DEI LAB

Implications of Implicit Bias in Pediatric Palliative Care

Natasha Lee, MD, and Sonia Malhotra, MD MS FAAP

Racism is a core social determinant of health that must be addressed to achieve health equity. It is well documented that racial and ethnic disparities in pediatrics exist, and literature shows that implicit bias contributes to perpetuating inequalities.^1-3 Implicit bias is defined as “unconscious attitudes and beliefs that may influence behaviors such as nonverbal communication, physician perceptions and clinical assessments about patients, and decisions about patient management.”² Implicit bias has been shown to significantly impact patient-provider interactions, treatment decisions, treatment adherence, and patient health outcomes.¹