Provider Bias

Tips and Techniques

Knowledge alone does not change behaviour. People make

choices based on internal and external factors.

The way we present information, helps caregivers understand

that information, and the way we convey this information can
influence how caregivers weigh perceived threats, perceived
barriers, and benefits.

Humans make decisions based on facts, emotions and

perceptions. We are almost inevitably influenced by various
cognitive biases. Our communication needs to use emotions
as well as facts, to generate the momentum needed to move
people into action and change behaviours.

Explicit Bias Implicit Bias

•An explicit (or conscious) bias is when
the person is very clear about their
feelings and attitudes, and related
behaviours are conducted with intent.
•Explicit bias is processed
neurologically at a conscious level as a
memory and in words.
•An implicit (or unconscious) bias is
an attitude or stereotype we hold
without being fully aware of it.
•Implicit bias operates outside of the
person’s awareness and can be in
direct contradiction to a person’s
espoused beliefs and values.
•Implicit bias can interfere with
clinical assessment, decision-making,
and provider-patient relationships.