Exploring subconscious bias.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Implicit biases may lead to subconscious evaluations of a person based on irrelevant characteristics such as race or gender. This audit investigates the presence of implicit bias in the management of patients who missed appointments in our department. METHODS This study retrospectively analysed discharge rates in 285 patients who missed an out-patient appointment between 1 May 2020 and 1 April 2021 at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital. After reading the patients' names, 285 patients were categorised into genders, and ethnic categories of: White British; Black, Asian and minority (non-White) ethnic ('BAME'); and other White. RESULTS There were no differences in discharge rates in terms of self-reported ethnic and gender groups. However, patients perceived as White British were less likely to be discharged when compared to patients perceived as Black, Asian and minority ethnic (35 per cent vs 58 per cent). Discharge rates for perceived gender did not differ. CONCLUSION Implicit bias may influence decision-making regarding whether to rebook a patient after missing an appointment.