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Do you know if you have implicit bias? You probably do. This #tweetorial will show you the effect of #ImplicitBias in obstetrics and gynecology and how you can mitigate your implicit bias to become an ally for change. #BLM
As of 2018, the maternal mortality rate (MMR) was 17.4 per 100,000 live births. This has increased since 2007 (12.7 per 100,000). The MMR for non-Hispanic black women is 37.1 per 100,000. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2020/202001_MMR.htm
A study of US deliveries between 2006-2015 showed severe maternal morbidity rates to be 115% greater for black women when compared to white women. There was no change to the black-white disparity during this time. https://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/statbriefs/sb243-Severe-Maternal-Morbidity-Delivery-Trends-Disparities.pdf
According to WHO the leading causes of maternal deaths worldwide are: Obstetric hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, pregnancy-related sepsis, abortion, embolism.
9 maternal mortality review committees concluded 60% of maternal deaths are considered preventable. The most common factor contributing to deaths was patient-related, followed by the provider (misdiagnosis and ineffective treatment) and systems of care. https://www.cdcfoundation.org/sites/default/files/files/ReportfromNineMMRCs.pdf
How do we stop this from happening? How can we be better physicians for our patients? the answer is simple... Check your bias
#CheckYourBias #Tweetorial
#CheckYourBias #Tweetorial
What is implicit bias? It is an attitude or stereotype that affects our understanding, actions, and decision unconsciously. This can be based on race, gender, religion, etc.
If you want to start de-biasing, first take a self-assessment using the Implicit Association Test. Although not completely accurate, this is a good starting point to see what unconscious bias you may have. https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/takeatest.html
Once you realize what implicit bias you may hold, actively counter that bias. Some examples... Consider the perspective of those being stereotyped and try to empathize with them, or go out into those communities and find positive examples of those stereotyped groups.
Learning to combat your own bias can ensure that ALL of your patients get the best care. The solution starts with us. #WhiteCoatsForBlackLives #MedTwitter #Tweetorial
@UpToDate wrote a wonderful article summarizing all of these inequalities and how everyone can #CheckYourBias see "Racial and ethnic disparities in OBGYN care and role of implicit biases."
