A virtual reality training program is in development to educate medical students and doctors about implicit bias in their interactions with patients of color and how this contributes to disparities in healthcare based on race.
Even though the characters Marilyn Hayes and Dr. Richard Flynn in a virtual reality video are fictional, Hayes’ encounter mirrors the experiences of many Black and minority women when they engage with healthcare providers, according to research. This video is part of a series of three virtual reality training sessions designed to raise awareness among physicians regarding implicit bias and cultural competency in patient care.
Charee Thompson, a communication professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign leading the development of the training series, believes that this system could be a valuable tool for healthcare professionals to practice communication with diverse patients across various medical fields.
The first module, focusing on Black maternal health, was tested with 30 medical students and resident physicians. Before and after watching the interaction between Hayes and Flynn, participants completed a survey to gauge their beliefs about involving patients in the treatment process and providing quality care while considering patients’ perspectives.
Thompson emphasizes the urgency of addressing disparities in Black maternal health, which impact the well-being of both mothers and infants, leading the team in developing these training modules.
Through Flynn’s interaction with Hayes, students witness how bias and stereotypes influence communication, highlighting the importance of recognizing and addressing implicit bias in patient interactions.
Post-training assessments demonstrated a significant increase in participants’ awareness of implicit bias and their confidence in culturally competent communication, indicating the effectiveness of the training program.
The second module, still in progress, aims to help students reflect on their biases and learn strategies to mitigate them, while the third module will focus on improving intercultural communication skills through virtual patient interactions.
Virtual reality training proves to be a cost-effective option for medical schools, as it negates the need for external role players, making it a scalable solution for training purposes.
Grants from Creighton University and funding from various sources, including the Carle Illinois College of Medicine and the U. of I.’s Health Care Engineering Systems Center, support the development and implementation of this innovative training program.
The extensive team involved in this project includes researchers, professors, engineers, and graduate students collaborating to enhance physician-patient communication and reduce healthcare disparities.
