DEVELOPMENT OF A BIAS-MANAGEMENT MODEL IN THE WORK OF REHABILITATION SPECIALISTS

Abstract

Identifying and understanding biases that arise in the professional activities of healthcare workers is a key prerequisite for providing timely, tailored, and personalized rehabilitation care. Such care relies on close interaction with the patient, the establishment of trusting relationships, and an impartial attitude toward the individual. The article is devoted to developing a model for managing biases in the work of rehabilitation specialists based on the study of types of implicit biases in the practice of physical therapists and occupational therapists, as well as the synthesis of international experience. For physical and occupational therapy specialists, it is particularly important to maintain a positive attitude toward every patient, avoiding excessive criticism or evaluative judgments. This approach requires creating a professional environment in which biases are not only recognized but also systematically minimized through effective strategies of self-reflection and the development of cultural competence. Based on an analysis of scientific literature, the main types of biases that rehabilitation specialists may encounter have been identified. These include biases related to age, body weight, socioeconomic status, racial or ethnic identity, disability, mental health, appearance, and place of residence. All these factors can significantly influence the quality of professional interaction between a specialist and a patient, and therefore affect the effectiveness of the rehabilitation process. In view of international practices, the possibility of using the Implicit Association Test (IAT) by Ukrainian rehabilitation professionals to diagnose potential implicit biases regarding individuals with overweight, disabilities, or of a particular gender is examined. The obtained results serve as a basis for developing individual strategies to improve professional awareness and ethical competence. Based on the conducted research, a model for managing biases in the work of rehabilitation specialists has been developed. It is grounded in understanding the prerequisites and factors that shape biases and enables the identification of their types. Implementing the recommended measures and actively involving patients in decision-making regarding therapy planning will contribute to reducing instances of biased attitudes. A set of measures aimed at overcoming implicit biases is proposed. These include increasing professionals’ awareness of the various types of biases, analyzing typical professional situations in which biased attitudes may arise, and identifying the need for developing skills in unbiased communication with patients.