Implicit Bias in Health Care Our understanding of health care disparities is expanding with research showing that minorities experience poorer health outcomes when compared with non-minorities. These disparities are linked to social determinants of health including education, environmental hazards, and lower socioeconomic status (Byrne & Tanesini, 2015; Hoberman, 2016). Another significant contributor to poor health outcomes is the implicit bias of health care workers. "Implicit (subconscious) bias refers to the attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions and decisions in an unconscious manner. These biases, which encompass both favorable and unfavorable assessments, are activated involuntarily and without an individual's awareness or intentional control" (The Joint Commission, 2016, p. 1). TJC is an independent not-for-profit organization that accredits and certifies nearly 21,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States (Health Equity). Based on this week's readings you will: • Discuss why implicit bias is a significant concem for health care professionals. • Discuss one element of TJC health equity site that was of interest to you and explain why. • Discuss at least two actions that a health care professional can take to avoid the risk of implicit bias in interaction with colleagues and patients.
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