Experiential Communications Curriculum to Improve Resident Preparedness When Responding to Discriminatory Comments in the Workplace

ABSTRACT Background  Patients and families can make discriminatory comments leading to physician distress. Residents receive little training in appropriate responses to such comments and may be ill equipped to respond to intolerance without alienating the individual(s) making the comments. Objective  We assessed whether a simulated curriculum would enhance pediatrics residents' ability to effectively respond to discriminatory comments. Methods  In the 2016–2017 academic year, we modified an existing communication skills curriculum for senior pediatrics residents. Residents engaged a simulated parent who used discriminatory speech in 4 scenarios, followed by a group debriefing. We conducted anonymous surveys to assess residents' preparedness to respond to these comments before and immediately following participation and examined their experience with discriminatory comments in the workplace. Results  The majority of residents reported prior experience with discriminatory comments (32 of 45 [71%] witnessed ...