Pilot testing of an online cultural competency training utilizing an intersectionality framework.

Background: Current cultural competency training aiming to decrease implicit bias amongst medical students, residents, and physicians shows mixed effectiveness. To address limitations in existing training, the authors developed an online training (a) grounded in an intersectional approach to patients' identities and the disparities they experience; and (b) focused on communication skills. The authors hypothesized that the training would increase learners' knowledge, attitudes, and communication efficacy.

Healing Health Care Disparities: Development and Pilot Testing of a Virtual Reality Implicit Bias Training Module for Physicians in the Context of Black Maternal Health.

Grounded in communication models of cultural competence, this study reports on the development and testing of the first module in a larger virtual reality (VR) implicit bias training for physicians to help them better: (a) recognize implicit bias and its effects on communication, patients, and patient care; (b) identify their own implicit biases and exercise strategies for managing them; and (c) learn and practice communicating with BIPOC patients in a culture-centered manner that demonstrates respect and builds trust. Led by communication faculty, a large, interdisciplinary team of researchers, clinicians, and engineers developed the first module tested herein focused on training goal (a). Within the module, participants observe five scenes between patient Marilyn Hayes (a Black woman) and Dr.