The Joint Commission (previously The Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Hospitals) has warned that intimidating and disruptive behaviors among health care professionals can cause medical errors, preventable adverse outcomes, and decreased patient satisfaction.  One source of these behaviors is patients.  Indeed, the frequency of belittling comments, inquiries into one’s racial/ ethnic origins, credentials and/or abilities – commonly referred to as microaggressions -  are unfortunately frequent experiences for medical students, residents and faculty per published reports across specialties.  The cumulative effect of these microaggressions has been shown to have multiple detrimental effects on learning, patient care, and well-being.  

Framed using Robert Livingston’s PRESS model this module prepares you to stand up and respond to microaggressions by understanding: 1)the Problem highlighting the frequency and consequences of microaggressions; 2) its Root causes including implicit bias and structural factors; 3) Shift from Empathy to taking action as an upstander; 4) by adopting a Strategy uses a microaggression mnemonic (GRIT); and 5) closes by acknowledging the potential Sacrifice (personal and professional risks of being an upstander) .  During the module, participants will judge the best upstander response to three common occurring microaggressions scenarios where the patient is the source and a learner the recipient using the GRIT mnemonic.

This course is available to Advocate Health Care providers (employed and independent) and caregivers only.