Broaching Race and Racism in Debriefing and Team Simulations

The Center for Medical Simulation

Most of us in the simulation community have a lot to learn about making a difference regarding racism, how to integrate anti-racism, implicit bias, healthcare disparities and the like, into our work.  In the wake of the police killings of George Floyd, Breanna Taylor, and many others, the simulation community needs to take action. What can we do? We are experts on practice, learning, and creating environments where real patients are not harmed if we make mistakes. However, the social risks of simulation for the participants are high when we try to tackle one of the ultimate undiscussables, racism. Colleagues of color may worry that if they bring race up, responses will be predictably or surprisingly upsetting and re-traumatizing. White colleagues may worry that if they bring up race they will say something racist or be perceived as racist and thereby harm relationships. This workshop takes some small steps to explore how simulationists can use our skills of reflection, learning design, and balancing high standards and high regard for each other to craft a way forward. High standards for caring and respect across racial differences and high regard and generous inferences when we inevitably make mistakes in this difficult terrain. In this session, we discussed practical applications with leading researchers on broaching racism in teamwork contexts and meet simulationists addressing these issues. Learn more at www.harvardmedsim.org.