Quality and Patient Safety

Free Your Mind: Sources of Systematic Bias in the ICU

Concurrent Session Moderator(s)

• HS

  Howard Saft, MD, MS

  National Jewish Health
  Denver, CO

Systemic and structural racism exist, based on extensive policy research. Basic scientists map out mechanisms of diseases, such as sepsis and/or acute respiratory distress syndrome to target therapy. Similar approaches can be used with systemic and structural issues in the healthcare system, using a patient safety/microsystem mapping system. A patient safety approach can do the same for systemic and structural racism. We commonly embed bias in medical decisions without appreciating it. This session is coordinated by the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.

Presentations:

• Historical Background for Sources of Systematic Sources of Racial Disparities in the ICU
• The Pulse Oximeter as a Source of Racial Disparities in the Critical Care Setting
• Creatinine and Its Influence on Racial Disparities
• Pain Scales and Clinician Responses as a Source of Racial Disparities