Addressing Microaggressions in Healthcare

Abstract

Microaggressions in the classroom and workplace have a long history. Their occurrences interfere with an engaging, inclusive, and respectful work environment. Utilizing a Trauma-Informed Care approach helps to address some of these issues. It acknowledges the possibility that people may have already experienced trauma and addresses the additional trauma from the microaggressions.

Microaggressions will specifically be addressed by: 1) Creating an ethical environment in the healthcare workplace 2) Expand upon a culture of civility and kindness 3) Treat students, faculty, and others with dignity and respect 4) Expand upon healthcare workplace and classroom efforts to identify and address microaggressions, bullying, and incivility

We will be expanding upon workplace efforts to address the perpetrator and the victim of microaggressions, bullying and incivility. Utilizing a trauma-informed care approach, we are identifying and intervening and thus preventing the person from re-experiencing the trauma or being re-traumatized. An example is preventing repeated experiences of microaggression resulting in ‘radical battle fatigue’ (JAMA Reference). Trust is a major issue that is destroyed through microaggressions. The trauma-informed care approach reestablishes trust in the educational environment. Leveraging increased awareness and understanding will help reduce the expressions of microaggression resulting in more effective interactions with faculty, students, and colleagues.

Addressing microaggressions is one step toward reestablishing a safe and trusting healthcare environment. The issues of Safety, Choice, Collaboration, Trustworthiness and Empowerment are all part of the Trauma-Informed Care approach.

The intent of this presentation is an introduction to the pre and post ‘diversity engagement’ survey we will be conducting for our healthcare academic environment, College of Health and Society.