Exploring Implicit Bias in Occupational Therapy: A Qualitative Study of Practitioner Awareness and Strategies for Change

Implicit bias among service providers has a role in how clients receive and experience care within healthcare organizations. There is minimal inquiry related to implicit bias within occupational therapy practice. This exploratory qualitative study was designed to explore the level of awareness of implicit bias among occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs). Nine OTPs self-selected and completed an Implicit Association Test (IAT) and then participated in a individual interviews or one small focus group. Four themes emerged: (1) most understand implicit bias, moving past acknowledgement is challenging but possible; (2) talking about implicit bias is not easy; (3) tenets of cultural humility can mitigate impacts of implicit bias; (4) education and trainings should be comprehensive. Addressing implicit bias is necessary to reduce disparities in care for minoritized populations. Management of implicit bias requires multiple strategies, based on readiness for change to reduce disparities in healthcare.