This systematic review looked at how unconscious bias influences the work of pharmacists and how to address it. The study analyzed a growing body of evidence regarding strategies such as structured self-reflection, perspective-taking, mindfulness, and inclusive environments designed to improve equitable care.
The review found that implicit bias is a real factor in pharmacy practice. It often shows up as disparities in how pharmacists communicate with patients, assess their needs, and make clinical decisions. Despite these challenges, the evidence suggests that biases are malleable, meaning they can be changed through intentional interventions and robust training programs.
Safety concerns were not reported in this review because it focused on practice patterns rather than drug safety. The main reason to be careful is that current research is limited by small-scale designs and a lack of specific measurement tools for pharmacy settings. Readers should take away that while reducing bias is crucial for high-quality care, more research is needed to understand the long-term effects on patient outcomes.