Implicit Bias among Physicians and its Prediction of Thrombolysis Decisions for Black and White Patients

20071,448 citationsJournal Articlehybrid Open Access

Authors

Alexander R. Green · Massachusetts General Hospital

Dana R. Carney · Harvard University

Daniel J. Pallin · Harvard University

Long Ngo · Harvard University

Kristal L. Raymond · University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Lisa I. Iezzoni · Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Mahzarin R. Banaji

Abstract

This study represents the first evidence of unconscious (implicit) race bias among physicians, its dissociation from conscious (explicit) bias, and its predictive validity. Results suggest that physicians' unconscious biases may contribute to racial/ethnic disparities in use of medical procedures such as thrombolysis for myocardial infarction.

Topics & Keywords

Racial and Ethnic Identity Research Social and Intergroup Psychology Diversity and Career in Medicine

UN Sustainable Development Goals

Reduced inequalities

Publication Details

Published in: Journal of General Internal Medicine

Volume 22, Issue 9, pp. 1231-1238

DOI: 10.1007/s11606-007-0258-5

Field-Weighted Citation Impact: 114.91