SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Beyond Terminology: Training Residents to Respond to Racism Through Simulation

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This study explored whether standardized patient simulation (SPS) can help residents learn and demonstrate communication skills for responding to racism and microaggressions in healthcare. The authors note that anti-racism training is growing in academic medicine, but most programs measure confidence rather than actual skill use. To address this gap, they built a curriculum using microresistance communication tools (MCTs), including objective statements, direct inquiry, naming the microaggression as problematic, expressing emotion, attempting resolution, and showing empathy.<br /><br />Residents completed pre- and post-session knowledge/confidence surveys and SPS cases in which they responded to a parent’s escalating racist microaggressions. Two different training formats were used across sessions: Session 1 focused on didactics about anti-racism, microaggressions, and MCTs; Session 2 added interactive training on emotional self-regulation when facing racism. Trainee performance was recorded and scored using an observational tool measuring use of six MCT skills.<br /><br />Results showed improvement in communication behaviors after training. In Group A, Session 1 increased use of objective statements, identifying the microaggression as problematic, and communicating emotion. In Group B, Session 2 increased use of objective statements and attempts at resolution. Overall scores improved significantly in both groups, indicating greater application of MCT skills after training.<br /><br />The authors conclude that SPS is a useful method for teaching and assessing resident responses to racism, and that emotional self-regulation may add important value by improving conflict resolution. They suggest future work should determine the best way to integrate MCT training into graduate medical education and expand it across the medical training continuum.

Asset Subtitle

DeMarco Bowen

Meta Tag

Author List Aarti Patel, Atim Ekpenyong, DeMarco Bowen, Erin Fisher, Kyung Rhee, Robert MacAulay

Category Innovations

Concept Standardized Patient Simulation

Concept Racism

Concept Microaggressions

Concept Microresistance Communication Tool

Concept Emotional Self-Regulation

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization UCSD / Rady Children's Hospital

Presenting Author DeMarco Bowen

Track Education

Keywords

standardized patient simulation

anti-racism training

microaggressions

healthcare communication

resident education

microresistance communication tools

emotional self-regulation

conflict resolution

graduate medical education

objective statements

Standardized Patient Simulation

Racism

Microaggressions

Microresistance Communication Tool

Emotional Self-Regulation