The impact of a student-led anti-racism programme on medical students’ perceptions and awareness of racial bias in medicine and confidence to advocate against racism

Abstract

Introduction Systemic racism impacts personal and community health; however, education regarding its role in perpetuating healthcare inequity remains limited in medical curricula. This study implemented and evaluated the impact of a student-led anti-racism programme on medical students’ perceptions of racial bias in medicine, awareness of, and confidence to advocate against racism in medicine. Method A total of 543 early stage medical students were invited to participate in the programme. Participants were assigned readings and videos exploring racial injustice in medicine and attended a virtual small-group discussion facilitated by faculty and students. Online surveys were used to collect pre- and post-programme data using Likert scales for response items. Open-ended questions were independently reviewed by three authors using reflexive thematic analysis. Results Sixty-three early-stage medical students enrolled in the programme, of which 42 completed the pre-programme survey. There was a 76% ( n = 32) response rate for the post-programme survey. The majority of students (60%, n = 25) had no previous education about racism in medicine. From pre- to post-programme, there was a significant change in students’ perceived definition of race from genetic, biological, geographical, and cultural factors to socio-political factors ( P < 0.0001). Significant increases in almost all factors assessing student awareness of racism and confidence to advocate against racism were observed. Student-identified barriers to discussing racism included lack of education and lived experience, fear of starting conflict and offending others. All survey respondents would recommend this programme to peers and 69% ( n = 32) engaged in further topical self-directed education. Conclusion This simple and reproducible programme improved awareness and confidence to advocate against racism in medicine and resulted in a change in opinion regarding race-based medical practice. These findings are in line with best practice towards addressing racial bias in medicine, decolonizing medical curricula and strengthening anti-racism teaching of future physicians.

Quantitative Analysis of Challenges Encountered by UK Widening Participation Medical Students in Comparison With Their Non-Widening Participation Peers

“…38 A recent project by Lynn et al suggests that student led initiatives to raise awareness of discrimination such as racism and inspiring confidence to advocate against it may be a more effective method than traditional faculty/school led approaches. 39 …”

Increasing equity in science requires better ethics training: a course by trainees, for trainees

“…25,26 Integrating these topics into curricula has been shown to reap numerous benefits, including a decreased belief in racial essentialism, the perception that racial disparities and inequalities are primarily driven by genetics. 27,28…”

“…25,26 Integrating these topics into curricula has been shown to reap numerous benefits, including a decreased belief in racial essentialism, the perception that racial disparities and inequalities are primarily driven by genetics. 27,28 In response to the gap we observed in our training, we -a trainee-led team affiliated with the Stanford Genetics Department -developed a course on genetics, ethics, and society. This course is intended to supplement the topics covered in the NIH RCR course.…”