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Stanford Health Care

The Role of Unconscious Bias in Surgical Safety and Outcomes SURGICAL CLINICS OF NORTH AMERICA Santry, H. P., Wren, S. M. 2012; 92 (1): 137-?

Abstract

Racial, ethnic, and gender disparities in health outcomes are a major challenge for the US health care system. Although the causes of these disparities are multifactorial, unconscious bias on the part of health care providers plays a role. Unconscious bias occurs when subconscious prejudicial beliefs about stereotypical individual attributes result in an automatic and unconscious reaction and/or behavior based on those beliefs. This article reviews the evidence in support of unconscious bias and resultant disparate health outcomes. Although unconscious bias cannot be entirely eliminated, acknowledging it, encouraging empathy, and understanding patients' sociocultural context promotes just, equitable, and compassionate care to all patients.

View details for DOI 10.1016/j.suc.2011.11.006

View details for Web of Science ID 000301157800014

View details for PubMedID 22269267

View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3417145