*Purpose: At our institution’s Center for Transplantation, the Implicit Bias Working Group (IBWG), was formed with the aim to comprehend how implicit biases impact the decision making and treatment of our team members and ultimately our patients; and to develop actionable plans to mitigate bias and promote fair treatment and equitable opportunity for all.

*Methods: A confidential and anonymous survey consisting of 21 questions was administered via online Qualtrics instrument to all Center of Transplantation physicians and employees (n=130). This survey assessed for respondent demographics and microaggressions, racism and bias in the work place as well as in the delivery of patient care.

*Results: The IBWG provided the opportunity for 100% of staff to complete a voluntary implicit bias training, followed by a confidential survey. Of the 130 surveys delivered, 111 were completed. 56 (48%) of the surveyed team members identified as racial minorities of which, 16 (28%) members have experienced bias and/or discrimination from a team member. Of the 16 who experienced bias and/or discrimination, 10 experienced it rarely, 5 occasionally and 1 respondent did so frequently. More than 40% of the respondents reported having experienced bias and/or discrimination from a patient or patient’s family member. These findings demonstrated the undeniable presence of bias and discrimination faced by our team members. While 41% of all respondents noted witnessing some form of bias or discrimination against another team member, only 21% stated they always felt comfortable addressing such issues.

*Conclusions: After gaining more understanding of our team members’ experience, there will be a focused effort on systematic education and creating a safe forum for identifying, confronting and mitigating implicit bias and its impact on team dynamics. It is imperative that team members are aware of their implicit bias and feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, witnessed events and experiences with the rest of the team and patients to better guide policy, practice, and increase the diversity of the transplant team at all levels to have a positive impact on team dynamics and patient care.

« Back to 2021 American Transplant Congress