The effect of an intervention to break the gender bias habit for faculty at one institution: a cluster randomized, controlled trial

Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction and COVID-19, when the Sick Get Sicker: Unmasking Racial and Ethnic Inequities During a Pandemic

Minoritized racial and ethnic groups have the highest incidence, prevalence, and hospitalization rate for heart failure. Despite improvement in medical therapies and overall survival, the morbidity and mortality of these groups remain elevated. The reasons for this disparity are multifactorial, including social determinant of health (SDOH) such as access to care, bias, and structural racism. These same factors contributed to higher rates of COVID-19 infection among minoritized racial and ethnic groups. In this review, we aim to explore the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and its interconnection between heart failure and SDOH. The pandemic presents a window of opportunity for achieving greater equity in the health care of all vulnerable populations.

Examining how a documentary film can serve as an intervention to shift attitudes and behaviours around sexism in STEM

"Picture a Scientist," a documentary featuring stories and research about bias in STEM, reached a large international audience. Yet, the extent to which this type of engaging media can impact gender bias remains unclear. In a unique collaboration between film creators and researchers, the current large-scale field studies explored whether "Picture a Scientist" functioned as an intervention and persuasive message targeting sexism in STEM. Study 1 found viewers who indicated more knowledge and stronger emotions, perspective-taking, and transportation after the film were more inspired to continue learning sexism in STEM and combating unfair treatment, suggesting the documentary engaged both classic and narrative persuasion processes. Employing a quasi-experimental design, Study 2 demonstrated that compared to those who had not watched the film (but intended to), participants who had viewed the film indicated higher awareness of gender bias, stronger intentions to address this bias, and participants in leadership reported stronger intentions to enact inclusive policies (for example, making it easier to report mistreatment). Our findings suggest that the use of this documentary may be a relatively low-cost and easily scalable online intervention, particularly when organizations lack resources for in-person workshops. These studies can help inform organizational trainings using this or similar documentaries.

Race and Sex Disparities Among Emergency Medicine Chief Residents

Importance

Physicians who belong to minoritized racial and ethnic groups remain underrepresented and underpromoted. Serving as a chief resident is an important position of leadership and prestige, and indicates a benchmark for future professional success. However, it is unknown if disparities in race and/or sex exist in the chief resident selection process.

Objective

To describe race, ethnicity, and sex of emergency medicine (EM) chief residents and determine the association of racial identity and the intersectionality of race and sex for selecting chief residents in US emergency medicine departments.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study analyzed data collected from the Association of American Medical Colleges and the Electronic Residency Application Service in the graduating classes of 2017 and 2018. Data were analyzed between December 2021 and January 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Relative risk (RR) of selection for chief residency for Black, Asian, and Hispanic EM residents in comparison with White counterparts.

Results

Among 3408 studied residents, 738 (21.7%) served as chief resident (2253 male [66.1%]; 451 Asian [13.2%], 144 Black [4.2%], 158 Hispanic [4.6%], 239 more than 1 race [7.0%], 46 other [1.3%], and 2370 White [69.5%]). Of chiefs, 81 (11.0%) identified as Asian, 17 (2.3%) as Black, and 26 (3.5%) Hispanic. Asian residents were 78% (95% CI, 63%-96%) as likely to be promoted to chief resident compared with White peers, and Black residents were 51% (95% CI, 32%-80%) as likely as White residents. In our fully adjusted model, racial differences remained significant for Black residents, who were half as likely as white residents to be selected for chief residency (adjusted risk ratio [aRR], 0.55; 95% CI, 0.36-0.82). Overall, White women were most likely to be selected for chief residency and 20% more likely to be selected than White men counterparts (aRR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.03-1.39). In comparison, women underrepresented in medicine (a category that included residents identified as Black, Hispanic, American Indian or Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander) were least likely to be selected for chief promotion, and 50% as likely to be selected for chief resident compared with White men (aRR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.06-0.66).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this 2024 nationally representative study of EM residents, chief promotion was lower among residents identifying as Asian or Black, and in particular, women underrepresented in medicine. This study's findings suggest further review of chief resident selection process by residency programs and accreditation bodies is needed to ensure workforce equity for promotion and opportunities for leadership.

Empowering behaviors to address race with kids (EmBARK): A racial socialization program for white families

We evaluated the EmBARK (Empowering Behaviors to Address Race with Kids) program, which we developed to help White parents in the US address race and racial biases with their White 5- to 7-year-old children. Parents (N = 73) completed EmBARK or control condition activities matched for time commitment and engagement with their child. We achieved remarkable compliance with EmBARK, with 95% of parents completing every program component. Parents also liked EmBARK, found EmBARK useful, and successfully implemented EmBARK activities with their children. Parents praised EmBARK's structured guidance for having conversations about race with their children. Parents in the EmBARK condition (vs. control) expressed more concern about, and self-efficacy to address, children's racial biases. This study lays groundwork for assessing the long-term impact of EmBARK on reducing children's racial biases. The findings provide hope that when given resources and guidance, White parents could become active agents in addressing children's racial biases.

Gender Disparity in Full Professor Rank Among Academic Physicians: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE

The gender gap in promotion in academic medicine is well established. However, few studies have reported gender differences in promotion adjusted for scholarly production and national or international reputation, namely, career duration, publications, grant funding, and leadership positions. The authors performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the differences between men and women in achieving benchmarks for promotion and analyze where such differences lie geographically and within specialties.

METHOD

A systematic search of Academic Search Premier, Business Source Complete, Cochrane Library, ERIC, GenderWatch, Google Scholar, Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted from inception to August 17, 2022. All studies that reported the number of male and female full professors on medical school faculty were included. The primary outcome was the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for promotion to full professor for women compared with men.

RESULTS

Two hundred forty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. The unadjusted OR for promotion to full professor for women was 0.38 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.36-0.41). Sixteen studies reported an AOR. The pooled AOR of promotion for women to full professor was 0.60 (95% CI, 0.46-0.77). The AOR for promotion to full professor was 0.55 (95% CI, 0.34-0.88) in surgery and 0.80 (95% CI, 0.57-1.11) in internal medicine. Statistical heterogeneity was high ( Q = 66.6, I2 = 79.4%, P < .001). On meta-regression, 77% of the heterogeneity was from studies outside the United States, where more disparity was reported (AOR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.22-0.38).

CONCLUSIONS

Most studies continued to find decreased promotion of women. Gender disparity was particularly notable in surgery and in studies from outside the United States. The results suggest that differences in promotion were due to differences in productivity and leadership and to gender bias.

Examining the Effects of Gender Transfer in Virtual Reality on Implicit Gender Bias

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of gender transfer in virtual reality on implicit gender bias.

BACKGROUND

Gender bias is a type of discrimination based on gender, which can lead to increased self-doubt and decreased self-esteem. Sexual harassment is a hostile form of gender bias that can cause anxiety, depression, and significant mental health issues. Virtual reality (VR) has been employed to help make people become aware of their biases and change their attitudes regarding gender, race, and age.

METHODS

Forty participants were embodied in avatars of different genders and experienced sexual harassment scenarios in VR. A gender Implicit Association Test (IAT) was administered before and after the experience.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant main effect of participant gender (F (1,36) = 10.67, p = .002, partial η2 = .23) on ΔIAT, where males and females reported a decrease (M = -.12, SD = .24) and an increase (M = .10, SD = .25) in IAT scores, respectively. A statistically significant two-way interaction between gender transfer and participant gender was revealed (F (1,36) = 6.32, p = .02, partial η2 = .15). There was a significant simple effect of gender transfer for male participants (F (1,36) = 8.70, p = .006, partial η2 = .19).

CONCLUSIONS

Implicit gender bias can be modified, at least temporarily, through embodiment in VR. Gender transfer through embodiment while encountering different sexual harassment scenarios helped reduce implicit gender bias. There was a tendency for individuals to increase bias for the gender of the avatar in which they embodied.

APPLICATIONS

The current research provided promising evidence that a virtual environment system may be used as a potential training tool to improve implicit gender bias.

Sports Medicine Patient Experience: Implicit Bias Mitigation and Communication Strategies

Unconscious bias, also known as implicit bias, is the principal contributor to the perpetuation of discrimination and is a robust determinant of people's decision-making. Unconscious bias occurs despite conscious nonprejudiced intentions and interferes with the actions of the reflective and conscious side. Education and self-awareness about implicit bias and its potentially harmful effects on judgment and behavior may lead individuals to pursue corrective action and follow implicit bias mitigation communication strategies. Team physicians must follow existing communication strategies and guidelines to mitigate unconscious bias and begin an evolution toward nonbiased judgment and decision-making to improve athlete care.

Gender distribution in surgical pathology journal publications and editorial boards

AIMS

To investigate trends in representation of women among authors and editorial boards of surgical pathology journals over the last two decades.Secondary aims: to identify barriers and potential solutions.

METHODS

The names and gender of first, middle, last authors and editorial board members were obtained from original articles from seven pathology journals from various geopolitical regions in 2002, 2011 and 2021. The proportion of women first, middle, last authors and editorial board members were compared over time.

RESULTS

1097 publications and 8012 individual authors were extracted. In 2002, 2011 and 2021, respectively, the percentage of women first authors were 28.3% (257 of 907), 31.9% (566 of 1773) and 41.1% (1421 of 3457); women middle authorship rates were 30.0% (159 of 530), 32.8% (375 of 1145) and 40.9% (1067 of 2609) and women last authors were 18.0% (34 of 188), 26.0% (82 of 315) and 36.0% (152 of 422). Women representation on editorial boards has increased (11.3%, 15.8%, 26.5%), but of the chief editors, there was only one woman in 2021, while all were men in 2002 and 2011.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this study is the first to document under-representation of women among authors and editorial boards of surgical pathology journals. While women representation has increased over time, predominance of men remains relative to workforce proportions. Our findings are comparable to those from other medical fields and prompt the need to investigate the underlying causes for this imbalance and implement strategies to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in academic surgical pathology.

Stereotype Threat and Gender Bias in Internal Medicine Residency: It is Still Hard to be in Charge

BACKGROUND

Despite similar numbers of women and men in internal medicine (IM) residency, women face unique challenges. Stereotype threat is hypothesized to contribute to underrepresentation of women in academic leadership, and exploring how it manifests in residency may provide insight into forces that perpetuate gender disparities.

OBJECTIVE

To quantify the prevalence of stereotype threat in IM residency and explore experiences contributing to that stereotype threat.

DESIGN

We used a mixed methods study design. First, we surveyed IM residents using the Stereotype Vulnerability Scale (SVS) to screen for stereotype threat. Second, we conducted focus groups with women who scored high on the SVS to understand experiences that led to stereotype threat.

PARTICIPANTS

The survey was sent to all IM residents at University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), in September-November 2019. Focus groups were conducted at UCSF in Spring 2020.

APPROACH

The survey included an adapted version of the SVS. For focus groups, we developed a focus group guide informed by literature on stereotype threat. We used a thematic approach to data analysis. The mixed methods design enabled us to draw metainferences by integrating the two data sources.

KEY RESULTS

Survey response rate was 61% (110/181). Women were significantly more likely than men to have a score indicating stereotype threat vulnerability (77% vs 0%, p < 0.001). Four themes from focus groups characterized women's experiences of gender bias and stereotype threat: gender norm tension, microaggressions and sexual harassment, authority questioned, and support and allyship.

CONCLUSIONS

Gender-based stereotype threat is highly prevalent among women IM residents. This phenomenon poses a threat to confidence and ability to execute patient care responsibilities, detracting from well-being and professional development. These findings indicate that, despite robust representation of women in IM training, further attention is needed to address gendered experiences and contributors to women's vulnerability to stereotype threat.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Operative Experience Among General Surgery Residents: A Multi-Institutional Study from the US ROPE Consortium

OBJECTIVE

To determine the relationship between race/ethnicity and case volume among graduating surgical residents.

BACKGROUND

Racial/ethnic minority individuals face barriers to entry and advancement in surgery; however, no large-scale investigations of the operative experience of racial/ethnic minority residents have been performed.

METHODS

A multi-institutional retrospective analysis of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education case logs of categorical general surgery residents at 20 programs in the US Resident OPerative Experience Consortium database was performed. All residents graduating between 2010 and 2020 were included. The total, surgeon chief, surgeon junior, and teaching assistant case volumes were compared between racial/ethnic groups.

RESULTS

The cohort included 1343 residents. There were 211 (15.7%) Asian, 65 (4.8%) Black, 73 (5.4%) Hispanic, 71 (5.3%) "Other" (Native American or Multiple Race), and 923 (68.7%) White residents. On adjusted analysis, Black residents performed 76 fewer total cases (95% CI, -109 to -43, P <0.001) and 69 fewer surgeon junior cases (-98 to -40, P <0.001) than White residents. Comparing adjusted total case volume by graduation year, both Black residents and White residents performed more cases over time; however, there was no difference in the rates of annual increase (10 versus 12 cases per year increase, respectively, P =0.769). Thus, differences in total case volume persisted over the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

In this multi-institutional study, Black residents graduated with lower case volume than non-minority residents throughout the previous decade. Reduced operative learning opportunities may negatively impact professional advancement. Systemic interventions are needed to promote equitable operative experience and positive culture change.

Women in Allergy and Immunology: The Future Is Female, Let Us Soar!

Despite increases in the number of female physicians in the past 50 years, women remain underrepresented in key areas of medicine, such as practice owners and partners, professional society leaders, principal investigators, full professors, chairs, and deans. Women are paid less, oftentimes for more work. Allergy and Immunology (AI), as a specialty, lacks substantial workforce research, but trends across specialties are consistent. We review what is currently known about women in AI and consider barriers to practice, advancement, and contribution. Through a new inquiry, we find that the challenges women in AI encounter can be summarized through 6 themes: work-life balance, professional advancement, salary equity, mentorship and sponsorship, bias, and sexual harassment and misconduct. Together, we must address these challenges head-on and provide an equitable environment for women in AI to thrive, especially those affected by intersectionality. To do so, we suggest targeted, tangible actions to promote opportunities, offer institutional support, and advance reporting and culture change outlets across AI settings.

Implicit or Unconscious Bias in Diabetes Care

"Implicit bias," also called "unconscious bias," refers to associations outside of conscious awareness that adversely affect one's perception of a person or group. Awareness of implicit bias has been increasing in the realm of diabetes care. Here, the authors highlight several types of unconscious bias on the part of clinicians and patients, including biases based on race, ethnicity, and obesity. They discuss how these biases can negatively affect patient-centered clinical interactions and diabetes care delivery, and they recommend implementation of evidence-based interventions and other health system policy approaches to reduce the potential impact of such biases in health care settings.

Historical narratives about the COVID-19 pandemic are motivationally biased

How people recall the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is likely to prove crucial in future societal debates on pandemic preparedness and appropriate political action. Beyond simple forgetting, previous research suggests that recall may be distorted by strong motivations and anchoring perceptions on the current situation1-6. Here, using 4 studies across 11 countries (total n = 10,776), we show that recall of perceived risk, trust in institutions and protective behaviours depended strongly on current evaluations. Although both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals were affected by this bias, people who identified strongly with their vaccination status-whether vaccinated or unvaccinated-tended to exhibit greater and, notably, opposite distortions of recall. Biased recall was not reduced by providing information about common recall errors or small monetary incentives for accurate recall, but was partially reduced by high incentives. Thus, it seems that motivation and identity influence the direction in which the recall of the past is distorted. Biased recall was further related to the evaluation of past political action and future behavioural intent, including adhering to regulations during a future pandemic or punishing politicians and scientists. Together, the findings indicate that historical narratives about the COVID-19 pandemic are motivationally biased, sustain societal polarization and affect preparation for future pandemics. Consequently, future measures must look beyond immediate public-health implications to the longer-term consequences for societal cohesion and trust.

Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction and COVID-19, when the Sick Get Sicker: Unmasking Racial and Ethnic Inequities During a Pandemic

Minoritized racial and ethnic groups have the highest incidence, prevalence, and hospitalization rate for heart failure. Despite improvement in medical therapies and overall survival, the morbidity and mortality of these groups remain elevated. The reasons for this disparity are multifactorial, including social determinant of health (SDOH) such as access to care, bias, and structural racism. These same factors contributed to higher rates of COVID-19 infection among minoritized racial and ethnic groups. In this review, we aim to explore the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and its interconnection between heart failure and SDOH. The pandemic presents a window of opportunity for achieving greater equity in the health care of all vulnerable populations.

His opportunity, her burden: A narrative critical review of why women decline academic opportunities

OBJECTIVES

This paper stems from a desire to deepen our own understanding of why women might 'say no' when allies and sponsors offer or create opportunities for advancement, leadership or recognition. The resulting disparity between representation by men and women in leadership positions, invited keynote speakers and publication counts in academic medicine is a stubborn and wicked problem that requires a synthesis of knowledge across multidisciplinary literature. Acknowledging the complexity of this topic, we selected a narrative critical review methodology to explore reasons why one man's opportunity might be a woman's burden in academic medicine.

METHODS

We engaged with an iterative process of identifying, reviewing and interpreting literature from Psychology (cognitive, industrial and educational), Sociology, Health Professions Education and Business, placing no restrictions on context or year of publication. Knowledge synthesis and interpretation were guided by our combined expertise, lived experience, consultations with experts outside the author team and these guiding questions: (1) Why might women have less time for career advancement opportunities? (2) Why do women have less time for research and leadership? (3) How are these disparities maintained?

RESULTS

Turning down an opportunity may be a symptom of a much larger issue. The power of social expectations, culture and gender stereotypes remains a resistant force against calls for action. Consequently, women disproportionately take on other tasks that are not as well recognised. This disparity is maintained through social consequences for breaking with firmly entrenched stereotypes.

CONCLUSIONS

Popular strategies like 'lean into opportunities', 'fake it till you make it' and 'overcome your imposter syndrome' suggest that women are standing in their own way. Critically, these axioms ignore powerful systemic barriers that shape these choices and opportunities. We offer strategies that allies, sponsors and peers can implement to offset the power of stereotypes.

Effect of a Workshop to Break the Bias Habit for Internal Medicine Faculty: A Multisite Cluster Randomized Controlled Study

PURPOSE

Recognition that cultural stereotypes can unintentionally perpetuate inequities throughout academic medicine has led to calls for "implicit bias training" without strong evidence to support these recommendations and some evidence of potential harm. The authors sought to determine the effectiveness of a single 3-hour workshop in helping department of medicine faculty overcome implicit stereotype-based bias and in improving the climate in the working environment.

METHOD

A multisite cluster randomized controlled study (October 2017 to April 2021) with clustering at the level of divisions within departments and participant-level analysis of survey responses involved 8,657 faculty in 204 divisions in 19 departments of medicine: 4,424 in the intervention group (1,526 attended a workshop) and 4,233 in the control group. Online surveys at baseline (3,764/8,657 = 43.48% response rate) and 3 months after the workshop (2,962/7,715 = 38.39% response rate) assessed bias awareness, bias-reducing intentional behavioral change, and perceptions of division climate.

RESULTS

At 3 months, faculty in the intervention vs control divisions showed greater increases in awareness of personal bias vulnerability ( b = 0.190 [95% CI, 0.031 to 0.349], P = .02), bias reduction self-efficacy ( b = 0.097 [95% CI, 0.010 to 0.184], P = .03), and taking action to reduce bias ( b = 0.113 [95% CI, 0.007 to 0.219], P = .04). The workshop had no effect on climate or burnout, but slightly increased perceptions of respectful division meetings ( b = 0.072 [95% CI, 0.0003 to 0.143], P = .049).

CONCLUSIONS

Results of this study should give confidence to those designing prodiversity interventions for faculty in academic medical centers that a single workshop which promotes awareness of stereotype-based implicit bias, explains and labels common bias concepts, and provides evidence-based strategies for participants to practice appears to have no harms and may have significant benefits in empowering faculty to break the bias habit.

Time for a Gut Check: A Qualitative Study of Proposed Interventions to Address Gender Inequality in Gastroenterology

Background

Gender inequalities persist in medicine, particularly in some speciality fields where fewer women are employed. Although previous research has suggested potential interventions to broadly address gender inequality in medicine, no research has focused on interventions in the field of gastroenterology. The purpose of this research was to engage women in the field of gastroenterology in Canada, to identify interventions with potential to be effective in addressing gender inequality.

Methods

A World Café was hosted in 2019 to discuss gender inequality and interventions in gastroenterology. Twelve women employed in the field of gastroenterology (i.e. physicians, nurses, research staff, and trainees) were purposively recruited and participated in the event. The discussion rounds were audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematic analyses was conducted using Braun and Clarke's principles.

Results

Three key themes identifying potential interventions to address gender inequality in gastroenterology were generated: (1) Education; (2) Addressing institutional structures and polices; and 3) Role modelling and mentorship. Participants indicated that interventions should target various stakeholders, including both women and men in gastroenterology, young girls, patients, and administrators.

Conclusion

Many of the interventions identified by participants correspond with existing research on interventions in general medicine, suggesting that institutional changes can be made for maximum effectiveness. Some novel interventions were also identified, including publicizing instances of gender parity and supporting interventions across the educational and professional lifecourse. Moving forward, institutions must assess their readiness for change and evaluate existing policies, programs, and practices for areas of improvement.

Challenges and Opportunities for Clinician Implicit Bias Training: Insights from Perinatal Care Stakeholders

Introduction

In an attempt to address health inequities, many U.S. states have considered or enacted legislation requiring antibias or implicit bias training (IBT) for health care providers. California's "Dignity in Pregnancy and Childbirth Act" requires that hospitals and alternative birthing centers provide IBT to perinatal clinicians with the goal of improving clinical outcomes for Black women and birthing people. However, there is as yet insufficient evidence to identify what IBT approaches, if any, achieve this goal. Engaging the experiences and insights of IBT stakeholders is a foundational step in informing nascent IBT policy, curricula, and implementation.

Methods

We conducted a multimethod community-based participatory research study with key stakeholders of California's IBT policy to identify key challenges and recommendations for effective clinician IBT. We used focus groups, in-depth interviews, combined inductive/deductive thematic analysis, and multiple techniques to promote rigor and validity. Participants were San Francisco Bay Area-based individuals who identified as Black or African American women with a recent hospital birth (n=20), and hospital-based perinatal clinicians (n=20).

Results

We identified numerous actionable challenges and recommendations regarding aspects of (1) state law; (2) IBT content and format; (3) health care facility IBT implementation; (4) health care facility environment; and (5) provider commitment and behaviors. Patient and clinician insights overlapped substantially. Many respondents felt IBT would improve outcomes only in combination with other antiracism interventions.

Health Equity Implications

These stakeholder insights offer policy-makers, health system leaders, and curriculum developers crucial guidance for the future development and implementation of clinician antibias interventions.

Harassment in the headache field: a global web-based cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND

Matters of workplace harassment are an important issue. This issue needs to be recognized and studied to prevent occurrences. These important sensitive areas of effective workplace management are increasingly gaining more interest. We aimed to identify the prevalence of workplace sexual, verbal and physical harassment among headache professionals.

METHODS

We adopted a cross‑sectional exploratory survey approach with quantitative design. The survey was distributed electronically among headache healthcare and research professionals globally through the International Headache Society (IHS).

RESULTS

Data were obtained from 579 respondents (55.3%; 320/579 women). A large percentage of respondents (46.6%; 270/579) had experienced harassment; specifically, 16.1% (93/578) reported sexual harassment, 40.4% (234/579) verbal harassment and 5.5% (32/579) physical harassment. Women were almost seven times more likely to experience sexual harassment compared to men (odds ratio = 6.8; 95% confidence interval = 3.5-13.2). Although women did also more frequently report other types of harassment, this was not statistically significant (odds ratio = 1.4; 95% confidence interval = 1.0-2.0).

CONCLUSIONS

Lifetime exposure to workplace harassment is prevalent among headache professionals, especially in women. The present study uncovers a widespread issue and calls for strategies to be implemented for building a healthy and safe workplace environment.

Joint British Societies' position statement on bullying, harassment and discrimination in cardiology

Inappropriate behaviour is an umbrella term including discrimination, harassment and bullying. This includes both actions and language and can affect any member of the cardiovascular workforce/team. Evidence has suggested that such behaviour is regularly experienced within UK cardiology departments, where inappropriate behaviour may represent longstanding cultural and practice issues within the unit. Inappropriate behaviour has negative effects on the workforce community as a whole, including impacts on recruitment and retention of staff and patient care. While only some members of the cardiology team may be directly impacted by inappropriate behaviour in individual departments, a wider group are significantly impacted as bystanders. As such, improving the culture and professional behaviours within UK cardiology departments is of paramount importance. As a negative workplace culture is felt to be a major driver of inappropriate behaviour, all members of the cardiovascular team have a role to play in ensuring a positive workplace culture is developed. Episodes of inappropriate behaviour should be challenged by cardiovascular team members. Informal feedback may be appropriate where 'one-off' episodes of inappropriate behaviour occur, but serious events or repeated behaviour should be escalated following formal human resources protocols.

Pilot test of a multicomponent implementation strategy for equity in advanced heart failure allocation

Advanced heart failure (AHF) therapy allocation is vulnerable to bias related to subjective assessments and poor group dynamics. Our objective was to determine whether an implementation strategy for AHF team members could feasibly contribute to organizational and culture change supporting equity in AHF allocation. Using a pretest-posttest design, the strategy included an 8-week multicomponent training on bias reduction, standardized numerical social assessments, and enhanced group dynamics at an AHF center. Evaluations of organizational and cultural changes included pretest-posttest AHF team member surveys, transcripts of AHF meetings to assess group dynamics using a standardized scoring system, and posttest interviews guided by a framework for implementing a complex strategy. Results were analyzed with qualitative descriptive methods and Brunner-Munzel tests for relative effect (RE, RE >0.5 signals posttest improvement). The majority of survey metrics revealed potential benefit with RE >0.5. REs were >0.5 for 5 of 6 group dynamics metrics. Themes for implementation included (1) promoting equitable distribution of scarce resources, (2) requiring a change in team members' time investment to correct bias and change the meeting structure, (3) slowing and then accelerating the allocation process, and (4) adaptable beyond AHF and reinforceable with semi-annual trainings. An implementation strategy for AHF equity demonstrated the feasibility for organizational and culture changes.

Sponsorship in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery: A Pathway to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Importance

Sponsorship, distinct from mentorship or coaching, involves advancing the careers of individuals by nominating them for roles, increasing the visibility of their work, or facilitating opportunities. Sponsorship can open doors and enhance diversity; however, achieving desirable outcomes requires equitable approaches to cultivating potential in sponsees and promoting their success. The evidence on equitable sponsorship practices has not been critically examined, and this special communication reviews the literature, highlighting best practices.

Observations

Sponsorship addresses an unmet need for supporting individuals who have historically been afforded fewer, less visible, or less effective opportunities for upward career mobility. Barriers to equitable sponsorship include the paucity of sponsors of underrepresented identity; smaller and underdeveloped networks among these sponsors; lack of transparent, intentional sponsorship processes; and structural inequities that are associated with recruitment, retention, and advancement of diverse individuals. Strategies to enhance equitable sponsorship are cross-functional, building on foundational principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion; patient safety and quality improvement; and insights from education and business. Equity, diversity, and inclusion principles inform training on implicit bias, cross-cultural communication, and intersectional mentoring. Practices inspired by patient safety and quality improvement emphasize continuously improving outreach to diverse candidates. Education and business insights emphasize minimizing cognitive errors, appreciating the bidirectional character of interactions, and ensuring that individuals are prepared for and supported in new roles. Collectively, these principles provide a framework for sponsorship. Persistent knowledge gaps are associated with timing, resources, and systems for sponsorship.

Conclusions and Relevance

The nascent literature on sponsorship is limited but draws on best practices from various disciplines and has potential to promote diversity within the profession. Strategies include developing systematic approaches, providing effective training, and supporting a culture of sponsorship. Future research is needed to define best practices for identifying sponsees, cultivating sponsors, tracking outcomes, and fostering longitudinal practices that are sustainable at local, regional, and national levels.

Gender composition predicts gender bias: A meta-reanalysis of hiring discrimination audit experiments

Since 1983, more than 70 employment audit experiments, carried out in more than 26 countries across five continents, have randomized the gender of fictitious applicants to measure the extent of hiring discrimination on the basis of gender. The results are mixed: Some studies find discrimination against men, and others find discrimination against women. We reconcile these heterogeneous findings through a "meta-reanalysis" of the average effects of being described as a woman (versus a man), conditional on occupation. We find a strongly positive gender gradient. In (relatively better paying) occupations dominated by men, the effect of being a woman is negative, while in the (relatively lower paying) occupations dominated by women, the effect is positive. In this way, heterogeneous employment discrimination on the basis of gender preserves status quo gender distributions and earnings gaps. These patterns hold among both minority and majority status applicants.

Exposure of medical students to sexism and sexual harassment and their association with mental health: a cross-sectional study at a Swiss medical school

OBJECTIVES

To assess the self-reported prevalence of sexism and sexual harassment at a Swiss medical school, and to investigate their association with mental health. Research hypotheses were an association between sexism/sexual harassment and poor mental health and a higher prevalence of sexism/sexual harassment in clinical rotations.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study as a part of ETMED-L project, an ongoing cohort study of interpersonal competences and mental health of medical students.

SETTING

Single-centre Swiss study using an online survey submitted to medical students.

PARTICIPANTS

From 2096 registered students, 1059 were respondents (50.52%). We excluded 26 participants (25 due to wrong answers to attention questions, and 1 who did not answer the sexism exposure question). The final sample (N=1033) included 720 women, 300 men and 13 non-binary people.

MEASURES

Prevalence of self-reported exposure to sexism/sexual harassment. Multivariate regression analyses of association between being targeted by sexism or sexual harassment and mental health (depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety, stress, burnout, substance use and recent mental health consultation). Regression models adjusted for gender, academic year, native language, parental education level, partnership and an extracurricular paid job.

RESULTS

Being targeted by sexism or sexual harassment was reported by 16% of participants with a majority of women (96%). The prevalence increased with clinical work. After adjusting for covariates, we found association between being targeted by sexism/harassment and risk of depression (OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.54 to 3.41, p<0.001), suicidal ideation (B coefficient (B) 0.37, p<0.001) and anxiety (B 3.69, p<0.001), as well as cynicism (B 1.46, p=0.001) and emotional exhaustion (B 0.94, p=0.044) components of burnout, substance use (B 6.51, p<0.001) and a recent mental health consultation (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.66, p=0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Sexism and sexual harassment, although less common than usually reported, are behaviours of concern in this medical school and are significantly associated with mental health.

Developing scientifically validated bias and diversity trainings that work: empowering agents of change to reduce bias, create inclusion, and promote equity

Purpose –

Research consistently shows that non-scientific bias, equity, and diversity trainings do not work, and often make bias and diversity problems worse. Despite these widespread failures, there is considerable reason for hope that effective, meaningful DEI efforts can be developed. One approach in particular, the bias habit-breaking training, has 15 years of experimental evidence demonstrating its widespread effectiveness and efficacy.

Design/methodology/approach –

This article discusses bias, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts from the author's perspective as a scientist-practitioner - the author draws primarily on the scientific literature, but also integrates insights from practical experiences working in DEI. The author provides a roadmap for adapting effective, evidence-based approaches from other disciplines (e.g. cognitive-behavioral therapy) into the DEI context and reviews evidence related to the bias habit-breaking training as one prominent demonstration of a scientifically-validated approach that effects lasting, meaningful improvements on DEI issues within both individuals and institutions.

Findings –

DEI trainings fail due to widespread adoption of the information deficit model, which is well-known as a highly ineffective approach. Empowerment-based approaches, in contrast, are highly promising for making meaningful, lasting changes in the DEI realm. Evidence indicates that the bias habit-breaking training is effective at empowering individuals as agents of change to reduce bias, create inclusion, and promote equity, both within themselves and the social contexts they inhabit.

Originality/value –

In contrast to the considerable despair and pessimism around DEI efforts, the present analysis provides hope and optimism, and an empirically-validated path forward, to develop and test DEI approaches that empower individuals as agents of change.

Critical Perspectives on Expanding Racial/Ethnic Diversity in the HIV Research Workforce: Comorbidities and Mentoring

HIV-related comorbidities in underrepresented minority populations are reframed to include the co-occurring problems of systemic and structural barriers, within the mentoring context as a buffer and as action-oriented. This framework is discussed to improve racial and ethnic minority diversity in the research workforce from the perspectives of HIV comorbidities and mentoring. An integrated and coordinated approach to HIV-related comorbidities and inequities may be helpful when combined with research on the social-structural contributions as drivers to diversify the research workforce. We emphasize how these key research issues (a) provide a platform for training and retraining a highly motivated, diverse workforce and (b) facilitate the empowerment of these trained individuals to conduct rigorous scientific research on social-structural factors to mitigate the effects of these comorbidities. We conclude that a diverse research workforce is necessary but insufficient for improving training-related outcomes or reducing comorbidity effects. Additional considerations are warranted that include systemic approaches and changes at the structural and institutional levels.

Group Dynamics and Allocation of Advanced Heart Failure Therapies-Heart Transplants and Ventricular Assist Devices-By Gender, Racial, and Ethnic Group

Background US regulatory framework for advanced heart failure therapies (AHFT), ventricular assist devices, and heart transplants, delegate eligibility decisions to multidisciplinary groups at the center level. The subjective nature of decision-making is at risk for racial, ethnic, and gender bias. We sought to determine how group dynamics impact allocation decision-making by patient gender, racial, and ethnic group. Methods and Results We performed a mixed-methods study among 4 AHFT centers. For ≈ 1 month, AHFT meetings were audio recorded. Meeting transcripts were evaluated for group function scores using de Groot Critically Reflective Diagnoses protocol (metrics: challenging groupthink, critical opinion sharing, openness to mistakes, asking/giving feedback, and experimentation; scoring: 1 to 4 [high to low quality]). The relationship between summed group function scores and AHFT allocation was assessed via hierarchical logistic regression with patients nested within meetings nested within centers, and interaction effects of group function score with gender and race, adjusting for patient age and comorbidities. Among 87 patients (24% women, 66% White race) evaluated for AHFT, 57% of women, 38% of men, 44% of White race, and 40% of patients of color were allocated to AHFT. The interaction between group function score and allocation by patient gender was statistically significant (P=0.035); as group function scores improved, the probability of AHFT allocation increased for women and decreased for men, a pattern that was similar irrespective of racial and ethnic groups. Conclusions Women evaluated for AHFT were more likely to receive AHFT when group decision-making processes were of higher quality. Further investigation is needed to promote routine high-quality group decision-making and reduce known disparities in AHFT allocation.

The Impact of Implicit-Bias-Oriented Diversity Training on Police Officers' Beliefs, Motivations, and Actions

U.S. police departments have attempted to address racial inequities in policing with diversity training. However, little research has evaluated whether these trainings are effective at changing officers' beliefs, motivations, and actions. To examine their efficacy, we tested a day-long implicit-bias-oriented diversity training designed to increase U.S. police officers' knowledge of biases, concerns about bias, and use of evidence-based strategies to mitigate bias (total N = 3,764). The training was immediately effective at increasing knowledge about bias, concerns about bias, and intentions to address bias, relative to baseline. However, the effects were fleeting. Although the training was linked to higher knowledge for at least 1 month, it was ineffective at durably increasing concerns or strategy use. These findings suggest that diversity trainings as they are currently practiced are unlikely to change police behavior. We conclude with theorizing about what organizations and training programs could do for greater impact.

Development of an instrument to measure awareness and mitigation of bias in maternal healthcare

BACKGROUND

Implicit bias among maternal healthcare professionals contributes to disrespectful care and racial and ethnic disparities in patient outcomes, and there is growing consensus that implicit bias training is a key component of birth equity initiatives. A requirement for implicit bias training for healthcare professionals has become more widespread, but the impact training has is largely unknown, in part, because of a lack of validated instruments. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a psychometrically valid instrument for use in the evaluation of implicit bias training.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to develop a valid and reliable instrument to assess implicit bias awareness and mitigation practices among maternal care professionals and that can be used to evaluate interventions aimed at mitigating such bias in clinical practice.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted an instrument development and validation study in 3 phases. In phase 1, item development, we generated a 43-item bank from literature and consultation and established content validity with subject matter experts. In phase 2, instrument development, we administered a revised set of 33 items to 307 nurses and midwives and conducted exploratory factor analysis to demonstrate construct validity and reliability. In phase 3, instrument evaluation, we confirmed the factor structure and compared the means of implicit bias training-exposed and -unexposed participants to further demonstrate construct validity with a representative state sample of 2096 maternal healthcare professionals (physicians, midwives, and nurses).

RESULTS

Based on phase 2 results, we retained 23 items for the Bias in Maternal Health Care scale, which showed high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha, 0.86). We identified 3 subscales, namely a 9-item Bias Awareness subscale (Cronbach's alpha, 0.86), a 7-item Bias Mitigation Practice subscale (Cronbach's alpha, 0.82), and a 7-item Bias Mitigation Self-Efficacy subscale (Cronbach's alpha, 0.81). Validation of the Bias Awareness and Bias Mitigation Practice subscales in phase 3 demonstrated the instrument's high reliability (Cronbach's alpha 0.86 and 0.83, respectively) and discriminating performance among maternal healthcare professionals.

CONCLUSION

We developed a reliable and valid instrument for measuring awareness and mitigation of bias among maternal healthcare professionals. It can be used to evaluate implicit bias training and other bias mitigation interventions in maternal healthcare settings.

[Feminization of urology and glass ceiling: Survey of women urologists in France]

INTRODUCTION

Urology has long remained the least feminized specialty. The objective of this study was to assess the demographic characteristics of female urologists and their feelings in terms of discrimination.

MATERIAL

The survey consisted of a questionnaire of 12 questions, sent by mailing to all female urologists, a first time in May 2016 (n=84), then a second time in January 2020 (n=98). The anonymized answers were analyzed and compared in order to assess the evolution over the last 4 years. The participation rate was 46.4% in 2016 (n=39 respondents) and 50% in 2020 (n=49 respondents).

RESULTS

The majority of women worked full time (73.5%), with a hospital (38.8%), liberal (46.9%) or mixed (14.3%) activity. Their main theme was women's urology (57.1%). In 2020, 59.2% of respondents had encountered difficulties related to their status as women during their career and 28.1% difficulties related to motherhood. Female urologists in private practice were significantly less concerned than their counterparts with hospital or mixed activity (43.5% versus 73.1%, P=0.035). Women felt that they were underrepresented in association committees at 95.9% (vs. 82.1% in 2016) and in university positions at 79.6% (vs. 89.7% in 2016). Finally, 91.8% were in favor of the creation of an association of women urologists (vs. 53.8% in 2016).

CONCLUSION

Women urologists may encounter difficulties related to their status as women during their professional career. Between 2016 and 2020, there is an increase in the feeling of under-representation within association committees and an increase in the need to federate.

NIVEAU DE PREUVE

III, étude rétrospective cas-témoins.

Gender Differences of Endowed Professorship in Obstetrics and Gynecology Departments at Top Academic Institutions

Background: Gender equity is a critical issue in academic medicine. Whether there is equitable access to the prestige and resources of endowed professorships merits evaluation. We investigated this question in obstetrics and gynecology, a field that focuses on the health of women and in which women are much better represented than other specialties of medicine. Materials and Methods: We compiled a list of the top 25 United States departments of obstetrics and gynecology and contacted department chairs (and used department websites) to obtain lists of faculty and their positions. Scopus, department websites, and National Institutes of Health (NIH) RePORTER were used to collect h-Index, number of publications and citations, graduation year, degrees, gender, and NIH-funding. We conducted a bivariate comparison of endowed professorship attainment by gender using a chi-square test and created a multiple variable regression model. Results: Of the 680 obstetrics and gynecology faculty across 23 departments that had endowed chairs, 64 out of 400 women (16%) and 66 out of 280 men (24%) held endowed chairs (p = 0.01). The multivariable model suggested no independent gender difference in attainment of an endowed chair after adjusting for covariates. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this study is the first to examine gender as a variable in endowed chair allocation in top obstetrics and gynecology academic departments. Our findings suggest a significant gender difference in the allocation of endowed chairs. That difference is driven by gender differences in academic rank, graduation year, publications, and funding. To promote the intraprofessional equity necessary to optimally advance women's health, further research and intervention are necessary.

Racial Inequities in Access to Ventricular Assist Device and Transplant Persist After Consideration for Preferences for Care: A Report From the REVIVAL Study

BACKGROUND

Racial disparities in access to advanced therapies for heart failure (HF) patients are well documented, although the reasons remain uncertain. We sought to determine the association of race on utilization of ventricular assist device (VAD) and transplant among patients with access to care at VAD centers and if patient preferences impact the effect.

METHODS

We performed an observational cohort study of ambulatory chronic systolic HF patients with high-risk features and no contraindication to VAD enrolled at 21 VAD centers and followed for 2 years in the REVIVAL study (Registry Evaluation of Vital Information for VADs in Ambulatory Life). We used competing events cause-specific proportional hazard methodology with multiple imputation for missing data. The primary outcomes were (1) VAD/transplant and (2) death. The exposures of interest included race (Black or White), additional demographics, captured social determinants of health, clinician-assessed HF severity, patient-reported quality of life, preference for VAD, and desire for therapies.

RESULTS

The study included 377 participants, of whom 100 (26.5%) identified as Black. VAD or transplant was performed in 11 (11%) Black and 62 (22%) White participants, although death occurred in 18 (18%) Black and 36 (13%) White participants. Black race was associated with reduced utilization of VAD and transplant (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.45 [95% CI, 0.23-0.85]) without an increase in death. Preferences for VAD or life-sustaining therapies were similar by race and did not explain racial disparities.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients receiving care by advanced HF cardiologists at VAD centers, there is less utilization of VAD and transplant for Black patients even after adjusting for HF severity, quality of life, and social determinants of health, despite similar care preferences. This residual inequity may be a consequence of structural racism and discrimination or provider bias impacting decision-making.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov; Unique identifier: NCT01369407.

Wondering If I'd Get There Quicker If I Was a Man: Factors Contributing to Delayed Academic Advancement of Women in Infectious Diseases

Background

Gender inequities in academic advancement persist in many specialties, including Infectious Diseases (ID). Prior studies of advancement disparities have been predominantly quantitative, utilizing large physician databases or surveys. We used qualitative methods to explore ID physicians' experiences and beliefs about causes and ways to mitigate gender inequities in advancement.

Methods

We conducted semistructured focus group discussions with academic ID physicians in the United States at IDWeek 2019 to explore perceived barriers and facilitators to academic advancement. Participants were assigned to focus groups based on their academic rank and gender. We analyzed focus group transcripts using content analysis to summarize emergent themes.

Results

We convened 3 women-only focus groups (1 for instructors/assistant professors, 1 for associate professors, and 1 for full professors) and 1 men-only focus group of full professors (total N = 50). Our analyses identified several major themes on barriers to equitable academic advancement, including (1) interpersonal and institutional gender bias, (2) difficulty balancing the demands of family life with work life, and (3) gender differences in negotiation strategies.

Conclusions

Barriers to gender equity in academic advancement are myriad and enduring and span the professional and personal lives of ID physicians. In addition to swift enactment of policy changes directed at critical issues such as ending workplace harassment and ensuring adequate parental leaves for birth and nonbirth parents, leaders in academic medicine must shine a bright light on biases within the system at large and within themselves to correct these disparities with the urgency required.

Gender Distribution of Authors of Evaluation Letters for Promotion at One Medical School

PURPOSE

Women remain underrepresented in key leadership positions and advanced ranks in academic medicine. This study examines the numbers of men and women letter writers for promotion candidates during a 5-year period across departments, tracks, ranks, and candidate gender.

METHOD

A descriptive study characterized the gender of evaluation letter writers for candidates for promotion to associate or full professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School between 2015 and 2020. Letter writer and candidate gender were characterized by self-identified pronouns in the faculty biography or dossier. Letter writer gender was described by candidate department, promotion track, rank, terminal degree, and gender.

RESULTS

Among 299 candidates for promotion, 172 (58%) were men and 127 (42%) were women; dossiers included 3,995 evaluation letters. Across all years, men wrote more letters than women (external letters, range, 69% in 2019-2020 to 75% in 2015-2016; internal letters, range, 67% in 2018-2019 to 77% in 2015-2016). Candidates in the family medicine and pediatrics departments had the highest percentages of letters written by women (44% and 40%, respectively). No differences were found in the number of women letter writers by candidate promotion track; however, differences were found by candidate rank (associate professor, 30%; full professor, 23%) and terminal degree (MD/DO, 25%; PhD, 33%; MD-PhD, 20%). Regardless of candidate gender, most evaluation letters were written by men. Women candidates had 15% to 20% more letters authored by women than men candidates (34%-40% vs 18%-23%).

CONCLUSIONS

The gender pattern of letter writers may reflect implicit biases regarding gender and perceived leadership status, expertise, and success. Adopting policies that promote or require gender diversity among letter writers for promotion candidates may provide an opportunity to encourage faculty to seek diverse networks and recognize the achievements of women faculty.

Exploring Bias in Scientific Peer Review: An ASCO Initiative

PURPOSE

To investigate implicit bias (IB) in the peer review process across ASCO and Conquer Cancer Foundation and to propose potential mitigation strategies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We, ASCO Working Group on Implicit Bias, selected four data sources: (1) literature search [(a) defining IB in peer review, (b) evidence of IB in peer review, and (c) strategies to mitigate IB]; (2) created and analyzed an ASCO database for sex, race, and institutional affiliation regarding peer review success; (3) constructed and conducted qualitative interviews of key stakeholders within the ASCO board, publications, and grants committee, on experience with IB within ASCO; and (4) constructed, delivered, and analyzed results of member survey on perception of IB within ASCO.

RESULTS

Historically uncommon, PubMed articles on IB in peer review subsequently increased exponentially in the past 2 decades. Qualitative interviews of ASCO key stakeholders reveal that system changes and IB training were priorities. The committee member survey reported that their peer review decisions could be affected by IB and that mitigating IB should be a priority. Most reported having never been trained on IB. Available data from ASCO database support stakeholder findings, suggesting that there exists a disproportionate representation of males and better-known institutions among both reviewer positions and awardees. Ethnicity/race data were insufficiently reported. Limited data on interventions/strategies to mitigate IB in the peer-reviewed literature suggest that there are feasible processes for grants, program committees, and journals.

CONCLUSION

Limited data reveal that the peer review process at ASCO is not exempt from IB and suggest association with sex and institutional affiliation. Working Group on Implicit Bias recommends three actions to mitigate IB within peer review: (1) create awareness and a culture of inclusivity, (2) create systems to reduce IB, and (3) collect data for ongoing analysis.

Brief online implicit bias education increases bias awareness among clinical teaching faculty

PROBLEM AND PURPOSE

Healthcare provider implicit bias influences the learning environment and patient care. Bias awareness is one of the key elements to be included in implicit bias education. Research on education enhancing bias awareness is limited. Bias awareness can motivate behavior change. The objective was to evaluate whether exposure to a brief online course, Implicit Bias in the Clinical and Learning Environment, increased bias awareness.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The course included the history of racism in medicine, social determinants of health, implicit bias in healthcare, and strategies to reduce the impact of implicit bias in clinical care and teaching. A sample of U.S. academic family, internal, and emergency medicine providers were recruited into the study from August to December 2019. Measures of provider implicit and explicit bias, personal and practice characteristics, and pre-post-bias awareness measures were collected.

RESULTS

Of 111 participants, 78 (70%) were female, 81 (73%) were White, and 63 (57%) were MDs. Providers held moderate implicit pro-White bias on the Race IAT (Cohen's d = 0.68) and strong implicit stereotypes associating males rather than females with 'career' on the Gender-Career IAT (Cohen's d = 1.15). Overall, providers held no explicit race bias (Cohen's d = 0.05). Providers reported moderate explicit male-career (Cohen's d = 0.68) and strong female-family stereotype (Cohen's d = 0.83). A statistically significant increase in bias awareness was found after exposure to the course (p = 0.03). Provider implicit and explicit biases and personal and practice characteristics were not associated with an increase in bias awareness.

CONCLUSIONS

Implicit bias education is effective to increase providers' bias awareness regardless of strength of their implicit and explicit biases and personal and practice characteristics. Increasing bias awareness is one step of many toward creating a positive learning environment and a system of more equitable healthcare.

Educational strategies used to improve the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of health care students and providers regarding implicit bias: An integrative review of the literature

Background

The thoughts, feelings, and attitudes health care professionals unconsciously have about patients can negatively impact patients' health outcomes. Systematic reviews related to implicit bias in health care providers have uncovered negative implicit bias towards older adults, people of color, people with disabilities, psychiatric patients, patients who are obese, people of low socioeconomic status, and women. Implicit bias impacts the quality, safety, and competence of care delivered; interactions between patients and providers; and patient approval of treatment recommendations. Health care professions students and health care providers need to participate in evidence-based educational strategies to manage and diminish bias.

Objective

To review the evidence regarding educational strategies used with health care professions students and providers to improve their knowledge of implicit bias, reduce bias, and improve attitudes about bias.

Design

Integrative review.

Methods

The literature review was completed in July 2020 with two updates performed in February 2021 and June 2021 using nine databases including Academic Search Complete™, Embase®, ERIC®, Ovid, PubMed®, Scopus®, and Web of Science™. Key terms used related to education, health care professions' students, health care providers, implicit, bias, incivility, microaggression, and microassult. Publications dates from 2011 to 2021 were included. Covidence software was used for the initial screening and for full-text analysis.

Results

Thirty-nine articles were analysed for this review. The most commonly used educational strategies to instruct about principles of implicit bias include discussion groups, simulation and case-based learning, pre-tests for awareness, use of expert facilitators, commitment to action/change, and debriefing. Common components of successful strategies include thoughtful program planning, careful selection of program facilitators (who are content experts), support of participants, and a system-level investment.

Conclusions

Diverse educational strategies successfully addressed implicit bias across studies. Recommendations for future studies includes addressing limitations in sampling strategies and data collection to clarify relationships between educational strategies and participant outcomes. Educational opportunities are warranted that challenge health care professionals to explore their implicit bias towards others in an effort to provide care that considers diversity, equity, and inclusion and also limits personal implicit bias.

Estimating Implicit and Explicit Gender Leadership Bias among Primary Healthcare Professionals in Saudi Arabia

(1) Background: Women have become more influential and powerful; however, implicit bias continues to plague organizations when it comes to women in leadership positions. This study examines the implicit and explicit biases that favor men as leaders among Saudi Arabian primary healthcare professionals. (2) Methods: A secure, web-based survey was administered to primary healthcare professionals. The survey included questions about leadership as well as an Implicit Association Test (IAT) for implicit gender bias. (3) Results: Out of 690 eligible, 448 respondents completed the survey, representing a response rate of 65%. Male residents had a mean IAT score of 0.27 (SD 0.31) and females 0.12 (SD 0.29), both favoring males in leadership roles, and the difference was statistically significant. There was a significant association between gender and gender IAT. In the explicit bias, gender, education, gender of the current manager, and being manager were associated with the gender explicit bias. Explicit bias favoring males in leadership roles was associated with increased implicit bias favoring males in leadership roles. (4) Conclusions: This study found that explicit and implicit gender bias is present among primary healthcare professionals favoring men in leadership positions held by both men and women.

Implementing Diversity Training Targeting Faculty Microaggressions and Inclusion: Practical Insights and Initial Findings

Despite the importance of faculty diversity training for advancing an inclusive society, little research examines whether participation improves inclusion perceptions and belongingness. Integrating training and diversity education literature concepts, this study examines the effectiveness of training targeting microaggressions in six STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) oriented departments at a research-intensive university. Reactions data collected at the end of face-to-face training suggested that participation generally increased inclusion understanding. Self-assessments on inclusion concepts collected from 45% of participants before and three weeks after training suggest participation increases perceptions of the importance of inclusion, microaggression allyship awareness, inclusive behaviors, and organizational identification. Compared to white men, women and minorities reported a greater increase in satisfaction with their department affiliation. While self-assessment results are exploratory and have limitations, analysis suggests that diversity training may enhance knowledge of microaggressions, allyship, inclusive behaviors, and belongingness perceptions. We provide insights for evaluating and implementing diversity training interventions.

The impact of race on utilization of durable left ventricular assist device therapy in patients with advanced heart failure

BACKGROUND

Heart failure affects >6 million people in the United States alone and is most prevalent in Black patients who suffer the highest mortality risk. Yet prior studies have suggested that Black patients are less likely to receive advanced heart failure therapy. We hypothesized that Black patients would have decreased rates of durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation within our expansive heart failure program.

METHODS

A retrospective single-center cohort study was conducted at a single high-volume academic medical center. Patients between 18 and 85 years admitted with a diagnosis of cardiogenic shock or congestive heart failure between 1, 2013 and 12, 2017 with a left ventricular ejection fraction < 30% and inotropic dependence or need for mechanical circulatory support were included. Patients with contraindications to durable LVAD were excluded. An adjusted logistic regression model for durable LVAD implantation within 90 days of the index admission was used to determine the effect of race on durable LVAD implantation.

RESULTS

Among the 702 study patients (60.9% White, 34.1% Black), durable LVAD implantation was performed within 90 days of the index admission in 183 (26%) of the cohort. After multivariate analysis, Black patients were not found to have a statistically significant difference in durable LVAD implantation rates compared to White patients in our study (OR: 0.68 [95% confidence interval: 0.45-1.04; p: .074]).

CONCLUSIONS

Black patients in our study did not have a statistically significant difference in the rate of durable LVAD implantation compared with White patients after adjustments were made for age, sex, socioeconomic, and clinical covariates. Larger prospective studies are needed to validate these findings.

Endowed Chairs and Professorships: A New Frontier in Gender Equity

PURPOSE

Endowed chairs and professorships are prestigious and financially important awards that symbolize individual faculty recognition. However, data about the gender distribution of these positions are lacking. The purpose of this study was to examine the gender distribution of endowed positions at U.S. medical schools and identify strategies that have been used to promote investiture of women into these positions.

METHOD

The authors interrogated the websites for all U.S. medical schools for publicly available data. Of 38 schools that listed schoolwide information, they analyzed data from the 30 with at least 10 endowed positions. Then, they conducted interviews with deans of the 10 schools with the highest percentages of women holding endowed positions ("top 10") to understand the strategies they used to increase gender equity in this area.

RESULTS

The percentage of endowed positions held by women at the 30 schools analyzed ranged from 10.8% to 34.6%, with a mean of 21.6%. Themes that emerged from interviews with deans included (1) intentionality to identify women candidates in the selection process, (2) monitoring the numbers of women holding endowed positions, (3) inclusion of endowed positions as part of larger institutional goals on gender equity and diversity, (4) use of endowed positions to recruit, retain, and recognize women faculty, (5) purposeful fundraising to increase the number of endowed positions, and (6) institutional investment of resources to develop women faculty.

CONCLUSIONS

Analysis of the gender distribution of endowed positions across 30 representative U.S. medical schools revealed a significant gender disparity. Interviews with deans at the top 10 schools revealed strategies that they have used to promote equity in this important area. Implementation of a systematic national reporting process could provide schools with comparative data to gauge their progress.

A perspective on computational research support programs in the library: More than 20 years of data from Stanford University Libraries

Presentation of data is a major component to academic research. However, programming languages, computational tools, and methods for exploring and analyzing data can be time consuming and frustrating to learn and finding help with these stages of the broader research process can be daunting. In this work, we highlight the impacts that computational research support programs housed in library contexts can have for fulfilling gaps in student, staff, and faculty research needs. The archival history of one such organization, Software and Services for Data Science (SSDS) in the Stanford University Cecil H. Green Library, is used to outline challenges faced by social sciences and humanities researchers from the 1980s to the present day. To compliment this history, participation metrics from consulting services (1999–2021) and workshops (2000–2021) are presented along with updated workshop participant feedback forms ( n = 99) and further illustrate the profound impacts that these services can have for helping researchers succeed. Consulting and workshop metrics indicate that SSDS has supported at least 27,031 researchers between 1999 and 2021 (average of more than 1175 per year). A t-test on the feedback form data indicates that participant knowledge in workshops statistically significantly increased more than one scale point from workshop start to completion. Results also indicate that despite our successes, many past challenges continue to present barriers regardless of exponential advances in computing, teaching, and learning—specifically around learning to access data and learning the software and tools to use it. We hope that our story helps other institutions understand how indispensable computational research support is within the library.

Gender inequities in medical research funding is driving an exodus of women from Australian STEMM academia

Universally, women are under-represented in senior academic leadership in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM). Successful funding outcomes are a critical point in career progression, to continue both a scientist's research but also for their retention within the STEMM workforce. A common explanation for the lower success rate of women in securing funding is that fewer women apply for funding. However, this does not adequately explain the gender inequities in funding outcomes, both in terms of fewer funded applications and also of reduced funding awarded per grant, resulting in less overall success. Gendered funding outcomes occur within academic institutions and peak funding bodies due to historical, systemic conscious and unconscious biases during peer review. As a cumulative bias over a woman's research career, this results in women being under-represented in STEMM and the loss of their contributions to medical research, reducing innovation through a lack of diverse workforces.

Linguistic Differences by Gender in Letters of Recommendation for Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship Applicants From 2010 to 2020

IMPORTANCE

Linguistic differences suggestive of gender bias have been detected in letters of recommendation (LOR) for female and male residency and fellowship program applicants within multiple medical specialties.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to determine whether linguistic differences exist in LOR for female and male physicians applying to female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS) fellowship.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective analysis of FPMRS fellowship applications submitted to a university-affiliated academic center from 2010 to 2020 was performed. Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count, a text analysis software, was used to characterize the linguistic content of letters. Multivariable analysis was used to compare letter characteristics with applicant and letter writer demographics.

RESULTS

Of 306 applications reviewed, 221 (72.2%) applicants were female and 85 (27.8%) were male. Of the 1,062 letters analyzed, 457 (43.0%) were written by female letter writers, 586 (55.2%) by males, and 19 (1.8%) were a combination. Multivariable analysis controlling for race, Step 1 score, and letter writer gender demonstrated more frequent use of affiliation words for female applicants compared with males (3.1% ± 0.3 vs. 2.9% ± 0.3, P = 0.02). No additional differences were noted in average letter length or all other linguistic categories analyzed. Multiple differences were detected between writing styles of female and male letter writers, including average letter length, use of multiple word categories, and use of communal (relationship-oriented) language. Data were stratified into 2-year periods and no longitudinal trends in linguistic differences were detected.

CONCLUSIONS

No linguistic differences, suggestive of gender bias, were found between female and male applicants to FPMRS fellowship.