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. 2023 Apr;25(4):299-302.
doi: 10.1007/s43678-023-00474-6. Epub 2023 Apr 6.

Addressing microaggressions with simulation: a novel educational intervention

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Addressing microaggressions with simulation: a novel educational intervention

Emma Duchesne et al. CJEM. 2023 Apr.

Abstract

There is an urgent need for education around equity, diversity, inclusivity, indigeneity, and accessibility (EDIIA). One important facet of this is gender-related microaggressions, which are a common occurrence in the emergency department. Most emergency medicine residents receive few opportunities to discuss, understand, and approach these occurrences in the clinical setting. To address this, we created a novel immersive session exploring gender-based microaggressions through a simulation experience followed by reflective teaching to foster allyship and practice tools for responding to microaggressions. An anonymous survey was subsequently distributed to elicit feedback, which was positive. After this successful pilot, next steps include creating sessions to address other microaggressions. Limitations include implicit biases of facilitators and ensuring that facilitators can engage in brave spaces and open conversations. Others trying to integrate gendered microaggression training into their EDIIA curricula could model our innovation.

RéSUMé: Il existe un besoin urgent d'éducation sur l'équité, la diversité, l’inclusivité, l’indigénéité et l'accessibilité (EDIIA). Les micro-agressions liées au genre, qui sont monnaie courante dans les services d'urgence, en sont une facette importante. La plupart des résidents en médecine d’urgence ont peu d’occasions de discuter, de comprendre et d’aborder ces événements en milieu clinique. Pour y remédier, nous avons créé une nouvelle session immersive explorant les micro-agressions basées sur le genre par le biais d'une expérience de simulation suivie d'un enseignement réflexif pour favoriser l'alliance et la pratique d'outils pour répondre aux micro-agressions. Un sondage anonyme a ensuite été distribué pour obtenir des commentaires, qui ont été positifs. Après ce projet pilote réussi, les prochaines étapes comprennent la création de séances pour aborder d’autres micro-agressions. Les limites comprennent les préjugés implicites des animateurs et la garantie que les animateurs peuvent s'engager dans des espaces courageux et des conversations ouvertes. D'autres personnes qui tentent d'intégrer une formation sur les micro-agressions sexistes dans leur programme EDIIA pourraient s'inspirer de notre innovation.

Keywords: Equity, diversity, inclusion; Medical education; Microaggression; Simulation.

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