ASBHDS Session 3 - Equality and Diversity

Question 1

Define stereotype.

Answer 1

Stereotype: generalisations we make about specific social groups. They are broadly correct but can be erroneous.

Question 2

Explain negative bias and how it leads to prejudice.

Answer 2

People are more likely to focus on the positive attributes of their own social groups and the negative attributes of other social groups.

Question 3

Define discrimination.

Answer 3

Discrimination: Behaving differently with people from different groups.

Question 4

Define prejudice.

Answer 4

Prejudice: pre-judgement often based on negative stereotypes

Question 5

Stereotypes, discrimination and prejudice are interlinked. Mention the different components involved.

Answer 5

• Stereotypes: cognitive component
• Prejudice: evaluative & affective component
• Discrimination: behavioural component

Question 6

Which three factors could increase one’s dependence on stereotypes?

Answer 6

• Time pressure
• Fatigue
• Information overload

Question 7

How do we combat stereotypes?

Answer 7

• Reflective practice

- Getting to know members of other social groups

Question 8

What is sexual orientation?

Answer 8

Sexual orientation: the term used to describe what gender you’re attracted to. It may be life-long or vary over a lifetime. It can change but cannot be changed.

Question 9

What do the abbreviations MSM and WSW stand for?

Answer 9

• MSM: Men who have sex with men

- WSW: Women who have sex with women

Question 10

Outline the gender binary model.

Answer 10

• There are two separate categories: male and female.
• These categories are clearly distinguished by anatomy.
• Men should look and act masculine.
• Women should look and act feminine.

Question 11

Define gender identity.

Answer 11

Gender identity: someone’s internal perception and experience of their gender.

Question 12

Define gender role/expression.

Answer 12

Gender role/expression: the way the person lives in society and interacts with others.

Question 13

Define transgender.

Answer 13

Transgender: an umbrella term for those whose gender identity and/or gender expression differs from their birth sex. This includes transsexuals, transvestites, cross dressers, genderqueer.

Question 14

Who is a transsexual person?

Answer 14

• Someone who feels a consistent and overwhelming desire to transition and fulfil their life as a member of the opposite sex. - Some transsexual people undergo ‘gender reassignment’ under medical supervision.
• However, not all trans people are transsexual. Many people do not conform to gender norms and do not wish to surgically alter their bodies to ‘fit’ either gender category.

Question 15

LGBT people experience poorer health. The problems with LGBT people aren’t regarding their own identity but rather due to which two factors?

Answer 15

• Discrimination

- Margninalisation

Question 16

How does discrimination lead to poorer health?

Answer 16

• Increased stress
• Low self esteem
• Isolation
• Increased conflict
• Subculture
• Distrust of authorities
• Discriminatory healthcare

Question 17

Identify some examples of situations where LGBT people receive discrimination in healthcare.

Answer 17

• Innapropriate questions and comments
• Prejudice
• Not respecting confidentiality
• Some lesbians being refused smears
• GP’s reluctant to help trans people seeking help with their trans orientation.

Question 18

Which 6 actions enable us to be a good doctor to LGBT people?

Answer 18

• Validate the patient’s identity
• Do not pathologise or moralise the patient’s identity
• Respect confidentiality
• Respect patient’s lifestyle and identity
• Be knowledgeable
• Be able to distinguish between the patient’s problems and their identity.

Question 19

Why is diversity important in healthcare?

Answer 19

• There is increasing diversity of populations
• There are huge disparities in care accessed
• There are disparities beyond the point of access
• Evidence that taking a patient-centred approach improves outcomes

Question 20

What is culture?

Answer 20

• Culture is defined by each person in relationship to the group or groups with whole he or she identifies.
• An individual’s cultural identity may be based on heritage as well as individual circumstances and personal choice.
• Cultural identity may be affected by race, ethnicity, age, language, country of origin, acculturation, sexual orientation, gender, socioeconomic status, religious/spiritual beliefs, physical abilities and occupation

Question 21

Outline the problems which may arise from cultural diversity in healthcare?

Answer 21

• Lack of familiarity with concepts
• Self-protection/denial
• Fear of the unknown of the new
• Feeling of pressure due to time constraints

Question 22

Which compounds problems could arise from cultural diversity in healthcare?

Answer 22

• Poor patient-provider relationships
• Miscommunication
• Non-compliance and not understanding patient perspective
• Rejection of the healthcare provider
• Issues with staff groups