Promoting Self-Reflection and Implicit Bias Awareness in Nursing: A Mixed-Method Study Advancing Practice and Fostering Healthcare Equality

Background: Implicit biases influence how nurses perceive and interact with patients and shape clinical practice. Awareness is crucial because implicit biases are difficult to detect. Our study evaluated how educational sessions impacted awareness and understanding of implicit bias. In our study, we sought to mitigate effects of these biases on patient care to promote equitable healthcare outcomes. Methods: The research involved registered nurses from all levels employed at nine hospitals. Data were collected anonymously through voluntary participation to ensure confidentiality. A mixed-methods approach with a quasi-experimental prepost design was utilized to measure the effectiveness of the educational session. Descriptive statistics were reported for variables of interest. Differences in proportions and means were reported to evaluate the changes in nurses’ awareness pre- and post-intervention. Open-ended questions further explored the nurses’ perceptions of the session, and the role implicit bias played in perpetuating healthcare disparities. Results: There were 123 participants in the pre- and 121 participants in the postgroup. Analysis was conducted on 121 matched pairs. Missing data were excluded. All six domains showed improvements in the postassessment. Improvements, with a 23% change, was observed in the impact and perception of bias domains. Three themes emerged from the analysis: Enhanced Awareness, Commitment to Equitable Care, and Strategies for Mitigating Bias. Conclusion: To promote health equity and reduce disparities, it is critical to educate nurses about implicit bias. Addressing and mitigating biases in healthcare leads to better, more inclusive patient care, supporting optimal health outcomes for diverse populations.