Key Question: How do we address the stigma and biases that are communicated every day on both a personal and a societal level, especially in the context of substance use in pregnancy and the child welfare system?
Description: Stigma and bias are rooted in societal norms and attitudes that frequently are communicated on a personal level. Recognizing that effective healthcare often relies on our personal relationship with our patients and clients, acknowledging and correcting stigma is an essential step in supporting the growth and health of not only those patients and clients but also ourselves. This session will examine the history of attitudes toward substance use, misuse, and abuse in the U.S., will examine societal norms that allow bias and stigma to become embedded in the healthcare system, and will discuss how caring clinicians can examine and correct their own behaviors and communication styles in ways that will promote positive outcomes for our patients and clients.
Learning objectives: At the completion of this session the participant will be able to:
Discuss how racism affects the delivery of healthcare.
Name three examples of stigmatizing language.
Examine their own communication style and correct any language that might be perceived negatively by the patient or client with a substance use disorder.