Purpose: During 2020-2021, OB/GYN attending and resident physicians developed and implemented an anti-racism curriculum for resident didactics to help residents identify and address the effects of structural racism and biases to better serve their patients. An IRB-approved survey-based study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of this curriculum.
Background: Racial and ethnic inequities within OB/GYN include maternal morbidity and mortality, preterm birth, obstetric anal sphincter injury, gynecologic cancer-related mortality, preventative screening, and contraceptive counseling. There is no pre-existing data evaluating the impact of an OB/GYN specific anti-racism curriculum for residents.
Methods: Six lectures were presented on the following topics: history of racism in OB/GYN, implicit bias, health care advocacy, inequities in maternal mortality, care for patients with limited English proficiency, and white privilege in healthcare. A pre-intervention self-assessment of clinical practice and knowledge was conducted prior to curriculum implementation. Additional surveys were given 6 weeks after each lecture to assess impact on resident practices.
Results: 16 of 17 eligible residents participated in the pre-intervention survey. Of the post-lecture survey resident responses (n= 33), 100% noted that s/he had thought about the previous lecture during patient care. 94% noted the lecture had changed their practice. Of those responses, 54% reported increased awareness of a patient’s racial/cultural background. 36% questioned their previous practice, 12% altered a clinical decision, and 15% counseled a patient differently.
Discussions: Anti-racism education for OB/GYN residents is one critical component of training physicians how to better understand and address structural inequities and provide care rooted in cultural humility.
Topics: CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, 2022, Student, Resident, Faculty, Clerkship Director, Clerkship Coordinator, Osteopathic Faculty, Residency Director, Residency Coordinator, Patient Care, Medical Knowledge, Interpersonal & Communication Skills, Practice-Based Learning & Improvement, GME, CME, UME, Lecture, Team-Based Learning,
Sierra Starr, MD, UMass Memorial Hospital; Smita Carroll, MD; Aashna Saini, MD; Michelle Marieni, MD; Luu Ireland, MD
