Recognising and Avoiding Discrimination
Discrimination can be direct, indirect, or show up in small day-to-day behaviours. Protected characteristics in UK law include age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. [1]
Clinical examples to notice
Assuming symptoms are "just age" without assessing is unfair and unsafe. Speaking only to a carer when a patient can communicate undermines the patient’s autonomy. Asking someone to remove religious dress without a clinical reason harms dignity. [3]
Signs that standards are slipping
- Using a different tone with some accents or languages. [6]
- Giving shorter or simpler explanations to certain groups. [6]
- Offering fewer options to people you think will spend less. [2]
- Interrupting some patients more than others. [6]
Practical ways to reduce risk
Use a consistent introduction and a standard list of options so everyone hears the same core information. [2]
Use interpreters for clinical decisions when needed. [4]
Ask early about preferred communication and any accessibility needs. [4] Offer privacy for examinations that may affect cultural or modesty expectations. [3]
Micro-behaviours and bias
Small slights add up. Repeatedly mispronouncing names or assuming gendered roles erodes trust. Invite correction and practise names. Use gender-neutral language unless a preference is given. [6]
Two quick checks
- A pre-consultation prompt covering accessibility and preferences. [4]
- A "buddy check" in dispensing for complex choices. [2]
Notes that discourage discrimination
Record what was offered and what was chosen, not stereotypes. If a rule could disadvantage a group, note the clear reason and the alternatives you considered. Keep any sensitive data minimal and relevant. [5]
Keep learning
Review complaints and compliments for themes about respect. Sample notes to see if the level of detail is similar across patients. Share what you find and adjust scripts, signage and training so the environment supports the behaviour you want. [7]
References (numbered in text)
- Equality Act 2010, UK Government (2010) Find (opens in a new tab)
- 13. Show respect for fairness to others and do not discriminate — Standards of practice for optometrists and dispensing opticians, General Optical Council (effective from 1 January 2025) Find (opens in a new tab)
- Decision making and consent, General Medical Council (came into effect 9 November 2020) Find (opens in a new tab)
- Accessible Information Standard, NHS England (30 June 2025) Find (opens in a new tab)
- Good medical practice 2024, General Medical Council (came into effect 30 January 2024) Find (opens in a new tab)
- Promise Firi; Kwaku Baryeh. Racial microaggressions within the UK Healthcare System: a narrative review. JRSM Open (2024) Find (opens in a new tab)
- NHS Workforce Race Equality Standard (WRES) 2023 data analysis report for NHS trusts, NHS England (18 March 2024) Find (opens in a new tab)
References are included to demonstrate that all the content in this course is rigorously evidence-based, and has been prepared using trusted and authoritative sources.
They also serve as starting points for further reading and deeper exploration at your own pace.
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