Assessing Perspectives on Systemic Racism in an Academic Hospital Medical Group: The ARCH Project

WMJ. 2021 Mar;120(S1):S66-S69.

Abstract

Background: Wisconsin residents experience significant racial inequities in health outcomes.

Objectives: The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Division of Hospital Medicine wanted to assess providers' perspectives on systemic racism and gauge their receptiveness to participating in anti-racism training, in conjunction with development and implementation of anti-racism curriculum.

Methods: Existing anti-racism curriculum was adapted to be delivered remotely. Division providers were asked to complete a 9-question survey at the beginning of the curriculum.

Results: At baseline, a majority of respondents believed that racial health disparities exist and should be discussed through employer-sponsored training. Respondents generally did not feel confident in their abilities to address racism.

Conclusions: Providers were supportive of anti-racism training in the workplace and feel it is congruent with the public health mission of hospital medicine physicians.

MeSH terms

  • Curriculum
  • Hospitals
  • Humans
  • Public Health
  • Racial Groups
  • Racism*