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Novel Simulation Curriculum for Identifying and Evaluating Implicit Biases in OB/GYN Resident Trainees
Purpose: To develop a novel simulation curriculum for identification and debriefing of implicit biases in OBGYN residency trainees.
Background:In response to social injustice and systemic racism within medicine, many residency programs have integrated educational tools to address implicit biases. Given social barriers, health disparities, and complex obstetric issues many women encounter, more intentional education is needed to address trainees’ unconscious biases that impact the care they deliver to a diverse patient population.
Methods: The curriculum focuses diverse standardized patients (SPs) and clinical scenarios, highlighting both clinical and cultural competencies. The curriculum includes four counseling modules: ectopic pregnancy, early pregnancy loss, wrong-site surgery, and hysterectomy counseling. Trainees will participate in a single, focused standardized patient session while undergoing faculty observation. Using the PEARLS (Promoting Excellence And Reflective Learning in Simulation) model for debriefing, faculty and trainees can systematically reflect on their experiences. Faculty will undergo brief pre-session training for PEARLS techniques. Residents will complete pre- and immediate posttests to assess their understanding of different implicit biases and their potential impact on clinical encounters and outcomes.
Results: The curriculum will be developed and implemented in the 2023-2024 academic year. Residents will complete pre- and post-tests to assess knowledge acquisition and changes in biases’ perspective.
Discussion: Initial implementation of the curriculum will take place at home institution, utilizing pre- and post-test evaluations to make any necessary adaptations in the curriculum before widespread implementation through medical education portal.
Topics:
SES, 2023,
