Is equality and diversity training with roleplayers reinforcing negative racial stereotypes?

Mohammad Razai

doi:10.15694/mep.2016.000150

Abstract

This article was migrated. The article was not marked as recommended. Medical roleplayers are increasingly used, as a training tool, to simulate real life situations and encounters with patients. It is a growing trend to teach healthcare workers communications skills, cultural competency, equality and diversity training using this model. But are there any unintended consequences of using this method? Does it help in delivering sensitive, patient-centred care or reinforce negative racial and cultural stereotypes?

Highlights

Medical roleplayers are increasingly used, as a training tool, to simulate real life situations and encounters with patients
Most people would not wish to imitate them—and so, such prejudices would not have much effect—except in exceptional times. It is the prejudices of good people that are so dangerous.”
She is complaining of something she is too embarrassed to speak about; it is almost impossible to get any useful information from her in this consultation. At this point the instructor of the session stops me to explain that I am not trying hard enough to understand Manisha. He gets frustrated and eventually gives the game away: Manisha cannot go to temple for religious worship because of her heavy menstrual bleeding, perhaps she has other 'domestic issues', may be domestic violence and other 'cultural issues' that needs to be explored

Summary

Introduction

Medical roleplayers are increasingly used, as a training tool, to simulate real life situations and encounters with patients. It is the prejudices of good people that are so dangerous.” Vikram Seth. The patient is a role player called Manisha Choudhry.

Results

Conclusion