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Abstract
Implicit biases are detrimental to patient care and outcomes, yet they are prevalent among providers. Research has shown implicit bias hinders rapport between patient and provider, leading to patients becoming resistant to medical advice and treatment protocols. The prevalence of implicit bias among healthcare providers must be recognized by healthcare systems, along with understanding the varying levels of bias among different levels of providers and the ramifications. This doctoral project aims to assess and establish baseline levels of existing implicit racial bias among anesthesia providers working at a hospital of a large healthcare system in the Southeastern US. The Harvard’s Implicit Association Test was administered to anesthesia providers using an online survey platform. Comparisons were made between providers by type (CRNA, SRNA, Anesthesiologist) and age. Results demonstrated a level of racial bias between slight and moderate (D score 0.15-0.35). There was no statistical difference between groups of anesthesia providers assessed for racial bias.