The Tea House Series: Striving Together to be Antiracist.

Abstract

Though awareness of health care structures that are racist and oppressive is increasing among health care professionals, there is a gap in continuing education curricula focused on antiracist anti-oppressive practices, and limited faculty and staff development to guide individuals towards action. To develop, implement, and evaluate a novel antiracist faculty and staff development program called the Tea House Series. A five-part continuing education series with an accompanying online community for faculty and staff at the divisions of Hospital Medicine in one institution in the western United States. The four foundational pillars integral to the Tea House Series were as follows: educational framework based on the pedagogy of Paulo Freire, local disparities data, welcoming space to establish a community of practice and accountability. Each session contained participant dialogue in small group activities. Qualitative analysis of participant survey responses demonstrated transformation towards a hope to act with a sense of community. Quantitative analysis measured increased confidence for the program learning objectives. The Tea House Series may be used as a model for continuing education to provide the tools and the community to confront systems of racism and oppression in any institution.