Implicit Bias in Chiropractic Practice

Course overview

Define implicit bias, explicit bias, stereotypes, and microaggressions, and explain how these concepts apply to chiropractic clinical encounters. Describe the neuroscience of automatic thinking and identify common cognitive biases including anchoring, confirmation, and affinity bias that affect clinical reasoning. Recognize how implicit bias manifests across key patient demographics, including race and ethnicity, gender identity, age, body weight, and socioeconomic status. Explain how implicit bias distorts pain assessment and apply standardized, evidence-based strategies to reduce its influence on clinical decision-making. Apply practical bias reduction strategies including mindfulness, structured clinical decision-making, and cultural humility grounded in bioethical principles and a commitment to equitable patient care.