WHEP Scholar Nadirah Waites
Drexel University College of Medicine, Class of 2023

Implicit bias (IB) is defined as unconscious perceptions or attitudes possessed by an individual. These biases disproportionately impact minority populations, especially within health care. Research shows that health care providers with a higher incidence of IB have poorer patient communication and lower patient satisfaction. This causes a disproportionate amount of minority patients to feel disconnected from their providers and less willing to return for future care.

Physician IB especially plays a role in patient’s pain management. Studies found doctors are twice as likely to underestimate Black patient’s pain compared to all other ethnicities combined. In comparison to their white counterparts, Black patients are more likely to receive lower doses of analgesics, despite higher pain scores, and suffer a higher incidence of maternal mortality. Children are not exempt from these health care disparities as research has shown Black children are less likely to have pain associated with appendicitis adequately addressed.

Although the complete elimination of IB may not be feasible, it is important to ensure physicians are made aware of their own preconceived notions as they have an immense impact on patient wellbeing. Discussing IB amongst health care professionals is a crucial step toward ensuring patients receive equitable treatment unaffected by race, gender, socioeconomic status, or other triggers of implicit biases.

View Nadirah's Research Poster