Three types of bias: blame, stereotype, doubt

When doctors and nurses pass patient information from one shift to another — an exchange known as a “handoff” — the specific words they use behind closed doors matter more than they might realize. A new study published in JAMA Network Open shows that when clinicians hear a patient described with negatively biased language, they develop less empathy towards the patient and, in some cases, become less accurate in recalling the patient’s critical health details. Such shifts in perception may be subtle and unintentional in many cases, but as these hidden biases stack up, they can influence the care patients ultimately receive. 

Sample Types of Stereotype Bias in Clinical Handoffs

1. Racial or Ethnic Stereotyping

Assuming behaviors, adherence, pain tolerance, or “difficulty” based on race or ethnicity.
Example: “He’s probably drug‑seeking—these patients usually are.”

2. Socioeconomic Stereotyping

Attributing health status or reliability to perceived poverty, housing instability, or education level.
Example: “She won’t follow up—people from that neighborhood never do.”

3. Age‑Based Stereotyping (Ageism)

Assuming frailty, confusion, or futility based solely on age.
Example: “He’s old and confused—don’t expect much cooperation.”

4. Weight‑Based Stereotyping (Anti‑Fat Bias)

Attributing symptoms or moral judgments to body size.
Example: “She’s obese, so she probably doesn’t take care of herself.”

5. Gender‑Based Stereotyping

Assuming emotionality, exaggeration, or unreliability based on gender.
Example: “She’s probably overreacting—women often do.”

6. Disability Stereotyping

Assuming incompetence, non‑participation, or low quality of life based on physical or cognitive disability.
Example: “He’s developmentally delayed—he won’t understand instructions anyway.”

7. Substance‑Use Stereotyping

Assuming dishonesty, manipulation, or non‑adherence based on a history of substance use.
Example: “He’s an addict—don’t trust what he says.”

8. Behavioral or Psychiatric Stereotyping

Attributing symptoms to personality or psychiatric labels rather than clinical assessment.
Example: “She’s borderline—expect drama.”

9. Cultural or Linguistic Stereotyping

Assuming non‑compliance or low health literacy based on accent, language proficiency, or cultural background.
Example: “They don’t understand how hospitals work.”

10. Family or Caregiver Stereotyping

Assuming “difficult,” “demanding,” or “non‑compliant” families based on cultural or demographic cues.
Example: “That family is going to be trouble—they always are.”