#Blacklivesmatter

Interrupting Biases in the Experience and Management of Pain Nurses can help address challenges faced by racially and ethnically diverse patients and caregivers.

“…This suggests that health care providers, especially nurses, can become change agents by confronting and evaluating a health care system whose practices often disregard the needs of the poor and disenfranchised. In the context of pain, for example, by dispelling racist and ageist stereotypes based on inaccurate information (that Black patients are more likely to misuse opioids, for example, or that older adults are frail), we can begin to acknowledge the meaning and experience of pain for family caregivers and persons with pain 16, 30…”

“…understandings regarding pain treatment, pain progression, and causes of pain." 16 Four general concepts underscore person-and family-centered care: dignity, information sharing, participation, and collaboration. 15 Nurses can use these strategies to support person-and family-centered care in pain management.…”

Pain catastrophizing

“…Nurses might negatively label these patients as difficult and subsequently dismiss reports of pain or need for treatment. These negative labels include “drama queen,” “difficult patient,” “complainer/whiner,” “drug seekers,” “attention seekers,”, “clock watchers,” and “pill poppers.”32 Even referring to patients as “chronic pain patients,” “sicklers” (for patients with sickle cell disease), “frequent fliers,” or “opioid users” may provoke implicit bias and differential treatment. Such biases may influence how and how often pain is assessed and treated.…”

“Be Strong My Sista'”

“…Booker reported that even White female nurses stereotype or label Black women with chronic pain as "drama queens" and therefore difficult and their pain dismissed. 14 Labeling women with chronic pain as emotional is a common gender bias and presupposed gender norm in clinical and research settings. 15 This is quite disappointing, given the responsibility of nurses to provide unbiased and ethical pain care to patients.…”

“…Mainstream portrayal of Black women includes being the mammy caricature (eg, Aunt Jemima), welfare queen, angry Black woman, and Jezebel (or “hot/fast” woman/whore) 13. Other stereotypical and offensive labels and names consist of “girl or gal,” “the help,” “divas,” “drama queens,” “baby mamas,” and “hood chick.” Booker reported that even White female nurses stereotype or label Black women with chronic pain as “drama queens” and therefore difficult and their pain dismissed 14. Labeling women with chronic pain as emotional is a common gender bias and presupposed gender norm in clinical and research settings 15.…”