A simulated microaggression session for pre-registration nursing students

Microaggression, a subtle for m of discrimination, involves behaviours and comments that convey derogatory messages or insults based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion or other social identities (Friedlaender, 2023). Despite often being unintentional or unconscious, these acts contribute to a hostile or discriminatory atmosphere, and can cumulatively impact individuals' wellbeing and sense of belonging. Microaggression put simply is the use of:

‘everyday verbal, non-verbal and environmental … snubs, insults … intentional or unintentional, which communicate hostile … or negative messages to target persons based on marginalised group membership.’

The impacts of microaggressions on both patients and healthcare staff are profound and far-reaching. Research highlights that microaggressions from health professionals can lead to poorer health outcomes for patients (Ehie et al, 2021), and healthcare workers who experience microaggressions also suffer negative effects (Carter and McMillian-Bohler, 2021; Ehie et al, 2021; Pusey-Reid and Blackman-Richards, 2022). In particular, Black students have reported experiencing microaggressions from peers, educational institutions and within clinical practice, further exacerbating the challenges they face (Pusey-Reid et al, 2022). Higher education institutions, especially in healthcare, are seen as lagging behind in providing adequate training to address microaggressions (Pusey-Reid and Blackman-Richards, 2022). Given the diverse workforce of the NHS and the increasing number of complaints and concerns related to racism and bullying from students on placement, the development of a targeted microaggression training session for students was considered timely and essential.