Question

In this task you will write a reflection about one of the key messages of the unit: Biased treatment matters in health care.
Reflective writing should demonstrate critical reading and thinking skills. The use of ‘I’ is expected in this assessment task (‘I think, I do not agree, I agree’, etc). Your essay should follow the following format: Introduction: Briefly identify the main points that you will explore in the essay (approximately 150 words)
1. Define intersectionality and use this framework to describe your cultural location (approximately 200 words)
2. Reflect on how your cultural location, attitudes, values and beliefs might affect the assumptions and practices you bring to the care of patients (approximately 200 words)
3. Describe some culturally safe health care practices you can undertake to avoid biased treatment of patients at an individual level (approximately 250 words)
4. Outline how you can be a health service provider who can advocate for the non-acceptance of biased treatment and contribute towards better circumstances for patients at a population level (approximately 250 words)
Conclusion: Summarise your main points in light of your reflection. Draw on these points in support of your argument for why cultural safety matters as a health care provider (approximately 150 words)
You are expected to undertake research beyond the unit materials and use a range of books and journal articles. A recommended list that provides a useful starting point can be found at the end of this unit outline. You are required to support your practice reflection with a minimum of 6 scholarly references.

Answer 1

According to me impaired treatment of patients by healthcare professionals is an uncontroversial norm of healthcare. Implicit biases have been identified as one possible factor in healthcare disparities and our review reveals that they are likely to have a negative impact on patients from stigmatized groups.

The kind of “stereotyping, biases and uncertainty on the part of healthcare providers can all contribute to unequal treatment.”. In my personal experience I have seen , even white clinicians who don't believe they are prejudiced “typically demonstrate unconscious implicit negative racial attitudes and stereotypes

To avoid this I would say that we should have a basic understanding of the cultures your patients come from. Don't stereotype your patients; individuate them. Understand and respect the tremendous power of unconscious bias. Recognize situations that magnify stereotyping and bias.

A true and comprehensive approach to health equity requires addressing both the social and delivery system factors driving inequity. I would say that We must solve for clinician bias as well as limit the impact of social and economic factors on health to fully address disparities and better serve vulnerable populations. Marginalized populations become marginalized patients through the expression of social factors and delivery system failures.  

Our health care system must take ownership of our contributions to the problem. The reality is that health care is staffed by individuals who are subjects and purveyors of various social constructs and beliefs, both positive and negative. Bias and prejudice are as much a part of health care workers as in the general population. Moreover, because health care workers are in positions of authority with the power to exert influence on patients’ experiences, the impact on health outcomes can be significant and long lasting.