Implicit and Explicit Race and Weight Biases Among Physician Assistant Preceptors and Trainees

Abstract

Introduction: As new equity, diversity, and inclusion programs emerge in physician assistant/associate (PA) education, there is a need to assess baseline levels of implicit and explicit biases among PA preceptors’ and trainees. The objectives of this study were (1) to measure implicit and explicit race (Black/White) and weight (fat/thin) biases among PA preceptors and trainees and (2) to identify potential gaps in PA preceptor and trainee education.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of PA preceptors and trainees from one program operating in several US states; implicit and explicit race and antifat biases and receipt of prior education were measured.

Results: Preceptor response rate was 6.4% (N = 78) from an eligible population of 1222, and trainee response rate was 25.7% (n = 43) from an eligible population of 167. Sixty-eight preceptor participants (87.2%) and 23 trainees (53.5%) identified as White. Preceptors held strong (Cohen d = 0.81), and trainees held moderate (Cohen d = 0.43) pro-White implicit bias. Overall, preceptors and trainees held little and no explicit race bias (Cohen d = 0.18 and d = 0.0, respectively). Preceptors and trainees held strong implicit antifat bias (Cohen d = 1.24 and Cohen d = 0.76). Preceptors held moderate explicit antifat bias (Cohen d = 0.65); trainees held strong explicit antifat bias (Cohen d = 0.95). Trainees received significantly more education on working with diverse populations compared with preceptors (100% vs. 57.7%, P < 0.001) and working with patients who are overweight (74.4% vs. 41.0%, P < 0.001).

Discussion: Implicit race and antifat bias exists among our sample of PA preceptors and trainees. A gap in education for preceptors on working with diverse populations and patients who are overweight was identified. Future research should address both.

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