Article type
Abstract
Background
"Racial bias is a distortion arising from systemic, institutional, interpersonal or individual forms of explicit (conscious) or implicit (unconscious) prejudice against individuals or groups based on social constructs of race or ethnicity" (Naicker & Nunan, 2023).
When drawing conclusions from evidence to make recommendations for policy and practice, guideline developers need to consider the potential underrepresentation or misrepresentation of minoritized ethnic populations in research that may affect generalizability. Racial bias in research impacts a study’s relevancy, validity, and reliability. Therefore, in the past few years, there has been an increase in the number of medical and social journals providing guidance and recommendations on the reporting of race and ethnicity. Without systematic processes, the specific needs of minoritized ethnic groups may be overlooked because researchers may not have considered them adequately during the recruitment, data collection, analysis, and interpretation of healthcare research.
Objective
To familiarize researchers with a selection of tools and checklists to aid them during critical appraisal to identify and address potential racial bias in healthcare research.
Methods
Healthcare Improvement Scotland undertook a review of antiracism critical appraisal tools and checklists. In addition, it provided antiracism in critical appraisal and inclusive language training for its Research and Information Service and Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network teams, developed an inclusive language guide, and mainstreamed antiracist approaches into its research governance policy.
Results
We are updating our standard operating processes so researchers and editors can incorporate these tools and approaches into routine practice to identify and address racial bias and racialized health inequalities.
Conclusions
Historically, few have been taught how to critically appraise the use of race and racial categories in healthcare research. Therefore, to proactively mitigate the potential for racial bias, researchers should routinely incorporate antiracism critical appraisal tools into their work.
Reference
Naicker R, Nunan D. Catalogue of bias: racial bias. BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine. 2023 Aug 24.
There was no involvement by the public or consumers in preparing this abstract.
"Racial bias is a distortion arising from systemic, institutional, interpersonal or individual forms of explicit (conscious) or implicit (unconscious) prejudice against individuals or groups based on social constructs of race or ethnicity" (Naicker & Nunan, 2023).
When drawing conclusions from evidence to make recommendations for policy and practice, guideline developers need to consider the potential underrepresentation or misrepresentation of minoritized ethnic populations in research that may affect generalizability. Racial bias in research impacts a study’s relevancy, validity, and reliability. Therefore, in the past few years, there has been an increase in the number of medical and social journals providing guidance and recommendations on the reporting of race and ethnicity. Without systematic processes, the specific needs of minoritized ethnic groups may be overlooked because researchers may not have considered them adequately during the recruitment, data collection, analysis, and interpretation of healthcare research.
Objective
To familiarize researchers with a selection of tools and checklists to aid them during critical appraisal to identify and address potential racial bias in healthcare research.
Methods
Healthcare Improvement Scotland undertook a review of antiracism critical appraisal tools and checklists. In addition, it provided antiracism in critical appraisal and inclusive language training for its Research and Information Service and Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network teams, developed an inclusive language guide, and mainstreamed antiracist approaches into its research governance policy.
Results
We are updating our standard operating processes so researchers and editors can incorporate these tools and approaches into routine practice to identify and address racial bias and racialized health inequalities.
Conclusions
Historically, few have been taught how to critically appraise the use of race and racial categories in healthcare research. Therefore, to proactively mitigate the potential for racial bias, researchers should routinely incorporate antiracism critical appraisal tools into their work.
Reference
Naicker R, Nunan D. Catalogue of bias: racial bias. BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine. 2023 Aug 24.
There was no involvement by the public or consumers in preparing this abstract.