listening change project adressing disease in mediacl sciences

ila project

1. Addressing biases in medical science :laughing our way into a more unbiased medical future Listening change project By shresthaa Atreya Pre final MBBS student (India)

2. Purpose of the presentation To demonstrate how- H umor and art can be effective tools in addressing challenging and complex biases in medical science They can serve as powerful instruments to deal with biases, a thought provoking approach to raise awareness and promote critical thinking Collaboration between artists and medical professionals can lead to innovative solutions. Elaborate what exactly I want to work on, and issues I hope to address with this project

3. Humor :A Catalyst for Positive Change There are psychological benefits of humor, such as reducing stress and fostering connection, a little bit of which all of us could use. Comic strips as a visual storytelling medium has always been popular, from S tan lee putting the human in super human and vise versa, the underlying philosophical themes of Calvin and Hobbes to Naruto , teaching us invaluable life lessons crossing all language barriers . It conveys messages concisely and effectively and can disarm preconceived notions and defensiveness.

4. What is bias in medical science ? Bias in medical science refers to the systematic distortion of research findings or clinical decisions due to factors that systematically deviate from the truth. These factors can introduce inaccuracies, leading to skewed conclusions, inappropriate treatment choices, and unequal outcomes. Addressing bias in medical science is crucial to ensure equitable healthcare and accurate medical knowledge. Efforts to reduce bias include Transparent reporting Diverse participant recruitment R igorous study design Fostering an awareness of potential biases among researchers and healthcare professionals.

5. Few examples of biases in medical science Gender Bias in Cardiac Care Racial Bias in Pain Assessment Age Bias in Cancer Treatment Confirmation Bias in Diagnosis Socioeconomic Bias in Access to Care Anchoring Bias in Clinical Decision-Making Survivorship Bias in Clinical Trials Recall Bias in Retrospective Studies Selection Bias in Vaccine Trials Sponsorship Bias in Pharmaceutical Research Publication Bias in Alternative Medicine Studies Stereotype Bias in Mental Health Diagnosis Attribution Bias in Nurse-Patient Communication Availability Bias in Rare Disease Diagnosis Sampling Bias in Genetic Studies Observer Bias in Imaging Interpretation Implicit Bias in Pediatric Care Halo Effect in Physician-Patient Interactions Blind Spot Bias in Medical Education Cognitive Bias in Electronic Health Record Documentation

6. Few elaborated examples- Gender Bias in Heart Disease Diagnosis: Historically, heart disease was often seen as a "male" issue. This led to under diagnosis and under treatment of women with heart disease. For instance, women's heart attack symptoms were not as well recognized, resulting in delays in treatment. Racial Bias in Pain Assessment: Studies have shown that racial biases can affect how medical professionals assess and treat pain. Black patients' pain is sometimes underestimated compared to white patients', leading to inadequate pain management. Publication Bias in Clinical Trials: If pharmaceutical companies selectively publish trials that show positive results for their drugs, it can lead to an inflated perception of their effectiveness and potential side effects being overlooked. Observer Bias in Clinical Trials: In studies where both researchers and patients know who is receiving the treatment (open-label trials), researchers might unconsciously interpret outcomes more favorably for the treatment group.

7. Effect of biases :hidden in plain sight and affecting all of us Inaccurate Treatment Decisions: Bias can lead to the adoption of treatments that are less effective or inappropriate for a given patient or condition. Health Disparities: Bias can contribute to unequal healthcare outcomes, particularly in marginalized communities. If certain groups are underrepresented or not well understood, treatments might not be tailored to their needs. Delayed Progress: Biased research can hinder the advancement of medical knowledge, preventing the discovery of more effective treatments. Wasted Resources: Research influenced by bias can lead to the allocation of resources to ineffective treatments, wasting time and money. Ethical Concerns: Biased research can potentially harm patients who are exposed to ineffective or harmful treatments based on skewed findings.

8. “ If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change ” John Oliver -"Last Week Tonight with John Oliver." With a sharp wit and insightful commentary, tackles complex issues, from politics to social justice, in a humorous and engaging manner. Satirical Cartoons in the Abolition Movement: _18th and 19th centuries, satirical cartoons were used to critique and ridicule the institution of slavery. Cartoonists like George Cruikshank created powerful images that portrayed the absurdity and inhumanity of slavery, helping to shift public opinion in favor of abolition. Charlie Chaplin's "The Great Dictator" (1940): In this satirical comedy film, Charlie Chaplin portrayed both a dictator and a Jewish barber. The film used humor to criticize Hitler and the Nazi regime, while also advocating for unity, freedom, and human dignity during World War II.

9. Avengers: Assemble importance of alliance, a tailored strategy Here are some key complexities: Multiplicity of Identities Unique Experiences Marginalization Amplification: compounded biases. Invisibility and Erasure Complex Power Dynamics: varying levels of privilege and disadvantage Cultural Context Limited Research Overlapping Stereotypes Microaggressions Intersectional biases refer to the overlapping of different social identities, such as race, gender, sexuality, class, and more, leading to unique forms of discrimination and bias. The complexities of intersectional biases are multifaceted and can be challenging to address.

10. Continued..how to be an ally: in this together To address intersectional biases, it's essential to embrace an inclusive approach that considers the unique challenges faced by individuals with multiple intersecting identities. This involves, creating safe spaces, promoting diversity and representation and continuously educating ourselves about the complexities of biases that arise from the intersections of different identities . Understanding the experiences of those facing multiple biases is crucial in being an effective ally.

11. Project overview Step 1:Project Initiation: getting together a multidisciplinary team Step 2: Research and Understanding Step 3: Comedy Content Development Step 4: Collaboration and Content Creation Step 5: Review and Feedback S tep 6: Pilot Testing Step 8: Dissemination and Outreach Step 9: Monitoring and Evaluation Step 10: Iteration and Continuous Improvement

12. With great power comes great responsibility: what to keep in mind while using a powerful tool Sensitivity and Offense : not to inadvertently offend or perpetuate stereotypes by crafting it mindfully Avoiding Misinterpretation Not to Undermining Seriousness of these biases To always be Culturally appropriate, resonant and inclusive . Professionalism: should be in tune with the medical ethics and standards Overemphasis on Humor: Relying solely on humor might overlook the need for more in-depth education and training to address biases effectively. Overcoming these challenges requires careful planning, collaboration with diverse stakeholders, a deep understanding of the target audience, and a willingness to adapt and refine content based on feedback. Humor can be a powerful tool, but it should be used thoughtfully and responsibly when addressing serious topics like medical biases.

13. Summary : Humor, when wielded thoughtfully and responsibly, offers a unique way to navigate the complexities of bias and brings some uncomfortable truths into conversations. It serves as a catalyst for, dismantling preconceived notions and promotes open dialogue among healthcare professionals, researchers, and patients. Through collaboration, empathy, and a commitment to inclusivity, we can reshape the landscape of medical sciences, fostering an environment that promotes equitable treatment, breaks down barriers, and usher into a new era of understanding.