Integrating Discussions on Racism and Health Equity into Clinical Reasoning Conference

Abstract

Objective: Intentionally discussing racism and health equity in clinical reasoning conference may provide an opportunity to reinforce antiracist praxis. We aimed to understand 1) whether these discussions provide a meaningful opportunity to practice applying an antiracist lens in patient care, 2) the feasibility of implementing these discussions in a clinical reasoning format, and 3) the acceptability to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and white residents.

Methods: In 2021, 4 clinical reasoning conference pilot sessions were implemented in a pediatrics residency program. Trained faculty facilitated discussions on mitigating inequity in clinical cases. Residents who attended at least 1 session were invited to participate in focus groups, which were analyzed using grounded theory.

Results: Thirty residents attended each pilot session out of the 30 to 35 who had the opportunity to attend. The focus groups included 6 BIPOC and 6 white residents. The discussions offered a meaningful opportunity to practice recognizing and naming racism. Having faculty facilitators made the discussions more feasible. Both groups experienced benefits and wanted the discussions to continue, but BIPOC residents want more engagement from their white peers.

Conclusions: Discussing racism and health equity in clinical reasoning conference was a meaningful, feasible, and acceptable opportunity for antiracist praxis.

Keywords: clinical reasoning; health equity; racism.