This dissertation is accessible only to the Illinois State University community.
- Off-Campus ISU Users: To download this item, click the "Off-Campus Download" button below. You will be prompted to log in with your ISU ULID and password.
- Non-ISU Users: Contact your library to request this item through interlibrary loan.
Graduation Term
Fall 2025
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Mennonite College of Nursing
Committee Chair
Mary Dyck
Committee Co-Chair
John Blakeman
Committee Member
Olcay Akman
Committee Member
Teresa Gulley
Committee Member
Denise Hammer
Committee Member
Doris Houston
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of implicit bias training that focuses on perinatal nurses’ implicit bias. A literature review was conducted to explore and describe the intervention research related to implicit bias training that has been used in nursing and is included in Chapter 1. The literature review supports that evidence is needed on implicit bias training, including long-term effectiveness and impact on patient outcomes. Chapter 2 includes a quasi-experimental, pretest and posttest design with repeated measures study, which was completed at six perinatal care sites, including one outpatient prenatal clinic and five inpatient perinatal units. Perinatal registered nurses who serve pregnant people, including antepartum, labor and delivery, and postpartum care, were invited to participate. Nurses were given a pretest survey utilizing the Bias in Maternal Health Care Scale. Then nurses completed Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Maternal Health Care training. After the intervention, a posttest and a one-month posttest Bias in Maternal Health Care Scale and a post-intervention survey were completed. Results reported that implicit bias training had a significant impact on bias mitigation practices immediately and 1 month after intervention, but not on bias awareness or bias mitigation self-efficacy. Across time, high performers scored higher on the Bias Maternal Health Care scale than low performers, and both groups improved over time. Overall, participants' perception of implicit bias training was positive and promoted self-reflection. In Chapter 3, a policy review was completed to analyze the policy of mandating implicit bias training to address implicit bias among perinatal nurses. The analysis determined that there was insufficient evidence to mandate implicit bias training to reduce provider implicit bias or improve maternal health outcomes.
Access Type
Dissertation-ISU Access Only
Recommended Citation
Killam, Beth, "Enhancing Perinatal Nursing Care: The Impact of Implicit Bias Training on Mitigating Racial Bias" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 2243.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/etd/2243