Implementation of a Healthcare Implicit Bias Training across Three Oncology Care Settings

Abstract The purpose of this study was to describe evaluation outcomes, including reach, satisfaction with training, and strategies to increase uptake of implicit bias training across three cancer centers in Washington, DC. From October 25, 2022, to March 29, 2023, oncology clinicians and staff were asked to complete an implicit bias training and post-training survey. Strategies used to increase training reach included identifying and preparing champions, identifying facilitators and barriers, promoting adaptation, and mandating completion. We quantitatively assessed satisfaction with training and self-reported learning outcomes and qualitatively explored impact of the training and how implementation strategies affected uptake. We reviewed open-text responses for feedback and insights from learners. At the suggestion of our champions, we pivoted from a five-hour training to a one-hour training to adapt to clinical team availability. The most successful strategies for increasing training uptake included reducing training length and personalized follow-up from institutional champions. One hundred eight of the 163 (66%) invited learners completed the training. Over 94% of learners agreed or strongly agreed that they met the training’s three learning objectives: describing implicit bias, providing examples of implicit bias in healthcare settings, and reflecting on one’s own biases. Learners’ open-ended responses described how training reaffirmed viewpoints for some learners while others became more aware of their biases. Implementing an implicit bias training across multiple care settings was successful in reaching our goal of 100 learners; however, reach varied by setting due to competing priorities and less champion influence at one institution.