Can a simple question curb doctor bias? new study tests individuation in rheumatology

NCT ID NCT05116163

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This completed pilot study tested whether training doctors to ask personalized questions (individuation) could improve care for Black and lower-income patients with rheumatic diseases like lupus and arthritis. Over 200 patients and their rheumatologists took part. The goal was to see if this approach boosts quality of care, trust, and satisfaction.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Individuation intervention (behavioral training for providers)

What this could lead to

If successful, this approach could help reduce healthcare disparities by improving how doctors communicate with and treat patients from marginalized groups.

What could go wrong

This is a small pilot study with no long-term follow-up, so results may not apply broadly. The intervention relies on provider behavior change, which can be hard to sustain.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

arthritic joint disease Bias, Implicit osteoarthritis rheumatoid arthritis systemic lupus erythematosus

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Brigham and Women's Hospital

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States

  • Massachusetts General Hospital

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States