# An exploratory study of addressing bias for child abuse teams: the role of narrative medicine

## TL;DR

This study explores how narrative medicine workshops help child abuse teams address bias and improve communication through art and reflection.

## Contribution

The study introduces narrative medicine as a novel method for bias mitigation in child abuse evaluations.

## Key findings

- Workshops fostered compassion, team effectiveness, and confidence in participants.
- Participants felt more comfortable discussing privilege and bias after the workshops.
- Art and creativity offer insights into racism and social advocacy in clinical settings.

## Abstract

Art and humanities-based approaches have been incorporated in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) training and anti-bias curriculum to address structural racism and personal biases via reflection. Research has shown that the use of visual art or texts via narrative medicine workshops results in improved communication with patients and colleagues and increased commitment to interrupting bias.

Using members of a hospital-based Child Abuse Bias Mitigating Task Force, this study tests the hypothesis that narrative medicine workshops provide a space where conversations of race and bias in the context of child abuse evaluations can take place.

Workshops participants noted the unique group experience that, through sharing and communal support, helped build compassion, function more effectively as a team, and even find confidence in their own voice. Intertwined with the ability to connect with and support each other as a team was the common thread of understanding differences in perspectives and personal histories. Most participants agree that the workshops increased their ease in having conversations about privilege and bias in clinical assessment.

We conclude that the use of art and creativity allows for personal and structural insights on racism and social advocacy with significant promise for reducing bias in child abuse evaluations.