Implicit Bias in Canada's Healthcare System: Implications, Solutions and a Case Study

Authors

Kirsten Luomala, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Neurosurgery

Advisor

Dr T. Colletti

Abstract

ABSTRACT

When clinicians make unconscious, unintentional assumptions about their patients this is referred to as “Implicit Bias”. Female patients have had a long-standing history of experiencing implicit bias by physicians and health care in general. Implicit bias comes in many forms, with the most common ones being gender and racial bias. This paper looks at the case of a young woman in which delay in diagnosis may have been impacted by gender biases. It attempts to examine how, and why biases occur and possible solutions for healthcare providers.

Recommended Citation

Luomala K. Implicit Bias in Canada's Healthcare System: Implications, Solutions and a Case Study. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2021; 3(3).