Examining implicit bias of physicians who care for individuals with spinal cord injury: A pilot study and future directions

Context

Despite evidence that healthcare providers have implicit biases that can impact clinical interactions and decisions, implicit bias among physicians caring for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) has not been examined.

Objective

Conduct a pilot study to examine implicit racial bias of SCI physicians and its association with functioning and wellbeing for individuals with SCI.

Design

Combined data from cross-sectional surveys of individuals with SCI and their SCI physicians.

Setting

Four national SCI Model Systems sites.

Participants

Individuals with SCI (N = 162) and their SCI physicians (N = 14).

Outcome measures

SCI physicians completed online surveys measuring implicit racial (pro-white/anti-black) bias. Individuals with SCI completed questionnaires assessing mobility, physical independence, occupational functioning, social integration, self-reported health, depression, and life satisfaction. We used multilevel regression analyses to examine the associations of physician bias and outcomes of individuals with SCI.

Results

Physicians had a mean bias score of 0.62 (SD = 0.35), indicating a strong pro-white/anti-black bias. Greater physician bias was associated with disability among individuals with SCI in the domain of social integration (odds ratio = 4.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.44, 16.04), as well as higher depression (B = 3.24, 95% CI = 1.06, 5.41) and lower life satisfaction (B = −4.54, 95% CI= −8.79, −0.28).

Conclusion

This pilot study indicates that SCI providers are susceptible to implicit racial bias and provides preliminary evidence that greater implicit racial bias of physicians is associated with poorer psychosocial health outcomes for individuals with SCI. It demonstrates the feasibility of studying implicit bias among SCI providers and provides guidance for future research on physician bias and patient outcomes.     

Differential expression of salivary S100A7 in oral submucous fibrosis

Aim

To investigate the expression of salivary S100A7 levels among patients with oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) and healthy controls.

STEM教育在融合社工理念的《护理综合实践》课程教学中的应用

目的　探讨STEM（science,technology,engineering,mathematics）教育在融合社工理念的《护理综合实践》课程教学中的应用效果。方法　构建融合社工理念的《护理综合实践》课程,并选取本校2019级护理本科2个班的学生作为研究对象。其中对照组学生46名,采用传统教学;另一个班学生设为研究组（43名）,采用STEM教学。均教学2个月（28学时）。评价两组教学过程、教学总结及教学满意度。采用SPSS 25.0进行t检验、卡方检验和秩和检验。结果　教学过程中研究组的STEM素养、实践能力、探究意识、学习情况、参与度和积极性评分均高于对照组（P<0.05）;教学结束后研究组的问题解决能力、作品展示情况、课程理论知识掌握情况得分均高于对照组（P<0.05）;研究组学生的教学满意度高于对照组（P<0.05）。结论　构建融合社工理念的《护理综合实践》课程并采用STEM教育进行教学,可提高学生的学习能力、学习效果及学生对课程教学的满意度。     

基于“冲任失调、伏邪致病”探讨女性复发性生殖器疱疹的辨治

基于"冲任失调、伏邪致病"理论探讨女性复发性生殖器疱疹的中医病因病机及治疗,因房事不洁而使外在毒邪藏于体内损伤气血阴阳,日久则冲任失调,其发病具有一定的特殊性和规律性,随月经气血阴阳周期性变化。治疗上,经前期以疏肝清热为主,月经期以行气通经为要,经后期治以益气养血为宜,使冲任调和,机体阴阳气血平衡,为冲任失调所致的皮肤性病诊治提供一定的借鉴意义。     

社交网络使用量表在医学生中的信度和效度评估

目的　了解医学生社交网络使用情况,制定社交网络使用情况量表（social networking using status scale,SNUSS）并对其信效度进行评价。方法　在2018年3月采取整群抽样的方法进行问卷调查,回收有效问卷665份。在间隔2个月后对46名受试对象进行量表的重测。采用因子分析、相关分析、t检验等计算量表的结构效度和内容效度以评价量表效度,采用内部一致性信度、折半信度和重测信度评价量表的信度。结果　探索性因子分析,分析结果量表为2个维度：维持现有社会关系社交网络使用情况维度（维持维度）和拓宽朋友圈社交网络使用情况维度（拓宽维度）。验证性因子显示,各条目因子负荷值大于0.500（P<0.05）,该模型拟合情况优良（χ²/df=2.873,GFI=0.970,CFI=0.971,RMSEA=0.074）。领悟社会支持量表与社交网络使用情况量表相关系数r为0.295,条目水平的内容效度均等于0.90,量表水平的内容效度为0.90,内部一致性信度为0.764,折半信度为0.555,重测信度为0.526。结论　SNUSS在医学生群体中对于社交网络使用情况有良好的信度和效度,且与感知的社会支持有相关性。     

Social participation in persons with upper limb amputation receiving an esthetic prosthesis

Study DesignQualitative study.IntroductionAn amputation injury to the hand may lead to not only impaired hand function but also psychosocial consequences.Purpose of the StudyThe purpose of the study was to explore personal experiences of social participation for persons provided with an esthetic prosthesis after acquired upper limb amputation.MethodsThirteen persons with acquired upper limb amputation, who were in need of and had received an esthetic prosthesis, were interviewed. The transcribed text was subjected to content analysis.ResultsThe emotional reactions to a visibly different hand were linked to a changed appearance and a feeling of being exposed. Recollecting the accident could result in nightmares and sleeping disorders. A change of personality, due to sadness after the amputation was expressed, as well as social insecurity and impact on relations and life roles. Adapting to social challenges comprised hiding or exposing the hand, using personal internal resources and receiving support from others. The esthetic prosthesis contributed to an intact appearance and could serve as a facilitator for initial or long-term social participation. The time that had passed since the injury made it easier to deal with the consequences or in achieving acceptance.DiscussionCoping with emotions and social relations after an acquired amputation can be difficult and complex.ConclusionsIndividual needs must be considered and questions about appearance and how it may affect social participation must be asked. An esthetic prosthesis can normalize the appearance and offer the confidence needed to facilitate social participation in those struggling with appearance-related concerns.