Sinai Health Bioethics Grand Rounds | Virtual
Health-care workers are increasingly exposed to acts of violence, harassment and bigotry from patients, their family members and visitors.
Topic
Navigating Patient Bias in Healthcare Settings: Insights from Ontario’s Regulatory Colleges
Speaker
Akosua Nwafor, MHSc (Bioethics) | Ontario Shores Centre for the Mental Health Sciences
Abstract
Health-care workers are increasingly exposed to acts of violence, harassment and bigotry from patients, their family members and visitors. Institutional efforts to mitigate harm often include policies, guidelines or frameworks outlining the responsibilities of all involved parties (e.g., institution vs. health-care worker). However, health-care institutions are not the only source of guidance available to health-care workers when navigating challenging practice situations; regulatory colleges also have a role to play in supporting their registrants. This presentation contextualizes the academic literature on the topic and explores the available guidance from 11 of Ontario’s regulatory colleges. The talk will situate the colleges’ commitment to anti-racism, equity, diversity and inclusion, as well as their acknowledgement of discrimination from patients.
Learning objectives
- Understand if/how 11 of Ontario’s regulatory college’s have committed to anti-racism, and equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Understand the available guidance provided by Ontario’s regulatory colleges on navigating patient bias.
Bio
Akosua Nwafor (she/her) is a Bioethicist at Ontario Shores Centre for the Mental Health Sciences. She holds a Master of Health Science in Bioethics from the University of Toronto and an Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Ottawa. Her previous work with the University Health Network included quality improvement, research and program development initiatives. Akosua is passionate about racial justice and decision-making in clinical research.