Implicit Racial Bias in Healthcare

When healthcare providers make negative race-based associations outside conscious awareness, it becomes destructive to the patient and the institution of medicine at large. Patients seek care to ease pain, discomfort, and management of their diseased state. Yet, treatments remain unfairly distributed based on race. Research shows a direct correlation between levels of unconscious bias with healthcare providers and the lower quality of care African Americans and People of Color receive. Substandard treatment based on race, whether intentional or not, can increase the risk of poor health outcomes provoked in an environment designed to reduce those same risks. This lecture will explore this research and how to best navigate these implicit racial biases for a more favorable health outcome for patients.

Following this presentation attendees will:

Understand social and historical influences of racial bias, and how racial bias influences treatment for pain management
Explore the correlations between racial bias in pain perception and how it contributes to poor patient outcomes
Learn available techniques to help diffuse implicit bias during the clinical encounter

Course PACE ID: 042523

Tawainna Houston (Moderator)

ND, MDiv

Dr. Tawainna Houston is a Naturopathic Physician, published author, and professional studies adjunct educator at National University of Health Sciences, where she lectures on cultural competency topics in medicine. Dr. Houston also operates a virtual consulting practice, Journey of Wellness Natural Medicine Center. She is a sought-after lecturer on topics regarding racism in medicine and holistic health, whereas she has been invited to present at medical conferences, organizations, churches, schools, and other health related events. Dr. Houston has also been featured on a variety of local Atlanta television and radio programs throughout the years. She holds a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from National University of Health Sciences, a Master of Divinity with a concentration in Pastoral Care & Counseling from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Howard University. Dr. Houston is passionate about providing service to others and accepts creative opportunities to express health advocacy.