Implicit Biases, Interprofessional Communication, and Power Dynamics | PSNet

Implicit Biases, Interprofessional Communication, and Power Dynamics | PSNet

Spotlight Case

Implicit Biases, Interprofessional Communication and Power Dynamics

Summary: A patient with progressive mixed respiratory failure was admitted to the step-down unit for Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) support, despite the physician team’s request to send the patient to the intensive care unit (ICU). Rescue BiPAP therapy was unsuccessful and the patient required emergent transfer to the ICU, with intubation and mechanical ventilation, due to progressing respiratory failure. Subsequent cardiac arrest required several rounds of resuscitation.

The associated commentary discusses issues of power dynamics, hierarchies, and implicit bias as young female physicians interact with experienced male nurses and managers, explores how these issues affect care teams and patient outcomes, and identifies strategies to mitigate implicit bias and promote effective team communication