Subconscious race, gender bias toward providers may impact the body’s response to treatments, study finds

Published this week, the blinded investigation looked to expand upon the well-studied placebo effect, where the body reacts to inert treatment based on the mind’s belief of potential benefit, and how the social context of healthcare delivery can impact patient outcomes.

Researchers found that 187 white patients had different physiological responses to a placebo relief cream given shortly after an allergy skin prick test based on whether their provider was a man or woman, or was Asian, Black or white.

Specifically, the patients of female providers...