Michigan's new course challenges flawed bias training for doctors

In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around the controversial implicit bias training mandated for healthcare workers in Michigan. The state requires all healthcare professionals to complete a two-hour course in implicit bias training as a condition for license renewal, a move aimed at improving healthcare outcomes for minority communities. However, critics argue that the training, which includes the widely criticized implicit association test developed by Harvard, lacks empirical validity in assessing actual bias.

The implicit association test has been shown to produce inconsistent results, raising questions about its effectiveness in determining an individual's biases. Critics of the training assert that the courses often promote a narrative of inherent bias among practitioners without substantial evidence, labeling the content as political propaganda rather than a scientifically grounded approach to addressing healthcare disparities.

In response to these concerns, an alternative course has been developed, which emphasizes evidence-based practices and challenges the validity of the implicit association test. This new course has reportedly attracted over 2,000 participants in Michigan and has been accepted by the state to fulfill the licensure requirement. The creators of this course advocate for a more constructive dialogue around bias, asserting that their approach empowers healthcare workers rather than labeling them as biased.

The meeting also highlighted the potential for expanding this initiative to other states, suggesting a broader movement against the current implicit bias training framework. Participants discussed the need for government involvement, pressure on professional medical societies, and even legal action to promote this alternative perspective on bias training in healthcare. The discussions reflect a growing divide over how best to address issues of bias and equity in the medical field, with implications for policy and practice moving forward.