Approaches to Promote Diversity and Inclusion in Healthcare

​Diversity and inclusion are key policies that promote full participation and fair treatment of all people in a facility, including workers and patients from underrepresented populations and those subject to prejudice. These practices address healthcare inequalities, improve patient outcomes, enhance caregivers’ productivity and job satisfaction, and increase employee retention rates. Several strategies can promote diversity and inclusion in healthcare environments.

One such approach is leveraging leadership to champion diversity and inclusion initiatives. Healthcare leaders should develop clear diversity and inclusion objectives for a facility, and negotiate for adequate resource allocation to ensure success. Leaders should also lead by example in implementing these initiatives by exhibiting behaviors and making decisions that advocate for diversity and inclusion.

In addition, education and training can promote diversity and inclusion. Healthcare systems and facilities should introduce periodic seminars and workshops to inform workers about diversity and inclusion, its benefits, and the role everyone plays in achieving these objectives. These resources can impart important information on cultural competence, unconscious bias and how to avoid it, and inclusive practices in care delivery.

Diverse recruitment and hiring practices are also critical to promoting inclusivity in health care. Facilities should hire a workforce with a fair representation of professionals from different backgrounds. This is achievable through the use of inclusive job descriptions, ensuring diversity within recruitment panels, and using standardized interview tests and questions to reduce bias.

Paul Generale

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