Effective Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Practices
Prior to beginning work on this discussion forum, read or watch the following:
Effective Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Practices
Diversity Improves Performance and Outcomes
Culturally Adapting an Advance Care Planning Communication Intervention With American Indian and Alaska Native People in Primary Care
Watch the following two videos:
Why Is Healthcare Workforce Diversity Important? (Links to an external site.)
Inclusion is a Culture of Value and Belonging (Links to an external site.)
Take on the role of manager of a Federally Qualified Health Center (Links to an external site.) that provides primary care services to a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual urban community. Many of the patients live below the poverty line. Health care providers in your center see a high volume of patients with challenging medical and psychosocial issues. Because of the high volume of patients, acutely ill patients often wait for two to three days to see a health care provider. Many patients walk in without appointments.
On the other hand, about 35% of patients fail to show up for appointments on a given day. As you investigate the problem, it is becoming increasingly clear to you that the better-insured and English-speaking patients may receive better access. They are more likely to get a timely appointment, keep the appointment, and show up for their appointments because of better communication. You are interested in promoting more equitable access to health care. You understand the importance of providing patient-centered care that is culturally sensitive and a diverse clinic environment to make patients feel more welcome.
Sample Solution
Canada’s demographics, as well as the workplace, are changing. Race, ethnicity, religion/faith, immigration status, gender, sexual identity and orientation, handicap, income, educational background, socioeconomic level, and literacy are all factors that influence population change. While this rich diversity might provide obstacles for patient experiences and outcomes, it can also present opportunity for good change. In order to achieve successful transformation, initiatives should focus on “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” (DEI) rather than “diversity” alone, as well as establishing inclusive team cultures for positive employee experiences/engagement. The link between provider work environments, patient outcomes, and organizational performance is becoming increasingly clear.
