Exploring Awareness of Implicit Bias within New Zealand’s Chronic Pain Management Healthcare Workforce: is current regulation serving them best?
Authors List
Dr Lara Bowering, Indiana University Richard Fairbanks School of Public Health
Dr Martin Chadwick, Manatū Hauora - Ministry of Health New Zealand
Dr Sarah Archer, Indiana University Richard Fairbanks School of Public Health
Dr Valerie Yeager, Indiana University Richard Fairbanks School of Public Health
Aims
To explore the knowledge and beliefs about implicit bias in chronic pain management healthcare practitioners in New Zealand and analyse the current Regulatory Authority competence documents. Additionally, provide recommendations for Regulatory Authorities regarding messaging, training and competence framework implementation.
Methods
The research study was an exploratory mixed-methods approach. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with members of both public and private Chronic Pain Management Services across New Zealand from February 2025 to May 2025. Regulatory Authority documents were analysed independently between February 2025 to March 2025. Data was then combined and analysed.
Results
Several themes emerged from participant interviews regarding sources of perceived knowledge, associated emotions and actions and the perceived effects of implicit bias. A varied understanding of the concept exists within the cohort and few healthcare practitioners obtain their knowledge from their Regulatory Authority. An impression of lack of agency regarding change was observed in all interviews. Even though competence and code of ethics documents are extensive, they lack definition, measurement or suggested training options for their members regarding implicit bias.
Conclusion
Current levels of knowledge are being impacted by a lack of guidance and definition from Regulatory Authorities as well as overall support and access to relevant evidence-based training options. Simple changes within Regulatory Authority documentation, as well as cross-authority collaboration, could positively impact levels of implicit bias knowledge alongside training uptake. These easily implemented changes are needed to promote movement towards the healthcare service goal of patient-centred care.
Dr Lara Bowering, Indiana University Richard Fairbanks School of Public Health
Dr Martin Chadwick, Manatū Hauora - Ministry of Health New Zealand
Dr Sarah Archer, Indiana University Richard Fairbanks School of Public Health
Dr Valerie Yeager, Indiana University Richard Fairbanks School of Public Health
Aims
To explore the knowledge and beliefs about implicit bias in chronic pain management healthcare practitioners in New Zealand and analyse the current Regulatory Authority competence documents. Additionally, provide recommendations for Regulatory Authorities regarding messaging, training and competence framework implementation.
Methods
The research study was an exploratory mixed-methods approach. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with members of both public and private Chronic Pain Management Services across New Zealand from February 2025 to May 2025. Regulatory Authority documents were analysed independently between February 2025 to March 2025. Data was then combined and analysed.
Results
Several themes emerged from participant interviews regarding sources of perceived knowledge, associated emotions and actions and the perceived effects of implicit bias. A varied understanding of the concept exists within the cohort and few healthcare practitioners obtain their knowledge from their Regulatory Authority. An impression of lack of agency regarding change was observed in all interviews. Even though competence and code of ethics documents are extensive, they lack definition, measurement or suggested training options for their members regarding implicit bias.
Conclusion
Current levels of knowledge are being impacted by a lack of guidance and definition from Regulatory Authorities as well as overall support and access to relevant evidence-based training options. Simple changes within Regulatory Authority documentation, as well as cross-authority collaboration, could positively impact levels of implicit bias knowledge alongside training uptake. These easily implemented changes are needed to promote movement towards the healthcare service goal of patient-centred care.
