Is One Lecture Enough? Self-Perception of Bias and Cultural Training in Medical Education.

INTRODUCTION: A recognition of the importance of the sociocultural determinants of health and well-being has increased within medical education; yet, there is variability in exposure and evidence of effect. The goal of this project was to assess contact with cultural humility or competency instruction prior to training, evaluate self-perception of bias, and test the effect of a single lecture on this perception. METHODS: A 17-item survey was administered to participants before and after a lecture "intervention." RESULTS: Analysis revealed that 54% (n = 93) of participants received formal instruction prior to medical/graduate school. Subsequently, significant changes ( p = 0.02) when comparing pretests, immediate posttests, and 8-week posttests were found in only one area, "ability to withhold judgment." While the majority of participants reported having "bias towards certain groups" (chi-square p <0.0001), there was no statistically significant difference in improvement of self-reflection. DISCUSSION: A single lecture may improve personal awareness of bias but likely does not significantly affect reflection on this bias or improve self-perception of cultural competency.

Duke Scholars

Author Kenyon Michael Railey Family Medicine and Community Health, Physician Assistant Pr ...

Author Jacqueline Sabrena Barnett Family Medicine and Community Health, Physician Assistant Pr ...