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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

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

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