University of Wisconsin–Madison Medical College of Wisconsin

Implementing an Interprofessional Anti-Racism Training With Community Partners During a Pandemic: Outcomes and Recommended Strategies

Kjersti Knox, MD; Deborah Simpson, PhD; Jacob Bidwell, MD; Wilhelm Lehmann, MD, MPH

WMJ. 2021;120(Suppl 1):S70-S73.

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ABSTRACT

Background: Motivated by racial injustice and COVID-19 disparities, health care and medical education are accelerating efforts to address racism and eliminate health disparities.

Methods: In consultation with a community partner, an interprofessional physician-led team prioritized and completed an 8-hour anti-racism training adapted for online delivery during a pandemic.

Results: Sixty-four percent of enrollees (25/36) completed the survey, 98% rated the training as valuable, 92% would recommend it to a colleague, 88% reported it would improve their clinical care, and 68% thought their ability to create an inclusive environment increased.

Discussion: Virtual anti-racism training is a valuable learning experience. Tools for adapting trainings on high-risk or emotionally charged topics to a virtual format are offered by participants and session leaders.


Author Affiliations: Family Medicine, Advocate Aurora Health Care, Milwaukee, Wis (Knox, Simpson, Bidwell, Lehmann); Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (UWSMPH), Madison, Wis (Knox, Bidwell, Lehmann); Family and Community Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wis (Simpson); TRIUMPH Program, UWSMPH, Milwaukee, Wis (Knox); Eastern Academic Campus, UWSMPH, Milwaukee, Wis (Bidwell).
Corresponding Author: Kjersti Knox, MD, Aurora Sinai Family Care Center, 945 N 12th St, 5th Floor, Milwaukee, WI 53233; phone 414.219.5219; email kjersti.knox@aah.org.
Acknowledgements: The authors acknowledge YWCA Southeast Wisconsin, Martha Barry, PhD, LG Shanklin-Flowers, PhD, and Melissa Lemke, MA, for their contributions.
Funding/Support: This work was supported with internal medical education funds.
Financial Disclosures: None declared.
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