What can be done
The most important thing physicians can do is to understand and acknowledge unconscious bias, Dr. Davidov told this news organization. “It is important to learn how to identify biases and make sure that it does not affect your medical decision making,” he said.
Dr. White suggested that physicians receive training in implicit bias and cultural competency and stay up to date on research regarding race and medicine as well as learning and using inclusive language.
He also urged physicians closely follow protocols for standard care for their discipline.
“Standardized care protocols have been shown to reduce variance between care of patients of different social structures and shown to decrease this disparity gap,” he said.
The study was supported by a Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research Mentored Research Training Grant. Dr. White and Dr. Davidov report no relevant financial relationships.
A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.