Is One Lecture Enough? Self-Perception of Bias and Cultural Training in Medical Education

Introduction: A recognition of the importance of the sociocultural determinants of health and well-being has increased within medical education; yet, there is variability in exposure and evidence of effect. The goal of this project was to assess contact with cultural humility or competency instruction prior to training, evaluate self-perception of bias, and test the effect of a single lecture on this perception.

Methods: A 17-item survey was administered to participants before and after a lecture "intervention."

Results: Analysis revealed that 54% (n = 93) of participants received formal instruction prior to medical/graduate school. Subsequently, significant changes ( p = 0.02) when comparing pretests, immediate posttests, and 8-week posttests were found in only one area, "ability to withhold judgment." While the majority of participants reported having "bias towards certain groups" (chi-square p <0.0001), there was no statistically significant difference in improvement of self-reflection.

Discussion: A single lecture may improve personal awareness of bias but likely does not significantly affect reflection on this bias or improve self-perception of cultural competency.