Theater for Healthcare Equity; A Model for Inclusion and Anti-Bias Training in Academic Medicine.

ABSTRACT

There are no standardized methods for training medical personnel in antiracist action, such as how to be an upstander or how to use micro-resistance. Roleplay and drama-based pedagogy can empower and educate healthcare professionals by providing experiential training and a safe space for antiracist practice and discussion. The Theater for Healthcare Equity (THE) is an innovative methodology that explores upstander techniques in real time with facilitated instruction. We implemented eight THE sessions at our institution and assessed participant responses via a voluntary survey. Forty-one participants completed a REDCap survey, and 32 participants completed the Continuing Medical Education survey. Participants appreciated the creation of safe spaces, the practice format, and the learning experience, which provided an honest and open environment for the sharing of experiences, addressing race-based bias, and practicing responses to real-life scenarios. Constructive feedback included changes to session duration, participant discomfort with improvisation, and lack of printed tools.