Table 2.

Operationalizing implicit bias reduction in patient interactions

Common identity formation

During patient interview, inquire about possible common group identities between you and the patient (home town, sports team, language proficiency, love of the arts, etc.)

Perspective taking

Before or during patient encounter, pause to consider the stress the patient is under today and what their life will be like for months after this encounter

Consider the opposite

After an initial review of patient information (history, physical, and social history) and coming up with a disposition, pause and rereview the information, actively looking for evidence for the opposite conclusion. Then make a final decision

Counterstereotypical exemplars

Focus on individuals you admire and respect who are in the same demographic as the patient

These strategies are to be used before and during the patient encounter.