal position.
• 🤔 Clinicians should be aware of their own privileges and biases, as this awareness can improve the quality of care provided to all patients.
• 👩‍⚕️ Patients from minority cultures sometimes feel they receive inadequate care and may choose to only see doctors from their own cultural background for a sense of understanding and trust.
• 🕰️ Allocating more time to listen and engage with patients, especially those from Pacific cultures, can lead to better healthcare outcomes.
• 😃 A warm and compassionate approach during initial patient contact can significantly impact how patients perceive their care.
• 🗣️ Clinicians are encouraged to make an effort to pronounce patients' names correctly, as it shows respect and can enhance patient/provider relationships.
• 🧠 The script suggests techniques like focusing on breathing to manage biases, promoting a more mindful approach to patient care.
• 📚 The module is part of a series, and viewers are encouraged to explore additional resources for a deeper understanding of bias in healthcare.

Q & A

What is the focus of the third module in the series on understanding bias in healthcare?

The focus is on consumers' and clinicians' real-life experiences of bias, both implicit and explicit.

What does the journey to providing culturally safe care for Māori entail?

It involves using a small amount of te reo, understanding other people's worldviews, and the difference between equity and equality.

Why is it important for healthcare providers to understand their privilege?

Understanding one's privilege helps in providing equitable care to all patients, acknowledging that not everyone has the same advantages.

How does the speaker suggest healthcare providers can improve their connection with patients?

By being aware of their biases and understanding that they may have different worldviews from their patients.

What is the impact of bias on the patient's experience, as described by the speaker?

Bias can lead to different treatment, as the speaker felt they were treated differently due to not being pākehā, and received inadequate care and advice.

Why does the speaker choose to only visit Pacific doctors or clinicians?

The speaker feels more confident that Pacific doctors will take the time to listen and understand their condition and cultural background.

What is the significance of the clinic atmosphere described by the speaker?

The family-like atmosphere helps create a sense of belonging and trust, which is crucial for effective healthcare interactions.

What simple changes can Pākehā doctors make to better engage with Pacific patients?

They can give more time, show compassion, and ensure the initial contact is warm and engaging.

How does the speaker's name, Tonumaipe’a, reflect the challenges of cultural identity in healthcare?

The speaker's name was shortened to 'Pe’a', which means 'bat' in Samoan, altering its original meaning and sacredness, illustrating how cultural identity can be unintentionally diminished.

What recommendations does the speaker have for clinicians to improve their practice with Pacific patients?

Clinicians should make an effort to pronounce names correctly, learn Pacific vowels, and ask questions to understand the patient's values and priorities.

What is the final advice given to healthcare providers to help them combat bias?

To focus on their breathing, exhale bias, and inhale mindfulness, suggesting a moment of reflection and intention to approach patients without bias.