725 Experience of Implementing Diversity Teaching into University of Oxford. (12th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ali, S; Nanda, A; Turner, M; Swales, C
• Is Part Of: British journal of surgery. Volume 108:Supplement 6(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10-12
• Subjects: Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znab258.044
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1323

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Medical education should equip students with the necessary skills to support the diverse population they treat and work with and be confident to act as an ally for patients and colleagues. We found there to be a gap for a diversity module in the curriculum at Oxford University. Method: We created a diversity training session for over 300 medical students aiming to; Teach the impact of discrimination on health inequality. Empower them to act as an active bystander. The course consisted of a series of talks conducted by a senior lecturer on diversity, doctors, patients, and students, followed by small-group case-based teaching facilitated by a final-year medical student and a junior doctor. All facilitators underwent training by a senior lecturer on diversity. The cases encouraged students to reflect on their own personal biases and enact how they would confront discrimination on the wards. Students completed a survey before and after the session, rating self-confidence on six key learning points. Results: 91.4% students agreed the session was useful to their medical training. There was a significant increase in students who felt confident implementing all learning points: defining key terms (post-session: 95.4%, pre-session: 82.3%); understanding health inequalities (post-session: 93%, pre-session: 54.6%); awareness of personal bias (post-session: 87.9%, pre-session: 70%); partaking in allyship (post-session: 95%, pre-session: 89.5%); and being an active bystander (post-session: 91.4%, pre-session: 45.9%). 79.3% felt confident to challenge acts of discrimination (33.6% pre-session). Conclusions: This session educates and empowers students to challenge acts of discrimination. We recommend the implementation of similar sessions at all medical schools.